Religion, Animals, and Contemplation
Religions May 27, 2022 Louis Komjathy 2 citations
Animals teach each other, and humans open to cross-species dialogue can learn alternative ways of perceiving and being, challenging anthropocentric views of consciousness. The article argues that equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts should extend to non-human animals, which may be key to human freedom, wellness, and justice. It explores religion and animals through contemplation, blending Animal Studies, Contemplative Studies, Daoist Studies, and Religious Studies, with focus on Daoist animal engagement, including companionship and becoming animal. Theologically, the Dao manifests in every being, enabling inter-species communication and identification. The author suggests that 'animal contemplation'—centering the animal question and shared animality—offers opportunities for becoming fully human and may help address ecological collapse.