Daoist Nature
Daoism proposes a radical reversal of the way that modern human beings think about the natural world. Rather than understanding human beings as “subjects” who observe the “objective” world of nature, Daoism proposes that subjectivity is grounded in the Dao itself, the wellspring of cosmic creativity for a world of constant transformation ... It is an ethical system based on mutual interpenetration of the body, the community, and the landscape.
James Miller (2017)
For modern humans, like us, the house in the photograph could be an uncomfortable place to live: little insulation, in need of repair, no electricity, some way to the nearest shops, and no doubt many uninvited creatures sheltering with us. Its owners might retort that these are non-urgent repairs that can one day be accomplished with the bamboos and bananas trees around the house, the fish in the ponds, bananas in the trees and rice in the field provide accessible and ample food, freedom from the demands and interferences of humans is nothing but welcome, while the local community is, in fact, vibrant,
supportive
On the idea that conviviality is more basic to human society than exchange or money.
and resilient.
Living
The unique individual story that forms each of our lives.
reciprocally with all that has always been around us dissolves the intellectual boundaries of
object
How the objective can never encompass the subjective.
and subject, and shows them to be a misunderstanding. This is Daoism’s message: we are an integral part of the constant
change
A page on the importance of change in our lives.
and
burgeoning
The fox was something 'other' in its wild land - more on wilderness.
that is
nature.
The dual aspect of nature, environment and our inner selves, have a long history.
Miller’s book China’s Green Religion: Daoism and the Quest for a Sustainable Future was published by Columbia University Press. The first part of the quote is from page 26, the second part from page 122.
The picture was taken in the north of Thnah Hoá Province, Vietnam. In the full photograph a motorbike is just visible below the house, a sign that some money is in use.
Above, hovering on blue introduces a link: click to go, move away to stay.
Saturday 14th September 2024
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