Nature in Asian Traditions of Thought

For our environmental problems what is needed is a new way of looking at nature. Here, the authors turn to the Asian tradition. Asking if they can provide us with conceptual resources for addressing environmental concerns. Western environmental philosophers and some of our most distinguished representatives of Asian and comparative philosophy critically consider what Asia has to offer. The first section provides an ecological world view as a basis for comparison. Subsequent section include chapters by leading contemporary scholars in Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Buddhist thought that explore the Western perception of Asian traditions-the perception that Asian philosophy is a rich conceptual resource for contemporary environmental thinkers. This book promises to provide an intellectual and an ethical incentive which will encourage its Western audience to reflect on the course of Western history that has led to the concerns addressed within. It would serve as valuable reading for anyone who is interested in the environment and in exploring new and traditionally Asian approaches to this crucial subject-Shigenori Nagatomo, Temple University.