Abstract This paper looks at the various forms of Chinese divination called I Ching. The author discusses I Ching's long history based on the philosophy of an ever-changing universe. The paper discusses how trigrams and hexagrams lead to a better understanding of the future, and how the practice was used during several dynasties in China. The author also examines I Ching's text, "Book of Changes".
From the Paper "I Ching is a form of divination used in China for the prediction of many affairs, both personal and affairs of the state. ?I? or yi means change. "Ching" or ying means book. Therefore it is known in English as the Book of Changes. It is based on the philosophy that everything in the universe is constantly changing. The I Ching reflects this process of changes and gives a way to interpret the way that energy is flowing at any particular moment."
Abstract This paper analyzes the "Tao Te Ching", the Chinese text that teaches there is one undivided truth at the root of all things. "Tao Te Ching" written in China about 2,500 years and is probably the most influential Chinese book of all times. The "Tao Te Ching" provides the basis for the philosophical school of Taoism, an essential pillar of Chinese thought.
From the Paper "Stylistically, the verse uses a number of figures of speech. At the beginning is a series of antithesis or contrasting constructions as well as repetition of the word "be": "Yield and overcome"; "Bend and be straight"; "Empty and be full"; "Wear out and be new"; "Have little and gain." This whole part of the verse is also a tautology, saying the same thing with different words. The words also evoke images: The bending tree or plant, the full bucket of water, the warn out clothes.
These words in the beginning of the verse are also similar to "ying" and "yang." Yin originally meant "shady, secret, dark, mysterious, cold." Yang in turn meant "clear, bright, the sun, heat," the opposite of yin. From these basic opposites, a complete system of opposites was elaborated. Yin represents everything about the world that is dark, hidden, passive, receptive, yielding, cool, soft, and feminine."
Abstract A primary source-based examination of the similarities and differences between the understanding and description of 'Ultimate Reality' (or God) as found in the Taoist and Hindu main theological texts, the "Tao Te Ching" and the "Upanishads". History and explanations of the differing religious traditions and the concept of 'Ultimate Reality' are supplied. Cause of creation and nature of reality are discussed. Many textual references included. Includes annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "Although composed over two thousand years ago, the Upanishads and the "Tao Te Ching" are considered to be the mystical texts par excellence of their respective religious traditions. The content of these documents were foundational to the establishment of Hinduism and Taoism and continue to be highly referenced within these traditions today. Primarily identified for their mystical content, these texts reflect a desire on the authors? behalf to identify through direct contact a reality that transcends their own, an Ultimate Reality."
Abstract This paper gives a brief history and explanation of three Eastern religions known as Tao Te Ching, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In addition, the paper points out the many similarities between the three philosophies, as well as their differences.
From the Paper "The Tao Te Ching shares a great number of similarities with Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, although there are some important differences between the three religions. The Tao Te Ching and Buddhism share similar ideas of harmony with the environment, nirvana, and even reincarnation. Similarly, Hinduism and the Tao Te Ching share a common understanding of human suffering, the relief from suffering, and the nature of the divine. Nonetheless, the differences between the Tao Te Ching and Hinduism are important. Ultimately, the Tao Te Ching, Hinduism, and Buddhism provide an interesting and welcome contrast to Western philosophy and thought."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the ideas and philosophies of Tao Te Ching, and how these ideas and philosophies can be applied in everyday modern life. According to this paper, the concept of Tao has trickled into western ideas, such as the expression of 'going with the flow'.
From the Paper "The Tao Te Ching is a mystical treatise of philosophy and individual spirituality. The central concept is the Tao, meaning the Way, followed by Wei-wu-wei which refers to action through inaction. Actions that are in harmony with Tao (Nature) are more productive than those which oppose the Tao. Our common expression today of 'going with the flow' is the essence of Chapter 64. This idea along with other concepts can be applied to current daily situations since Lao Tze is pertinent for the modern era just as the Tao Te Ching has had an influence on Chinese thought through the ages" (Lau ix).
Abstract In this paper, the writer shows how Plato and Lao-tzu both display similarities within their theme of enlightenment and political success and the modern day influence of their works. However, the methods of dialogue and poetry to present their writings helps to maintain their philosophical uniqueness.
