Walking the Pilgrimage (2~17, Jan, 2010, Wakayama, Japan)
Environmental ethics enables us to find appropriate ways to articulate ecosystem values, which calls for nonlinear complex thinking beyond traditional scientific methods. Today, while the devastating effects of the anthropogenic climate crisis are clear, rich and diverse means exist for knowing, understanding, valuing the world and taking action. This calls for a powerful coalition of science, ecohumanities and arts with a solid foundation in environmental ethics. Through this course, we wish to learn and also communicate a profound humbleness and appreciation of the Planet Earth: “to underscore our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known (Carl Sagan)".

Jan 7



We paid visit to the other two of the Kumano Sanzan, the 3 Grand Shrines of Kumano - Hayatama and Nachi Taisha. Hayatama also has a Nagi Tree for a smooth and safe sailing (Nagi means 'stopping of the wind'). At Nachi Taisha, we were welcomed by the head priest Asahi Guji, who took us to the Main Shrine (Honden), Prayer Hall (Hai-den), Treasure Hall (Hoden) - we attended a formal prayer, where the New Year's dance was performed. Asahi Guji then gave us a talk about Shinto, specifically human-nature relationship and the meaning of 'do' - the way - the importance of expressing our gratitude by reflecting on our everyday, voicing being humble and expressing our gratitude. The walk - taking step by step to pay a respectful visit - is an ultimate way of expressing our gratitude. The talk reassured us the reason why we are taking this pilgrimage.

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