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The exploration of the historical development of ecological consciousness traces its roots from ancient totemism to the nuanced perspectives of postmodern deep ecology. The paper will emphasize how Eihei Dōgen’s "Corealization" can be interpreted within this context, proposing an expansion of its ideology to encompass all realms, addressing gaps present in deep ecology’s concern. It contends that ecological concern, far from being a postmodern novelty, has deep historical roots, evolving from the animistic connections of Palaeolithic societies to the dualistic distinctions of agricultural epochs. The study critiques eco-criticism’s efficacy in fostering ecological awareness, advocating for a paradigm shift towards recognizing the intrinsic value of the nonhuman world. Dōgen’s 13th-century philosophy, emphasizing the interconnectedness and equal value of all life forms, is presented as a model that transcends the limitations of deep ecology. His concept of Corealization advocates for an egalitarian and interconnected ecological framework, challenging conventional anthropocentric and biocentric views.
Dr Revathy Menon. “Corealization in Postmodernity: Bridging Deep Ecology with Dōgen’s Vision.” The Criterion: An International Journal in English, vol. 17, no. 2, Apr. 2026, pp. 666–677. DOI, https://doi.org/10.66376/criterion.v17.n2.43.
Open Access · CC BY 4.0 · Crossref DOI ·
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