At first glance the fields of religion and ecology may seem and unlikely pairing, but a deeper consideration reveals the two have a great deal to contribute to one another and are indeed inextricably linked. Religions recognize the unity and interdependence of humans with nature. Ecological sciences affirm this deep interconnection with the natural world. This partnership can inspire work for the wellbeing of the Earth community
This course is part of the Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization
East Asian Religions & Ecology
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Course 4 of 5 in the
Beginner Level
Completion of Introduction to Religions and Ecology, Indigenous Religions and Ecology and South Asian Religions and Ecology
Approx. 21 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
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- Philosophy
- conservation
- Religion
- Ecology
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 4 of 5 in the
Beginner Level
Completion of Introduction to Religions and Ecology, Indigenous Religions and Ecology and South Asian Religions and Ecology
Approx. 21 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for Business
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Yale University
For more than 300 years, Yale University has inspired the minds that inspire the world. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale brings people and ideas together for positive impact around the globe. A research university that focuses on students and encourages learning as an essential way of life, Yale is a place for connection, creativity, and innovation among cultures and across disciplines.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week1
Week 1
MODULE 1: Course Introduction
4 videos (Total 15 min), 6 readings
4 videos
Land Acknowledgement - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker1mCourse Overview: East Asian Religions and Ecology - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker4mPersonal Introduction - Mary Evelyn Tucker5mPersonal Introduction - John Grim 3m6 readings
Welcome letter from Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim2mHow this course is organized1mLearn more about your Instructors 1m(Optional) Religion and Ecology Conferences and Book Series, 1996-1998Pre-video introduction: The Promise of Planetary Health 1m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreWeek2
Week 2
MODULE 2: Overview of Contemporary Ecological Issues and Religious Environmentalism
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.
5 videos (Total 78 min), 11 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
Guest Lecture - Modern Chinese Environmental Challenges - Cheng Li14mMayfair Yang, “Religious Environmentalism in China.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker 27m(Optional) Annping Chin, “Revival of Confucianism in Contemporary China.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker13mLecture - What is Religion? - Mary Evelyn Tucker 4mLecture - Introduction to the Study of Religion and Ecology - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker18m11 readings
China and the environment: A decade in review 12m(Optional) China DialogueResource Environment Guide for East Asia 2mThe Challenge of Creating “Ecological Civilization” in China10mPre-video introduction: “Religious Environmentalism in China” 1m(Optional) Pre-video introduction: “Revival of Confucianism in Contemporary China” China: Landscapes, Cultures, Ecologies, Religions34m (Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-lecture introduction: “Introduction to the Study of Religion and Ecology” 1m(Optional) The Movement of Religion and Ecology: Emerging Field and Dynamic Force(Optional) Ways to Learn More1 practice exercise
Module 2: Contemporary Ecological Issues and Religious Environmentalism10mWeek3
Week 3
MODULE 3: Introduction and Overview: Confucianism and Ecology
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.
7 videos (Total 77 min), 16 readings, 1 quiz
7 videos
Lecture - Confucian Worldview: From Concentric Circles to Communal Ritual - Mary Evelyn Tucker8mLecture - Confucian Worldview: From Education to Cosmological Integration - Mary Evelyn Tucker9mAnnping Chin, “Life of Confucius and the Influence of the Analects.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker17mAnnping Chin, “Commentary on Passages in the Analects.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker4mLecture - What is Confucianism? - Mary Evelyn Tucker16mLecture - Early Confucian Texts as a Religious Ecology - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker12mLecture - Neo-Confucian Texts as a Religious Cosmology - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker8m16 readings
“Confucian Teaching - Three Confucian Values: Filial Piety (Xiao)”4m(Optional) Understanding “Religion” in Context(Optional) The Chinese Cosmos: Basic Concepts(Optional) Sanjiao: The Three TeachingsConfucianism in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action”11m(Optional) Confucian Environmental Virtue EthicsPre-video introduction: “Life of Confucius and the Influence of the Analects” 1mPre-video introduction: “Commentary on Passages in the Analects”1mSelections from “Analects” and “Mencius”29m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreSelections from Early Confucian Texts3mSelected Neo-Confucian Readings 6mThe Continuity of Being: Chinese Visions of Nature 17mPre-video introduction: “The Chinese Garden Court at the Metropolitan Museum of Art”1mThe Role of Stone 1m(Optional) Ways to Learn More1 practice exercise
Module 3: Introduction and Overview: Confucianism and Ecology10mWeek4
Week 4
MODULE 4: Confucianism and Ecology into the Present
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.
