This World Is but a Dew Drop World….and yet….: Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian Learning About Suffering, Impermanence and Compassion

Abstract

This chapter discusses Buddhist, Daoist and Confucian responses to the psychological, spiritual and political challenges of the climate emergency. The chapter title derives from the writing of American zen poet and ecological activist Gary Synder on ways in which Buddhist and Taoist insights can assist us in holding together two apparently contradictory ways of being in the world: to let go of our attachment to the ultimately futile goal of controlling the uncontrollable while at the same time acting with courage, compassion and generosity to reduce suffering. Discussion of Buddhist insights on suffering and compassion is followed by reflections from Taoist and Confucian teachers and authors about impermanence and interdependence and the abiding responsibility of human beings to help maintain the delicate balance, complex flows and intricate relationships of life on Earth.