Sustainability Through Cultivating Our Vital Life Force to Reanimate Nature Embodying All Species as Sacred

• In Event: A Vital Life Force Approach to Reanimate Nature and to Build Equality and Respect Among All People

Abstract

Objectives or purposes

This paper argues that we need to recover and develop the capacity to treat all species and natural environment as life forces which are equal with us and which are sacred.

Perspective(s) or theoretical framework

Indigenous spirituality, exemplified by the Amazon indigenous people and the shaman culture, sees all species as belonging to the same ecofamily on earth. Yes this culture has been largely destroyed by the rampant greed of capitalism and the cruelty of colonialism. The essence of the indigenous culture in the Amazon forest and the destruction to the culture by Western colonizers and missionaries are profoundly presented in the movie Embrace of the Serpent. Similarly, in Eastern spirituality and religion, all species on earth are considered equal, having the same essence and being propelled by the same life force.

We can employ contemplative methods such as meditation to experience and embody the vital life energy that is the medium to connect all species; through harboring this life force, one senses the spirits of all as peoples. In Neo Confucian scholars’ writing, there is One Heart that is throbbing in all existence, and in Buddhism, All That Exist has the same Buddha seed, and in Taoism, all existence come from the Dao energy Qi sustained by love (Lin, 2018). In all, there is heart-to-heart and spirit to spirit connection among all existence which underlies our capacity for compassion and empathy.

Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry

Contemplation, such as meditation, breaks down the sense of separation as one enter a quantum energy state and connects with the vital life energy of others and all existence (Lin and Parikh, forthcoming). Eastern wisdom traditions enable practitioners to enter intersubjectivity and interbeing through a joining of the life energy and consciousness, and “It is in this field of consciousness that self/Other and inner/outer dichotomy--and indeed conceptualization of such--is dissolved into liminality and becomes integrated into wholeness” (Gordon, forthcoming).

Data sources, evidence, objects, or materials

In this paper, we conduct a philosophical reflection on Indigenous and Eastern Religions and practices, noting how contemplative approaches such as meditation, dance, arts etc are central for our remaining connected to the life force of all beings. We also draw from our own experiences of cultivating contemplative practices rooted in Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism that result in a strong sense of Oneness. Examples will further be used about the Amazon people. The second author has worked with the Kayapo people (population 8638) in the Amazon forest for year. The Kayapo people are working with various groups from around the world to maintain a huge area of the amazon forest from depletion.

Scholarly significance of the study or work

In this paper, we argue that we can survive and sustain on this earth only when we treat humans and nonhuman species as One Family. We should not elevate ourselves above other beings but rather be immersed together in heart, mind, spirit and soul. A sense of interbeing needs to be cultivated and experienced (Bai et al, 2009).

Authors

• Jing Lin, University of Maryland - College Park

• Matthew I. Aruch, University of Maryland - College Park