Final answer:
Dorothy Lee contends that many non-Western peoples have a profoundly interconnected and respectful relationship with nature and the divine, evident in Native American beliefs, totemic practices, and the oral traditions of Indigenous Australian societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Dorothy Lee, the relationship of many non-Western peoples to nature and the divine/sacred is characterized by a deep interconnection and respect. This is seen in various indigenous cultures across the world, where the natural world is not dominated or exploited, but treated with reverence and consideration as part of a larger spiritual and physical ecosystem. For example, Native American metaphysics often centers around balance and complementarity, viewing natural processes as animate and integrated. The breath, to the Diné, is essential in nature, exemplifying the constant exchange between internal and external environments. The Zuni recognize the duality of nature in the mirrored existence of the twin stars, both manifesting as Venus, illustrating multiple forms of the same natural essence.
Indigenous cultures maintain a relationship of respect with elements of nature, as reflected in totemic emblems, where animals, plants, and natural symbols hold significant cultural and spiritual value. Totemism aligns human existence with that of other species, forming a unified web of life. The practice of totemism and the belief in the interconnectedness of all living and non-living things also leads to sustainable lifestyles, with practices such as shamanism helping to foster communication with various natural entities.
Oral traditions, often found in tribal and non-state religions, rely on performance to convey cultural knowledge and connect with the past. For instance, Indigenous Australian societies such as the Warlpiri perform rituals and ceremonies that bring their mythical Dreamtime ancestors to life, showcasing a cyclical understanding of time and an enduring connection with their ancestry.