Process philosophy is a bridge-building tradition. It aims to forge connections between the East and West, North and South, as well as between science and religion, and between progressives and traditionalists. It also seeks to build bridges between humanity and the more-than-human world: hills and rivers, trees and stars. It sees humanity within, and part of, a living Earth. Process philosophy is an eco-bridge tradition.
One place where this bridge-building is especially important is in international relations, particularly between China and the United States. This is especially true given the hostility often directed towards China by American politicians. Too frequently, these politicians overlook the human element, forgetting that China is a nation of individuals—both young and old—rather than just a government entity.
One way that process philosophy can contribute to this bridge-building is through the promotion of cross-cultural communication and sharing. One area where such sharing can prove fruitful is in the realm of process poetry. This page introduces Americans and others to the Chinese tradition of process poetry by featuring the works of six Chinese poets. The poems are presented in their original Chinese script, without translation. This is partly because translation can distort the meaning of the poems, but also because Chinese script is an art form in its own right—worthy of respect and even amazement for its visual beauty.
My hope is that, through this page, an appreciation for the poetry—and indeed for the broader cultural landscape—emerges not just intellectually but also aesthetically. Americans cannot befriend Chinese until and unless they recognize the independent integrity and beauty of Chinese language, independent of its being reduced to English.
- Jay McDaniel
Process Poetry Education
Introduction
Recently, I had the pleasure of reading "Outline of Process Poetry Education Practice" by two Chinese educators, artists, and philosophers: Zhang Yuanyuan and Bai Ya. Zhang Yuanyuan is renowned for her work in animal protection, empathy education, and a novel form of education known as Caring for Life Education. Bai Ya is recognized for his contributions to and leadership in the Process Poetry movement. Its tagline is "eyes of process, heart of ecology, pen of freedom, indicating a threefold emphasis on process philosophy, ecological spirituality, and the writing of poetry, understood as free self-expression.
Their collaborative work combines their efforts to present a vision of a constructive fusion of these two movements, which collectively bring about a significant cultural transition in China and around the world. In the following paragraphs, I will summarize their concepts for a Western, American audience.
The Caring for Life Education Movement
Gaining momentum in mainland China, the Caring for Life Education Movement nurtures compassion, reverence for all living beings, and environmental awareness. It fosters a mindset that acknowledges the interconnectedness of human well-being, animal welfare, and ecological health. By promoting values such as empathy, integrity, wisdom, and the flourishing of all life forms, this movement empowers individuals to make mindful decisions that contribute to harmonious coexistence. Rooted in principles of lifelong learning encompassing intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual growth, it advocates for decision-making strategies prioritizing empathy and responsible environmental stewardship.
The Process Poetry Movement
Celebrating the integration of traditional Chinese cultural heritage with the philosophy of process, the Process Poetry Movement flourishes among young poets in mainland China. It embraces the fusion of Chinese and Western cultural elements, emphasizing ecological awareness, the essence of regional poetry, and the guiding principles of process-oriented perception, ecological mindfulness, and creative liberation. In a narrower sense, it reflects heightened self-awareness within the context of an ecological civilization. On a broader scale, it synthesizes Eastern and Western influences to empower individuals in navigating contemporary life.
Combining the Movements
Uniting the Caring for Life Education and Process Poetry Movements in mainland China fosters holistic well-being and ethical consciousness. The principles of the Caring for Life Education Movement align seamlessly with the core values upheld in the Process Poetry Movement. As empathy, interconnectedness, and environmental responsibility are emphasized by the former, they harmonize with the themes championed by the latter.
An Innovative Holistic Educational Approach: Process Poetry Education
This combined effort shapes an innovative educational approach known as Process Poetry Education, emphasizing both poetic and analytical thinking. It unites insights from the humanities and sciences into a cohesive way of being. Embracing the Confucian tradition, it recognizes that education extends beyond the classroom. This synthesis presents an image of holistic education, fostering compassionate and sustainable individuals with a profound understanding of human and natural dimensions.
Living Poetically: A New Way of Being
Process Poetry is not solely about crafting verses; it's about living with compassion, creativity, and sincerity. While writing poetry is one form of self-expression, countless others, like music-making, gardening, and volunteering, also enrich this way of living. This authentic way of life contributes to a new spirit emerging in China and beyond. Collaboration with kindred spirits aims to positively impact society through collective efforts.
Community in a Changing Landscape: Embracing Both Physical and Virtual
In our evolving era, the concept of "community" takes on new dimensions—both local and virtual. Living poetically transcends these boundaries, fostering connections in both physical neighborhoods and digital networks. This holistic perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of human experiences, bridging evolving community dynamics and creating a harmonious and compassionate global society.
