RST 373 Zen Buddhism and Nature and the Great Earth Sangha

Entanglement in Dualistic/discriminative thinking

Zen’s view on the main cause of suffering

The unity of practice and awakening

Dogen: practice brings forth the state that is always here (our internal awakening). We are awakened in the moment of practice. “In each moment of practice, we manifest our innate awakening, we express it, we make it present here and now”. Giving yourself to your breath (or a task) brings forth your innate awakening/awareness. You are immersed in the moment → a sense of interconnectedness = awakening (the non-dual thinking). This counters early Buddhist belief that practice is the process of reaching awakening (the awakening is the goal, and practice is a long-term process to reaching it).

non-dual mode of thinking, awareness to interconnectedness, do not dominate, retreat into nature, compassion, emphasis on physical labor/ connect with one’s body

What are the main ways in which Zen can help us overcome the feeling of being separate from nature? There are six.

Reinhabitation

Synder: Returning to our “roots” and focus on the land (working through industrial society and going back to the past to gain new/lost knowledge). We need to know the land and the ecosystems around us. We need to study the place in which we find ourselves and not just for ecological reasons. We must find out way to see all the cycles that make up our environment.

Keep contact with the sources of energy that flow into your own life, feel gratitude towards nature, take responsibility for all of your own acts, and live with the hope of your grandchildren living well on the same land. Be a part of the community.  

Learn about the local ecosystem, the different circles of nature, gratitude and responsibility, and community.

Reinhabitation Shorthand (there are 5)

Great Earth Sangha

The interconnected web of life; The ecosphere of the planet, community of humans, animals, and plants.

The conception of nature as a community. Encompasses all living beings and elements of the Earth, including humans, animals, plants, and geological features.

Synder’s Community

A community where everyone works together and embraces the interconnectedness of nature. Where people understand nature holistically and ecologically.

A community including all living beings and Earth itself, where humans recognize their place within the system.

A community that holds respect for all aspects of nature. People should live sustainably and recognize that they are responsible for the well-being of the planet.