What does the Sikh tradition have to say about the environment?
Jaskiran Kaur Bhogal reflects on the Sikh tradition’s understanding of the environment and how Sikhs are called to encounter and interact with creation. This video was commissioned and produced by the LSE Faith Centre. All rights reserved.
Shinto: Nature, Gods, and Man in Japan (1977)
This documentary-style exploration of Shinto traces the deep spiritual relationship between nature, ritual, and daily life in Japanese tradition. Through ancient myths, sacred shrines, seasonal ceremonies, and reverence for the kami, the film reveals how Shinto sees the natural world as alive with divine presence. From the creation stories of Izanagi and Izanami to the sacred forests, waterfalls, mountains, and shrines of Japan, the documentary shows how harmony with nature has remained central to Shinto belief for centuries. It highlights the spiritual importance of purity, renewal, gratitude, and humanity’s connection to the living world. The film also explores iconic sacred sites such as the Grand Shrines of Ise and Izumo Taisha, the rebuilding traditions that symbolize renewal, and the blending of Shinto and Buddhism throughout Japanese history. Through festivals, rituals, offerings, and artistic traditions, Shinto continues to express a worldview rooted in respect for nature, community, and the cycles of…
Spotlights Clips, 2.7, Shinto and Buddhist Ecologies, with Mirei Takashima Claremon
In this thoughtful conversation, a cross-cultural psychologist explores how spirituality continues to shape Japanese culture, even in a society where many people do not identify as religious. Drawing on the intertwined traditions of Shinto and Buddhism, the discussion reveals how ideas of harmony, gratitude, respect, and connection to nature are deeply embedded in everyday life in Japan. The speaker explains how Shinto, rooted in animism and reverence for nature, influences Japanese customs and social behaviors — from visiting shrines at New Year to expressions of gratitude before meals, careful gift wrapping, and rituals honoring objects, animals, and even everyday items. These practices reflect a worldview in which all things possess value and spiritual significance. The conversation also explores Japan’s blending of spiritual traditions, where Shinto and Buddhism coexist naturally alongside modern cultural influences. Rather than strict religious boundaries, Japanese culture emphasizes social harmony, adaptation, and coexistence. Through stories of memorial…
A World of Ideas with Bill Moyers – Tu Wei-ming A Confucian Life in America part 1 of 3 Harvard
In this thought-provoking conversation, scholar Tu Weiming explores how the wisdom of Confucianism can help humanity navigate the moral and environmental challenges of the modern world. Speaking with Bill Moyers, Tu Weiming reflects on the relationship between global interdependence and the human search for identity, belonging, and spiritual roots. He explains how Confucian thought views human beings not as isolated individuals, but as deeply connected to family, community, society, and the natural world. The discussion highlights the importance of education, self-cultivation, compassion, and shared responsibility in shaping a more ethical future. Confucianism is presented not simply as a religion, but as a lifelong process of “learning to be human” — a vision in which personal growth and collective wellbeing are inseparable. The conversation also explores how ancient spiritual traditions can contribute to modern conversations about environmental stewardship, global cooperation, cultural identity, and the future of humanity. Through themes of self-transformation,…
A World of Ideas with Bill Moyers – Tu Wei-ming A Confucian Life in America part 2 of 3 Harvard
This excerpt is a discussion between journalist Bill Moyers and Confucian scholar Tu Weiming on Confucianism, modern society, and human self-cultivation. Tu Weiming explains that becoming a better human being is primarily about developing empathy and emotional sensitivity rather than simply acquiring knowledge or increasing rational thinking. He argues that human beings are fundamentally relational, not isolated individuals, and that moral growth comes from recognizing our interconnectedness with other people, nature, and the wider ecosystem. The conversation also explores how Confucian values continue to influence East Asian societies, even in modern, highly industrialized contexts where most people may not identify as religious. Tu suggests these values remain present in everyday practices related to family life, education, respect, and social harmony. A major theme is the impact of Western Enlightenment thinking, particularly its focus on science, technology, economic growth, and individual competition. Tu critiques this worldview for contributing to environmental damage,…
A World of Ideas with Bill Moyers – Tu Wei-ming A Confucian Life in America part 3 of 3 Harvard
A World of Ideas with Bill Moyers – Tu Wei-ming: A Confucian Life in America (Part 3 of 3) Bill Moyers speaks with Tu Wei-ming about the continuing relevance of Confucian philosophy in the modern world, including reflections on the student movement in China. Tu Wei-ming argues that Confucian humanism offers valuable insight for addressing contemporary ethical challenges and understanding our shared responsibilities in an interconnected world.
Lu Feng: Reflections on Confucian perspectives on the global environmental crisis
Lu Feng (Department of Philosophy, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tsinghua University) Reflections on Confucian Perspectives on the Global Environmental Crisis This presentation by Lu Feng explores Confucian approaches to understanding and responding to today’s global environmental challenges. It forms part of the Centre of Jaina Studies symposium “Biodiversity Conservation and Animal Rights: Religious and Philosophical Perspectives,” held at SOAS University of London on 22 March 2012. Further details and abstracts are available at SOAS Biodiversity Symposium Information.
Prof. Daniel Gardner: Ecological Civilization in Modern China
China–Jewish Conversation: Environmental Pollution and Ecological Civilization in ChinaTalk excerpt featuring reflections on environmental change, governance, and Confucian thought In this lecture-style discussion, a scholar thanks the organizers for inviting him to participate in a China–Jewish conversation, noting that the two traditions have rarely been studied comparatively despite offering rich material for mutual understanding. He suggests that bringing them into dialogue can deepen insight into both traditions. The talk then turns to environmental pollution in China and the emergence of “new environmentalism.” The speaker outlines China’s rapid economic transformation since the late 1970s under Deng Xiaoping’s reforms, which shifted the country toward market mechanisms and partial privatization. This reform era produced extraordinary economic growth and positioned China as a global manufacturing powerhouse, but it also led to severe environmental degradation due to heavy reliance on coal and industrial expansion. By the early 21st century, environmental concerns became increasingly urgent. The…
Healing Our Trauma *is* Climate Action I Sr. Lang Nghiem (Sr. Hero, Br. Phap Linh (br. Spirit)
“Our way of being led us into the present crisis. Our way of being can lead us out.” – zen master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) Many people today feel a growing urgency to act in support of the Earth. The question is not only what we can do, but what kinds of action are truly effective—and sustainable over time. In this special livestreamed talk following their participation in the TED Countdown Climate Conference, Sr. Lăng Nghiêm and Br. Pháp Linh continue the teaching of their teacher Thầy, offering a grounded path toward addressing the deeper roots of the ecological crisis. They describe how real change depends not only on external action, but on transforming the way we understand ourselves and live each day. Through collective practice and inner training, they suggest, it is possible to cultivate the awareness needed for a broader societal awakening. Sr. Lăng Nghiêm speaks about the…