Toward an Ecological Civilization: A Vision of Compassion and Creativity
Participants in the Caring for Life Education and Process Poetry Movements aspire to cultivate an ecological civilization centered on compassion and creativity. This civilization redefines success, emphasizing interconnectedness, sustainability, and respect. Rural and urban communities thrive as hubs of creativity, compassion, and inclusivity, caring for the Earth and all beings. This aspirational ideal invites everyone, regardless of identity, to engage in a poetic way of living.
Freedom, Play, and Wise Decisions: Enriching the Poetic Way of Life
Freedom and play enrich the poetic way of life, complementing verses with wise decisions. The Process Poetry Education movement acknowledges that true liberation lies not only in self-expression but also in authentic engagement with the world. A spirit of playfulness fosters spontaneity and creativity, paired with the wisdom to navigate life's complexities.
Acknowledging New Forms of Community in an Evolving Era
Modern society witnesses new forms of community—both geographical and virtual. Living poetically bridges these worlds, offering connections and shared experiences. By embracing diverse community dimensions, participants contribute to inclusive, compassionate, and interconnected societies that honor the value of all life. Pioneering an Ecological Civilization: A Vision of Compassion and Creativity This aspiration extends beyond personal growth, striving to pioneer an ecological civilization founded on compassion and creativity. This redefined civilization flourishes in harmony with the Earth, transcending cultural boundaries. It invites all to live poetically, weaving a narrative of hope, unity, and transformative potential, impacting not only mainland China but the entire world.
At night, fallen leaves were upturned by hedgehogs crawling There was a small clearing of dampened soil A scent distinctly theirs lingered But failed on my nose Until yesterday afternoon, when a fourth-grade boy caught it And hurled it to boiling water Its baby like cry at once calling to my mind That I have lived right close to it For over thirty years already And walked in the grove behind the campus so many times Those little burrows Have long been home to things I have associations with While yesterday afternoon, this town thick with a leaden air There was a sudden shower That helped me forget quite a few things At night, the moonlight was passing murky Fallen leaves rustled I thought the hedgehogs had slowly crept out of the burrows There were subtle breathings And surely some icy thoughts Though inaudible to me
As a late autumn bird announced itself Miles were travelled, and a forlorn temple roamed, like passing home by the door Without joy or sorrow It was a village monastery of a closed gate, with foliage out over the walls Of the greetings passers-by meant across the walls, only half found a voice The other half was left to waste Under the sky, two crickets crossed path, Silent Folks sitting in the twilight of age Talked Between prolonged musings, like a sterilization surgery These years the climate kills And this mortal trip hits walls This life that seems to have no reason On the return path, peach blossoms masqueraded by the side The monastery's gate behind, with a sudden creak, unmasked the missed out universe When twilight had fallen Not far off, the posture of a buffalo Bordered on happy living It was grazing, while making way for a cormorant
Process Poetry—-- A poetic system that comprehensively integrates traditional Chinese culture and process philosophy, takes "combination of Chinese and Western culture, ecological civilization, regional poetry essence, and process poetry education" as its core concept, with "eyes of process, heart of ecology, and pen of freedom" as its creating principles. Process poetry in the narrow sense is a genre of poetry that leads the poetic self-consciousness in the era of ecological civilization, and in the broad sense is the Poetic Teaching Practice that bears the new mission of the era by combining the East and the West.——Bai Ya(2010)
At night, fallen leaves were upturned by hedgehogs crawling There was a small clearing of dampened soil A scent distinctly theirs lingered But failed on my nose Until yesterday afternoon, when a fourth-grade boy caught it And hurled it to boiling water Its baby like cry at once calling to my mind That I have lived right close to it For over thirty years already And walked in the grove behind the campus so many times Those little burrows Have long been home to things I have associations with While yesterday afternoon, this town thick with a leaden air There was a sudden shower That helped me forget quite a few things At night, the moonlight was passing murky Fallen leaves rustled I thought the hedgehogs had slowly crept out of the burrows There were subtle breathings And surely some icy thoughts Though inaudible to me
As a late autumn bird announced itself Miles were travelled, and a forlorn temple roamed, like passing home by the door Without joy or sorrow It was a village monastery of a closed gate, with foliage out over the walls Of the greetings passers-by meant across the walls, only half found a voice The other half was left to waste Under the sky, two crickets crossed path, Silent Folks sitting in the twilight of age Talked Between prolonged musings, like a sterilization surgery These years the climate kills And this mortal trip hits walls This life that seems to have no reason On the return path, peach blossoms masqueraded by the side The monastery's gate behind, with a sudden creak, unmasked the missed out universe When twilight had fallen Not far off, the posture of a buffalo Bordered on happy living It was grazing, while making way for a cormorant