3 videos (Total 38 min), 13 readings, 1 quiz
3 videos
Lecture - What is Confucian Spirituality? - Mary Evelyn Tucker 13mJonathan Lee, “Reflections on Ch’i/Qi: Meditations in the Garden”16mLecture - Summary: Concentric Circles, Historical Periods, Cosmology - Mary Evelyn Tucker7m13 readings
Confucianism as Grounding in Community30mPre-video introduction: “A Confucian Life in America” 1mSelection from Neo-Confucian Thinker: Wang Yang Ming 4m Pre-video introduction: “Reflections on Ch’i/Qi: Meditations in the Garden”1mResources on Confucianism and Ecology5m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreConfucius Never Shot a Bird at Rest: Humans and Animals in the Classical Confucian Tradition10m Of Animals and Humans: The Confucian Perspective 30m(Optional) Response to “Of Animals and Man: The Confucian Perspective”(Optional) Selections from Mencius: “Empathy with Animals”Sustainability from a Confucian Perspective 12m(Optional) Confucianism, food, and sustainability(Optional) Ways to Learn More1 practice exercise
Module 4: Confucianism and Ecology into the Present10mWeek5
Week 5
MODULE 5: Introduction and Overview: Daoism and Ecology
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.
5 videos (Total 64 min), 10 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
Lecture - Dao as Way: Laozi and the Daodejing - John Grim14mChen Xia, “Daoism and Ecological Civilization in China.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker15mLecture - Comparison of Confucianism and Daoism - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker5mLecture - Readings from Daoist Scriptures: Laozi - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker20mLecture - Readings from Daoist Scriptures: Zhuangzi - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker9m10 readings
Daoism and Ecology11mPre-video introduction: “Daoism and Ecological Civilization in China”1mDaoism in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action”10mPre-video introduction: “Daoism and Ecology”1m(Optional) Defining “Daoism”: A Complex History(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreSelections from Daodejing 10mNon-Action and the Environment Today8mSelection from Zhuangzi 33m(Optional) Ways to Learn More1 practice exercise
Module 5: Introduction and Overview: Daoism and Ecology10mWeek6
Week 6
MODULE 6: Daoism and Ecology into the Present
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).
4 videos (Total 66 min), 13 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
Lecture - Schools of Daoism into the Present: Key Terms and Concepts - John Grim9m(Optional) Lecture - Schools of Daoism into the Present: Ordination, Visualization, and Meditation - John Grim28mLivia Kohn, “Ecological Dimensions of Daoism.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker20mJames Miller, “Daoist Embodiment and Inner Cultivation.” Interview by John Grim7m13 readings
Reconstructing Taoism’s Transformation in China 12mPre-video introduction: “Ecological Dimensions of Daoism” 1mPre-video introduction: “Luo Tian Da Jiao” 1mPre-video introduction: “Daoist Embodiment and Inner Cultivation”1m(Optional) Envisioning the Daoist Body in the Economy of Cosmic Power(Optional) China’s Green Religion: Daoism and the Quest for a Sustainable Future Resources on Daoism and Ecology5m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreDaosim in “Faith in Food” 5mThe Great Unity: Daoism, Nonhuman Animals, and Human Ethics 8m(Optional) Daoism and AnimalsThe Nature Sanctuaries of Daoism5m(Optional) Ways to Learn More1 practice exercise
Module 6: Daoism and Ecology into the Present10mWeek7
Week 7
MODULE 7: Buddhism and Ecology: The Interdependence of Reality
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.
6 videos (Total 65 min), 9 readings, 1 quiz
6 videos
Lecture - The Life of the Buddha and His Teachings - Mary Evelyn Tucker10mLecture - Diverse Expressions of Buddhism in Art Across Asia - Mary Evelyn Tucker 13mLecture - Buddhist Schools and Scriptures: Introduction - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker5mLecture - Buddhist Schools and Scriptures: T’ien t'ai and the Lotus Sutra - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker 10mLecture - Buddhist Schools and Scriptures: Hua Yen, Pure Land, and Vajrayana - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker 13mLecture - Buddhist Schools and Scriptures: Ch’an and Zen - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker 12m9 readings
The Buddha triumphing over Mara 4mBuddhism in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action” 11mPre-video introduction: “Buddhism and Ecology” 1m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreSelections from the “Lotus Sutra”34m(Optional) Buddhism: The Imported Tradition Interbeing 5m(Optional) Buddhism: A Mixed Dharmic Bag: Debates about Buddhism and Ecology(Optional) Ways to Learn More1 practice exercise
Module 7: Buddhism and Ecology: The Interdependence of Reality10mWeek8
Week 8
MODULE 8: East Asian Buddhism: Engaged Ecological Leadership
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.
