Religion, Animals, and Contemplation

Animals teach each other. For humans open to trans-species and inter-species dialogue interaction, animal-others offer important insights into, invocations of models for diverse alternative modes perceiving, experiencing, relating, being. They in turn challenge anthropocentric conceptions consciousness glimpses perhaps inspiration increased awareness presence. Might the current academic vogue “equity, diversity, inclusion” (EDI; or whichever order you prefer) even extend “non-human” animals? this also represent one essential key human aspiration freedom, wellness, justice? The present article explores topic “religion animals” through complementary dimension “contemplation”. Developing a fusion Animal Studies, Contemplative Daoist Religious I explore with particular consideration indigenous Chinese religion Daoism comparative cross-cultural sensibility. draw specific attention varieties animal engagement, including companionship becoming/being animal. Theologically speaking, involves recognition reality Dao (sacred) manifesting every being, possibility inter/trans-species communication, relationality, identification. In process, suggest that “animal contemplation”, form contemplative practice experience places “the question” at center (actuality) “shared animality”, not only offers opportunities becoming fully (animal), but represents viable contribution resolving impending (ongoing) ecological collapse, least all-too-real world without butterflies, bees, birdsong.