Relationship Between Man and Nature: A Hermeneutical Approach to Interpreting the Affective Thinking of the Mongolian People

Inner Asia 6(2004): 81-93

In the traditional nomadic culture of the Mongols, their philosophy does not centre around people when it comes to relating to the environment. Instead, sky and nature are worshipped as having the significance of a spiritual being with a Divine soul. This manner of worship manifests itself not only in their daily greetings - Hoeoerhii-Amitan, for example - but also is reflected in their literature, their rituals regarding life and death, and in historical events. This philosophy allowed them to protect their natural habitat, and to live in harmony with nature for centuries; it brought them an inner world of profound peace and tranquillity. In this modern world where their natural environment is facing destruction, and their cultural environment is being contaminated, it is important for us to re-evaluate these issues and redefine traditional Mongolian worship and its meanings.