4 videos (Total 103 min), 21 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
Dan Smyer Yu, “Tibetan Buddhism and Religious Environmentalism in the Himalayas.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker19m(Optional) Dan Smyer Yu and Pema Tashi, “Embrace”55mDekila Chungyalpa, “Wisdom, Compassion, and Environmental Practices in Tibetan Buddhism.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker19mGuest Lecture - Adventures on the Roof of the World: The Quest for Human-Wildlife Coexistence - Gao Yufang9m21 readings
Pre-video introduction: “Venerable Dr. Yifa on the climate emergency” 1mPre-video introduction: “Faith for Nature: Multi-Faith Action, Venerable Master Shih Cheng Yen” 1mPre-video introduction: “Faith and the fight against climate change, Part 2” 1m(Optional) Buddhist Contributions to Climate Response(Optional) The black oak is a bodhisattva(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Our Only Home” 1mThe Dalai Lama on the Environment 10mWalking the Path of Environmental Buddhism 23m (Optional) Pre-video Introduction: The Karmapa on the EnvironmentPre-video introduction: “Tibetan Buddhism and Religious Environmentalism in the Himalayas”1m(Optional) Pre-video introduction: “Embrace”Pre-video introduction: “Wisdom, Compassion, and Environmental Practices in Tibetan Buddhism”1m(Optional) Sacred Earth(Optional) Ways to Learn More Pre-video introduction: “Buddhism on Animals” 1mRelieving the suffering of animals: the Gyalwang Karmapa Instigates a Second Animal Camp in Bodhgaya5mPre-video introduction: “Adventures on the Roof of the World: The Quest for Human-Wildlife Coexistence”1m(Optional) Buddhist Monks are Champions of Snow Leopard ConservationBuddhism and Biodiversity 5m(Optional) Ways to Learn More1 practice exercise
Module 8: East Asian Buddhism: Engaged Ecological Leadership10mWeek9
Week 9
MODULE 9: Ecological Rituals in Japanese Shinto and Korean Shamanism
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.
4 videos (Total 29 min), 14 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
Lecture - Gion Matsuri: A Ritual of Pollution and Purification - Mary Evelyn Tucker. 9mLecture - Kurozumikyō: A Shinto Tradition Oriented Toward the Sun - Mary Evelyn Tucker1mMunemichi Kurozumi, “Kurozumikyō and the Ecological Dimensions of Shinto.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker12mLecture - Korean Shamanism and Ecology - John Grim.4m14 readings
Shinto in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action” 10mShinto and Ecology: Practice and Orientations to Nature 4mPre-lecture introduction: “Gion Matsuri: A Ritual of Pollution and Purification”1mPre-video introduction: “Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto” 1mMt. Shinto, Okayama 8mOn the Mind 2m Pre-video Introduction: “Kurozumikyō and the Ecological Dimensions of Shinto” 1mResources on Shinto and Ecology 5m(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Shamanistic Rituals of the Korean Peninsula” 1m“Chaesu Kut”: A Korean Shamanistic Performance17mPre-video introduction: "Shaman of the Sea"1mIn 21st-century Korea, shamanism is not only thriving - but evolving 21m (Optional) Ways to Learn More1 practice exercise
Module 9: Ecological Rituals in Japanese Shinto and Korean Shamanism10mWeek10
Week 10
MODULE 10: Course Conclusion
1 video (Total 2 min), 1 reading
1 reading
Letter from Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim5mAbout the Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization
Why do religions matter when we talk about environmental problems and solutions?
The environmental crisis is not simply a political, economic, or technological problem; it is a moral and spiritual call to long-term change. Religious narratives resonate with large numbers of people —85% of the world’s population belong to religious communities. Religions have educational institutions around the world that can inspire people for an ecologically just future. Religious structures and sacred spaces provide a symbolic and practical context for aligning humans with nature. Religions have financial assets that can be used for transformative change, such as divestment and reinvestment. To whom will these courses appeal? Lifelong learners curious to know more about world religions and ecology Environmental professionals eager to deepen the discourse of environmental protection and conservation Those working with non-profit organizations and NGOs on issues of ecological justice, especially where minority communities are adversely affected Those involved in education -- College and high school students looking for a broader view of religion and spirituality, teachers developing curriculum, Those involved in the world’s religions -- Religious leaders and laity who want to know how they can contribute to interreligious dialogue on environmental issues; Religious communities interested in building engaging projects, such as the restoration of local bioregions.
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