​How My Grandma Grows Vegetables
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​A leading edge, perhaps the leading edge, of the process movement is in mainland China., This is why "Process Confucianism" is so important. The term describes a process or Whiteheadian perspective influenced by Confucian values. One key aspect of this perspective is reverence for departed ancestors and living elders. While Process Confucianism includes a deep appreciation for youthfulness, it also goes beyond a youth-centered focus. Process Confucianism acknowledges the wisdom that comes with old age and experience. Furthermore, it recognizes that other living beings and the Earth itself are living elders. They have evolved over countless millennia of natural processes and can be respected and venerated for their presence and wisdom. Filial piety and eco-piety are intertwined, contributing to the development of a culture rooted in an Ecological Civilization.

Respect for Elders and
​Respect for the Earth


​Process Confucianism
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​Process Confucianism is shorthand for a version of process philosophy that is influenced by Confucian values, ideas, and practices. The values, ideas, and practices of Process Confucianism emerge from, and are indebted to, the rich history of Confucian thinking in China and East Asia. However, Process Confucianism makes no claim to being orthodox Confucianism. It is not defined by that orthodoxy, however understood in one or another of the traditional Confucian schools, such as the Neo-Confucian School of Zhu Xi, the School of Mencius, or the School of Xunzi. It is a new tradition, available to people in China but also people in non-Asian settings. fostered by the Living Earth movement, the Institute for the Postmodern Development of China. and the China Project of the Center for Process Studies.

In a contemporary context, the emergence of Process Confucianism is closely tied with aspirations for the emergence, all over the world, of what the Chinese and others call Ecological Civilization. The building blocks of such a civilization are local communities, in rural and urban settings, that are creative, compassionate, participatory, inclusive, humane to animals, and good for the Earth, with no one left behind. These communities are all-age friendly, meaning that older people are as respected as younger people. The wisdom of older people, based on their experience, is a guide to thought, feeling and action. The tradition of filial piety, inherent in China and other Confucian-influenced nations, can contribute to this respect. The respect is extended to include plants and animals, hills and rivers, trees and stars. They, too, are our elders.

​- Jay McDaniel

Filial Piety in China

Veneration of departed ancestors and profound respect for one’s living elders are etched deeply into the Chinese character, so deeply, in fact, that some say the real religion of China is the family. While Confucius himself placed more emphasis on this-worldly conduct rather than on the veneration of ancestral spirits, he certainly saw the traditional practice of the latter as an important manifestation of and a way to inculcate the former. Hsiao, the virtue of filiality, is foundational for the Confucian project.

The Master said:…The ancient kings had a perfect virtue and all-embracing rule of conduct, through which they were in accord with all under heaven. By the practice of it the people were brought to live in peace and harmony, and there was no ill-will between superiors and inferiors…. Filial piety [hsiao] is the root of (all) virtue, and (the stem) out of which grows (all moral) teaching….

Novak, Philip. The World's Wisdom: Sacred Texts of the World's Religions (p. 125). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. 

Filial Piety and Respect for the Earth

​The veneration of departed ancestors and profound respect for one's living elders in Chinese culture are deeply ingrained values that reflect the importance of family, tradition, and a sense of interconnectedness with the past. These values are often associated with the concept of "Hsiao" or filial piety, which underscores the duty and reverence children owe to their parents and ancestors.

In Chinese society, filial piety is not merely a set of guidelines; it is a fundamental way of life. It is a moral compass that guides individuals in their relationships, decisions, and actions. The veneration of departed ancestors involves rituals, such as tomb-sweeping and ancestral offerings, where families pay their respects to those who have passed away. These rituals serve as a bridge between the living and the deceased, reinforcing the idea that family bonds transcend death.

Respect for one's living elders goes beyond obedience; it embodies an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the wisdom, guidance, and sacrifices of older generations. Elders are seen as repositories of knowledge and experience, and their opinions and advice are highly valued. This respect for elders fosters a sense of stability and continuity within families and society as a whole.

While these values have enduring significance, they can also pose challenges in contemporary Chinese life. Younger generations may experience pressure to conform to traditional expectations, often prioritizing the role of "good sons and daughters" above their personal aspirations. This can sometimes hinder their pursuit of individualism and self-expression, leading to conflicts between generations.

However, the concept of filial piety also points toward a broader perspective – one that extends beyond the human family to encompass the entire natural world. This idea can be seen as a form of "eco-piety," acknowledging that not only are human ancestors deserving of reverence, but so are the hills, rivers, trees, and stars – the elders of the more-than-human world.
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In the context of a new understanding of cosmic evolution and ecological interconnectedness, we recognize that the natural world has a long history that far predates human existence. The Earth's ecosystems and the non-human species that inhabit them are our more-than-human elders. They have much to teach us about living in harmony with the planet and each other.

Just as traditional filial piety calls for respect and care for human elders, eco-piety encourages us to respect and care for the Earth and its ecosystems. By paying respect to the more-than-human world, we acknowledge our dependence on it and our responsibility to protect and nurture it for future generations.

In essence, the values of filial piety and eco-piety share a common thread: the recognition of the wisdom and importance of those who came before us, whether they are our human ancestors or the natural world itself. By embracing both, we can navigate the delicate balance between tradition and progress, preserving cultural heritage while also adapting to the evolving needs of contemporary life and the planet.

