Storehouse of Treasures

Rediscovering Chan Wisdom for a Sustainable Future

In Storehouse of Treasures: Recovering the Riches of Chan Buddhism, Foster offers a profound exploration of Chan and Zen teachings, linking them to modern concerns about ecological sustainability, the human propensity for overreach, and the need for relinquishment in the face of environmental collapse. His book is a critical meditation on the intersection of spiritual practice, philosophy, and the urgent need for cultural and ecological transformation.

One of the central themes Foster explores is the Chan and Zen engagement with Daoist critiques of human intervention, particularly through the figure of Hundun, the primordial being in Daoist cosmology. Foster reflects on how Chan reimagines Hundun’s carefree, undifferentiated existence—free from the biological needs and burdens that plague human life—as a critique of the "hustle" we endure for clothes, food, and status. This critique resonates with the broader Daoist and Zen emphasis on wuwei—the principle of non-action or non-forcing. However, Foster clarifies that this does not call for the rejection of all structure but rather the recognition of an unseen, natural order that underlies the apparent chaos. In this light, Chan and Zen do not advocate for the dismantling of order but for a more effortless alignment with it.

Foster also critiques the limited scope of contemporary environmental discourse, which often focuses on the threats to human well-being posed by environmental destruction while failing to address the catastrophic impact of human consumption on other species and ecosystems. Drawing on thinkers like Ivan Illich, E.F. Schumacher, and Bill Joy, he argues that the real challenge of our age is not just the survival of humanity but the destruction we have wrought upon the biosphere. His discussion of Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic introduces a compelling argument for viewing ourselves as “plain members and citizens” of the biotic community, a perspective that is still widely ignored despite the growing ecological crisis.

Foster brings these reflections to a head by confronting the question of relinquishment. In an era where technological advances promise more convenience, power, and comfort, can we willingly step down from the privileged position we’ve claimed over nature and its resources? Can we temper our desires for more—more consumption, more speed, more technology—in favor of a simpler, more sustainable existence? Foster argues that, so far, the collective answer has been a resounding “No.” He recounts the historical example of President Jimmy Carter’s 1979 plea for modest sacrifices during the oil crisis, which was met with derision and resistance, highlighting how even the suggestion of relinquishment is perceived as inconvenient, ascetic, or unpatriotic.

Through all this, Storehouse of Treasures stands as both a philosophical inquiry and a call to action. Foster challenges us to consider whether we are willing to relinquish the comforts and privileges that modern life affords in favor of a more ethical and ecologically harmonious way of living. His writing is both an exploration of ancient teachings and a timely meditation on the unsustainable trajectory of modern civilization. By blending Daoist wisdom, Chan Buddhist insights, and contemporary critiques of environmental destruction, Foster encourages readers to reflect on how we might realign ourselves with a deeper, more sustainable order—a shift from "doing" to "being," from forceful intervention to a harmonious, effortless existence.

Ultimately, this book invites readers to rethink not just their spiritual practices, but their very way of being in the world. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in how ancient wisdom can speak to the pressing challenges of our time.

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