From the Paper "Philosophy is the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct . Plato, a Greek writer and teacher, is thought to be one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy. In his work, "The Allegory of the Cave," he discusses politics and perception within a symbolic narrative. Lao-tzu's "Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching," is another document containing philosophical ideology, focusing on government and moral behavior. Both Plato and Lao-tzu display similarities within their theme and their influence in the modern world; however, one distinct variation they possess is the method in which their material is presented."
Examines the role of the intellectual in China's Ching Dynasty. Focuses on whether the intellectual class supported the traditional or agitated for change.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, 1988, $ 47.95
From the Paper "Fairbank and Reischauer (1989) discuss the early Ching dynasty and make the comment that contemporary impressions of the culture of the time in China "is of a rich culture so firmly imbedded in its inherited tradition that it is more critical than creative and, in some cases, even repetitive and decadent" (p. 237). This raises interesting questions about the role of the intellectual in such a society, centering on whether the intellectual class supports the traditional or agitates for change and how the specific intellectual response is viewed by the rest of society. This was a period of dynastic decline, but even that was in some fashion a preparation for the next surge forward even if the people of the time could not see what form that surge would take. There is a parallel here between the declining Ching dynasty and our own era, as we are beset by concerns about the (...)"
Abstract The paper discusses how "Angels in America" and "Oedipus Rex" both present a reflection of the troublesome relationship between human and deity in the form of drama. The paper shows how the human characters attempt to gain control over their lives through fighting with forces that could not be controlled. The paper looks at the Tao Te Ching, the principles of Chinese philosophy and uses these principles to explain how it would have been possible for the characters in these stories to gain power over what controlled them.
From the Paper "The Tao Te Ching is a document that describes many of the core principles of Chinese philosophy. It presents a pathway that the reader can follow, and through doing so the reader can begin to reconcile himself with many of the unique problems of life. Foremost among these is the nature of contradiction, wherein concepts that should not be able to function simultaneously are nevertheless quite abundant. Of note are the concepts of being, where the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the qualities of nothingness and non-existence and the nature of being and existence as two parts of the whole; things both exist and do not exist at the same time, and while it is not in the capacity of the human observer to affect these, it is within the capacity of the human observer to change these."
Abstract This essay discusses how Taoism offered emotional religious satisfaction to those who found the largely ethical system of Confucianism inadequate. The way in which these ideas helped establish the new thoughts of traditional Chinese society are also touched on.
From the paper:
?The Tao Te Ching offered a less strict rule of government. A life of Tao was more forgiving than Confucius wisdom. The first chapter for example deals with letting go of comparisons, and not being so concerned with desires. Stealing is discouraged, since material possessions should not be a focus of importance. A Taoist leader is expected to ?act without unnecessary speech.? Chapter 17 of the Tao Te Ching Book 1 states, ?The highest form of government is what people hardly realize is there.? It was believed that the ?thinning of trustworthiness was the forerunner of disorder,? as quoted in Book 2.?
Abstract This is an analysis of two poems found in the Book of Odes and the inspiration of nature on the author. This paper compares common themes running throughout the entire book by looking at two inspiration poems. Despite the fact that the style of poetry faded away about as quickly as it was born, much of its value and meaning have lived on to the present day. The Book of Odes is after all the earliest work of Chinese poetry ever discovered and it "represents all we know of early Chinese poetry"in a culture where the oldest is often thought to be the best.?
From the Paper "Poetry, throughout history, has been one of the most admired artistic forms of inner expression and has inspired readers to search for personal meaning and value within the context of the most beautiful words written by man. It is impossible to fully understand ancient Chinese history without studying its contribution to the art of poetry. Chinese poets are known for their brilliance and Chinese poetry for its unique style, inner meaning and its ability to educate and inspire readers throughout the centuries. One of the most noteworthy pieces of literature is the Shih ching or the Book of Odes, also referred to as the Book of Songs. This collection of approximately 300 poems from the Chou dynasty is a Confucian classic and was traditionally compiled by Confucius himself. Confucius used these 305 poems in order to teach his disciples about the meaning they should be drawing from poetry. Two poems, one about a peach tree, and the other about a pear tree, are just a miniscule fragment of the entire Book of Odes, yet they reveal an ocean of meaning and provide an amazing preview into one of the most incredible volumes in Chinese history."