Combining Filial Piety with Eco-Piety

1. Filial Piety Through Environmental Care: Encourage older family members to share their experiences and wisdom about caring for the environment. They can pass down traditional practices of sustainability or eco-conscious living to younger generations, strengthening the family's commitment to both filial and eco-piety.
2. Family Nature Retreats: Plan family outings to natural settings such as parks, forests, or beaches. While enjoying quality time together, teach your children about the importance of respecting and caring for the natural world. Activities like hiking, birdwatching, or planting trees can foster a connection to nature and instill eco-piety.
3. Eco-Friendly Family Gatherings: When hosting family gatherings or celebrations, prioritize sustainability. Use reusable dishes and cutlery instead of disposable ones, serve locally sourced and organic food, and encourage recycling and composting. Discuss the importance of environmental stewardship during these gatherings.
4. Multi-Generational Gardening: Create a family garden where multiple generations work together to cultivate plants, vegetables, or herbs. Discuss the significance of native plants, pollinators, and sustainable gardening practices. This collaborative effort can strengthen family bonds and ecological awareness.
5. Conservation Vacations: Instead of traditional vacations, consider eco-friendly travel options that involve environmental conservation efforts. Participate in volunteer programs focused on wildlife protection, reforestation, or marine conservation as a family. This aligns filial piety with a shared commitment to the environment.
6. Intergenerational Sustainability Projects: Collaborate on sustainability projects within your family. For example, work together to reduce energy consumption at home by implementing energy-efficient practices, such as using programmable thermostats or solar panels. Involve younger family members in learning about energy conservation.
7. Eco-Friendly Traditions: Incorporate eco-piety into family traditions and rituals. During festivals or special occasions, consider eco-friendly decorations, gift wrapping using recycled materials, or donating to environmental causes as part of the celebration.
8. Legacy of Environmental Stewardship: Discuss the concept of leaving a positive legacy with your family. Explore ways to minimize your environmental impact, such as reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. Teach younger family members the importance of preserving the planet for future generations.
9. Nature-Inspired Family Art: Engage in art and craft activities that draw inspiration from the natural world. Create family artwork that showcases the beauty of the environment or highlights environmental issues. Use these creative endeavors as opportunities to discuss eco-piety and its alignment with family values.
10. Multi-Generational Cleanup: Organize family clean-up events in local parks, beaches, or natural areas. Everyone can participate, from the youngest to the oldest family members. This hands-on approach to environmental care fosters a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the planet.

​By combining acts of eco-piety with filial piety, families can create a harmonious and interconnected approach to values that emphasize both the well-being of their family members and the broader natural world. This integration not only strengthens family bonds but also nurtures a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring a legacy of respect and care for future generations.

Practicing Eco-Piety

Eco-piety, or reverence for the natural world and the environment, can be expressed through concrete practices that promote sustainable living and a deep connection to the Earth. Here are some practical examples of eco-piety:
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1. Nature Meditation: Take time to meditate or simply be present in nature. Find a quiet spot outdoors, sit, and focus on the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. This practice helps cultivate mindfulness and a sense of connection with the natural world.
2. Leave No Trace: When visiting natural areas, practice "Leave No Trace" principles. Carry out all trash, minimize your impact on the environment, and leave the landscape as you found it. This demonstrates respect for the land and its ecosystems.
3. Native Plant Gardening: Plant native species in your garden or on your property. Native plants are adapted to the local environment and support local wildlife. This practice helps restore and maintain ecological balance.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Embrace the mantra of reducing waste. Reduce consumption, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle materials appropriately. Reducing your ecological footprint is an act of reverence for the Earth.
5. Composting: Composting organic waste reduces landfill waste and enriches soil. It's a way to give back to the Earth and contribute to healthy ecosystems.
6. Support Conservation Organizations: Donate time or resources to organizations working to protect and preserve natural habitats, endangered species, and ecosystems.
7. Eco-Friendly Transportation: Choose eco-friendly transportation options, such as walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation. Reduce your carbon footprint and minimize air pollution.
8. Energy Conservation: Conserve energy at home by using energy-efficient appliances, insulating your home, and turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Use renewable energy sources whenever possible.
9. Reduce Meat Consumption: Consider adopting a more plant-based diet or reducing meat consumption. Livestock farming has a significant environmental impact, and reducing meat consumption can help protect ecosystems.
10. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about environmental issues and share your knowledge with friends and family. Education is a powerful tool for fostering eco-consciousness.
11. Volunteer for Environmental Causes: Join local environmental groups or participate in community clean-up events, tree planting initiatives, or wildlife conservation projects.
12. Mindful Consumption: Be mindful of your purchases. Choose products with minimal packaging, support eco-friendly brands, and avoid single-use plastics.
13. Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for policies and practices that promote environmental protection and sustainability at local, national, and global levels.
14. Wildlife Habitat Restoration: Participate in or support efforts to restore and protect natural habitats for wildlife. This includes creating wildlife-friendly spaces in your own yard.
15. Connect with Indigenous Wisdom: Learn from Indigenous cultures that have deep connections to the land and its resources. Respect and honor their knowledge and practices regarding sustainable living.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you demonstrate eco-piety by showing respect, gratitude, and care for the Earth and all its inhabitants. These actions help foster a sense of interconnectedness with the natural world and contribute to the well-being of the planet for future generations.
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