Laozi

Universal Questions in Chinese Literature Universal questions can be found around the world. They are in classic English novels, new French movies, and even in ancient Chinese writing. Chinese authors, such as Tao Chien, Confucius, and Lao Tzu, attempt to answer some of these questions through their works. Tao Chien addresses how to live knowing death is imminent through the balanced advice given by the persona Spirit in “Form, Shadow, Spirit,” Confucius discusses how to better oneself through…

Taoism is a religion most commonly seen in China. Taoism does share some similarities with two religions we have discussed previously, including Buddhism and Confucianism. This religion started with a man named Lao Tzu. Lao Tzu was born around 604 B.C and was known in the Taoism religion as “the Old Boy.” People were not very certain about Lao Tzu because there were different conspiracies about different parts of his life. Some legends about Lao Tzu included people believing he was in his…

As the title suggests, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon refers to what lies beyond the eyes can perceive in a being. The movie illustrates characters that are relatable to self and Asian society. As we explore the Chinese ancestry in the class we watch the movie as a reflection of Confucianism and Taoism prevailing in traditions of China. The characters in the movie portray various attributes to paint the picture of China as a self-regulating society. As the movie begins, Li Mubai returns from…

Confucian culture has a long history. As the representative of Confucian culture, the hometown of Confucius is located in Qufu city , Shandong Province. Qufu is famous for three holes, they are respectively the Mansion, Temple, Cemetery of Confucius. Which are used to commemorate Confucius. Three holes are famous for its rich cultural accumulation, long history, grand scale, rich cultural collection and artistic value. Confucius was one of the world's greatest philosophers, who was the founder…

1. In what sense are the two notions of Yin and Yang fundamental to the understanding of Chinese religions? According to Mark Cartwright, the Yin and Yan are fundamental to the understanding of Chinese religions because it explains the Chinese principle that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites, for example, day and night, male and female or hot and cold. The two opposites attract and complement each other and, as their symbol illustrates, each side has at its core an…

4.1 Structure The idea of Confucianism encourages ‘moderation’ (中庸), which emphasizes the importance of harmony, and introduces central-oriented idea. From the case in the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, the main structural sections of the complex are arranged on a central axis, which embody the idea of moderation. The Kuiwen Hall is believed to be a rare architecture in the Chinese history. It is the second largest and tallest architecture in the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, ranks behind the…

Throughout history, philosophers, kings, and leaders have all had different, conflicting views on how empires and kingdoms run effectively. Countries fight entire wars over the chance to instill the “correct” way of governing onto another people. Arguably, Fidel Castro created one of the most successful socialist governments in world history, yet the United States disagreed with his ‘communist ways’ and ended his regime. In the mid-20th century, Germans elected a man who established stable…

Firstly, Taoism is an ancient Chinese religion which is so old that its true origin cannot be traced through written records. The practices and theory expressed in the religion has been, however, estimated to be over 4000 years old. With Taoism being officially classified as a religion in approximately 250-300 BC. In modern times the religion is ‘A way of life inspired by the course of nature; a natural wisdom and a practice aiming at uniting one with the Great Pervader or the Tao’. The modern…

The first reading in chapter one of our text Pursuing Happiness, edited by Mathew Parfitt and Dawn Skorczewski, presents material translated from The TaoTeChing. I studied multiple sources to find more about this ancient text, and in the paragraphs below I will discuss the meaning of Tao its self, the author behind the work, and how Taoism has grown and changed through the centuries up to present time. Taoism is a religion that originated in china approximately 2,400 years ago. The main…

A bird does not strive to be a better bird, nor a fish lives in angst because he cannot fly. One miraculously discovers one's authentic self within the harmony and balance of the natural order of all that is. In the ‘Tao Te Ching’, 6th century B.C. Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, introduces the Tao as the undefinable inherent truth; the key to unlocking the ebb and flow of a joyous nonresistant life; to the bewilderment of those who choose to suffer the endless cycle of anxiety, worry and fear.…