Tags: ancient, china, confucius, literature, book, of, songs, history
From the Paper "The concepts of Yin and Yang in Chinese philosophy are complex and difficult to grasp, and they are said to be indefinable in the strictest sense because they are such all-embracing conceptions. The terms are used to refer to the two complementary creative forces in nature. Yin is female and is thought to be passive, negative, dark, cold, soft, and wet; yang is male and is thought to be active, positive, light, hot, hard, and dry. The terms "positive" and "negative" in this instance do not have the meaning of good or bad or desirable and undesirable; instead, they are used in the same general sense that physicists use the terms to refer to the positive or negative electrical charges of particles. Yin and yang together symbolize the eternal and profound duality in nature. They are opposites, but they counterbalance and complement each other (Wu 157)."
Abstract This paper describes several Chinese traditions that stem from principles of Taoism and Buddhism. It focuses, specifically, on the burning of incense and paper money in funeral and other religious rites and the meaning behind this tradition. The paper explains that Chinese people burn money at funerals and other festivals to acknowledge the transformation of a human being from body to spirit. The paper includes a graph.
From the Paper Unlike food and other gifts, which are meant to attract blessings of the spirits, paper money is used to maintain a distance between the spiritual and material world. Despite all their reverence for the deceased, Chinese equate death with bad luck and for this reason, mock or fake money is burnt during various rites and rituals to keep the deceased's spirit away. Paper is also burnt with the belief that the money sent to the deceased would either be used by them for their own comfort or will be saved for future use by other family members."
Abstract This paper describes the life of Lu Hsun and explains how his experiences influenced the writing of his novel, "The True Story of Ah Q". The paper also summarizes the plot of the book and demonstrates, through the use of examples from the book, that the author's objective in writing the story was to expose the weaknesses in the Chinese soul and national character.
From the Paper "Around 1906-1907, Lu Hsun involved himself with literary pursuits and wrote several essays and made some translations of important Russian works. Literature became his vital tool for change and he felt he could guide his people in the right direction with his pen. His literary career however took off in 1918 after the October Revolution of 1917 and coincided with May Fourth Movement of 1919. His desire for change and revolution led to his immortal work The True Story of, Ah Q that established his position as the pioneer of new literature movement in China."
Tags: anti-imperialist, anti-feudal, sentiment, ching, dynasty, nanking, peking, ruling, class
Abstract This paper analyzes the origins and impact of the Taiping Rebellion on modern China. The paper focuses on the leader of the Taiping Rebellion, the development of his ideology, and the lasting effect the Taiping Rebellion had on the Chinese. It explains that the Taiping Rebellion aimed not merely to overthrow a dynasty, but to effect great societal changes among China's people.
From the Paper "The Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) made a major impact on the history of modern China. Hung Hsiu-ch'uan brought about the conceptual framework that would become the focus for the mobilization of the uprising. Hung's ideals attacked not only the dynastic rule itself, bringing a general governmental upheaval to the Ching Dynasty from which it would never fully recover, but the "Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace" challenged China's very social system as well. To understand the Taiping Ideology one must look not only to the historical and societal framework, but, to its sources of origin as well."
Tags: chinese, ching, dynasty, fervor, manchu, religious, society, traditional
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the book "Red Azalea: Life and Love in China" by Anchee Min. According to this paper, the book is based on "Red Azalea" a film Anchee Min worked on at a film studio in China. This paper tells us that "Red Azalea" is the story of the "perfect" Chinese woman - a woman who was loyal to the Communist Party and its teachings above all else, and that the film "Red Azalea" was written by Chairman Mao's wife, Madame Mao (Jiang Ching).
From the Paper "The film means different things to the characters that are touched by it. For Min, it represents hope and the ability to make a name and a career for herself, and it represents respect from those around her. It also represents her absence from Yan, who she loves, or at least thinks she loves. Min is touched by the story, but she is more impressed with what being a star will mean to her life and her family. However, because her dream of being a star does not come true, the film also represents the end of Min's dreams, or at least the end of her life with Yan and the beginning of a new life. Min writes, "In the dark I realized that it was a lion's den I had entered. The darkness silenced a roaring cry. The coldness of thoughts froze me. I could hear the sound of my dream's spine breaking" (Min 170). Her dream of happiness seems like it will never come true, but that is not how the story ends. "
