Contemplative Environmental Education Across Traditions: Rekindling Love for Nature in Pakistan, China, and Beyond

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 1:45pm
  In Poster Session: Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in Education

Abstract

This paper offers a philosophical inquiry into contemplative environmental education rooted in spiritual and cultural traditions from Pakistan, China, and beyond. It critiques dominant models that prioritize technical knowledge while neglecting emotional, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. Drawing on Taoism, Sufism, Islamic ecological ethics, Hindu cosmology, and Indigenous knowledge, the paper highlights concepts such as tian ren he yi (human-nature oneness), wu wei (non-coercive action) and khalifa (stewardship) as foundations for holistic, relational learning. It reflects on lived educational experiences and proposes integrating mindfulness, poetry, seasonal awareness, and spiritual ethics into curricula. The paper envisions a transnational, decolonial approach that reconnects learners with nature through reverence and responsibility, offering a transformative vision of education as ecological healing.

Authors

• Maha Shoaib, University of Maryland

• Jing Lin, University of Maryland

• Yueyue Wang, University of Maryland

• Denise L. McHugh, University of Maryland