Yale University
East Asian Religions & Ecology
Yale University

East Asian Religions & Ecology

Taught in English

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

Mary Evelyn Tucker
John Grim

Instructors: Mary Evelyn Tucker

4.9

(12 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

22 hours to complete
3 weeks at 7 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Assessments

8 quizzes

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There are 10 modules in this course

What's included

4 videos7 readings1 discussion prompt1 plugin

This module explores historical and contemporary ecological challenges in China arising from industrialization and modernization. Because of these environmental pressures, various sectors of Chinese society, including the government, are promoting the concept of “ecological civilization”, which we highlight here. We then explore the intersections of religion and ecology and its promises for East Asia.

What's included

5 videos11 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

We encounter key ideas of Confucianism regarding the interconnection of self, society, education, politics, nature, and the cosmos. We focus on the Analects of Confucius and other significant Confucian texts to explore their ecological dimensions.

What's included

7 videos16 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt1 plugin

After a period of suppression during the Cultural Revolution, Confucianism has revived in China and has important cultural and spiritual influences today. This is seen by many Chinese as valuable for grounding humans in communitarian social and ecological ethics for the common good. We conclude this module with an exploration of selected Confucian perspectives on food, animals, and biodiversity.

What's included

3 videos13 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt1 plugin

Daoism is a tradition with a rich sensibility regarding nature and the mutuality of human-Earth relations. We explore the ecological significance of the term Dao, or Way, as well as the idea of detachment and effortless action (wu-wei). We then reflect on Daoist practices that cultivate the inner landscape of the human in relation to the outer landscape of the natural world.

What's included

5 videos10 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt1 plugin

We explore environmental ideas and practices embedded in schools of Daoism historically and at present. We examine the cultivation of esoteric practices in Daoism related to outer landscapes and the inner organs of the body, as well as contemporary issues of ecology and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

What's included

4 videos13 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt1 plugin

This module explores the basic teachings of Buddhism and their relevance to the environment. We discuss the life of the Buddha and his key insight regarding the interdependence of all reality. In particular, we explore the ecological significance embedded in the “three refuges” vow: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. We then trace the spread of Buddhism across Asia and its diverse expressions in art and culture. We conclude with an examination of environmental teachings in various schools of Buddhism throughout East Asia.

What's included

6 videos9 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt1 plugin

We explore the emergence of the bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism of practicing wisdom and compassion for all living beings. We then consider the ecological dimensions of engaged Buddhism within Mahayana and Vajrayana (Tibetan) traditions. Finally, we examine Buddhist teachings on sentient life in relation to food, animals, and biodiversity.

What's included

4 videos21 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt6 plugins

We begin with a description of Japanese Shinto teachings and rituals and illustrate their ecological and cosmological dimensions. Next, we examine Korean shamanism as ecstatic ritual practices for restoring well being and health to the human and natural communities. We consider how these primordial religious practices offer rich insights from a living Earth with ongoing relevance to contemporary ecological challenges.

What's included

4 videos14 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt3 plugins

What's included

1 video1 reading

Instructors

Mary Evelyn Tucker
Yale University
13 Courses41,981 learners
John Grim
Yale University
13 Courses41,981 learners

Offered by

Yale University

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