‘Ik neem mijn toevlucht tot Moeder Aarde’ en ‘Wij zijn de aarde’: De relevantie van boeddhistische Aarde-aanrakingen voor perspectieven op mens-aarde relaties in tijden van klimaatverandering

This article discusses the relevance of Yogācāra Buddhist philosophy and prostration in times of climate change by analyzing the ritual of Earth Touching. Earth Touching emerged within the branch of Western Buddhism known as Plum Village. In the Netherlands, the ritual is conducted by climate-engaged people who are familiar with Buddhism but do not necessary self-identify as Buddhists. Earth Touching as practiced in the context of climate change discloses how selected Buddhist (philosophical) practices on the one hand and perspectives on the relationships between humans and the world as raised in the context of climate change on the other hand mutually shape each other. In this process a multiplicity of, sometimes conflicting, perspectives emerges. In general, this article makes a case for the study of Buddhist practices to understand the relevance of Buddhist philosophy for social issues and its broader appeal to non-Buddhists.