Zen Buddhism and the Ecology of Interdependence: Zen Aesthetics and Ecological Vision in Peter Matthiessen’s Nature Writing

Abstract

The 20th century has witnessed an increasing number of American writers turning to Eastern philosophy, especially Zen Buddhism, to reflect human relationships with nature. Known as the “Oriental turn”, this shift can be seen clearly in the work of Peter Matthiessen, who didn’t just borrow Zen ideas but adopted them in his writings and observations of the world. This article examines the profound influence of Zen Buddhist philosophy on Peter Matthiessen’s environmental writings. Adopting a comparative literature approach grounded in influence studies, the paper explores the intersections between Matthiessen’s literary style and key tenets of Zen thought. The analysis focuses on three interrelated dimensions: linguistic expression, character construction, and ecological imagery. Close readings of representative works demonstrate how Zen principles—such as intuitive perception, non-duality, impermanence, and reverence for nature—are seamlessly woven into Matthiessen’s ecological vision. These elements coalesce to form a distinctive literary paradigm that bridges spiritual awareness with environmental ethics, offering a model of ecological writing rooted in contemplative insight and interdependence.