Thy Nguyen PHIL-104 Sec 04 Asian Philosophy First Versions of Term Papers Yin-Yang way of Thinking Yin – yang is a Chinese philosophical way of embracing human thought which considers two dimensions including humanity, character, and situations in life. This philosophy emphasizes that two complementary forces exists in the universe that are mutually opposed to one another but still remain in unity. According to “Hegelian, Yi-Jing, and Buddhist Transformational Models for Comparative Philosophy”, it is believed that the two forces are dependent on another and are well balanced (Robert 6). This paper intends to explore the major aspects of yin-yang way of thinking, how it affects the Confucius and Lao Zi ways of viewing happenings in the universe and the application of this kind of thought to the contemporary society There are some unique characteristics that are associated with the yin-yang way of thinking. These characteristics include; a) Complementary: This kind of thinking believes that the two opposing or different forces complement one another. They depend on one another and there exists the mutual support. Without the existence of one force, the holistic state cannot be achieved either in humanity or the situations in the universe. For example, if there were no violence, the society could not understand the need for peace. b) Universal thought: The good and the bad co-exist in every situation in the universe. This thought believes that, even in humanity, there are
Yin and Yang is a Chinese philosophy. Yin and Yang connects to Taoism, because it symbolizes balance between opposing sides. It is made of two principles. Yin, the predominately black side,
The thought of Yin and Yang has been around for a very long time. The idea of Yin and Yang can be dated back to as far as the 14th century B.C.E. These “documentations” of Yin and Yang were found on the “oracle bones” from ancient China. As Yin and Yang can represent man and women it can be dissected into a very meaningful thought. “As Yin and Yang are not of the same nature, so man and woman have different characteristics” (Pg.175). This is saying that it is not just how someone may be brought up or raised that determines how a child could gain characteristics. This explains that the gender when someone is born gives them distinct characteristics that are associated with a certain gender. It is said that “Man is honored for strength; a woman is beautiful on account of her gentleness”(Pg.175). This states the basic thoughts of men and women. That men are strong and women are beautiful and gentle. These thoughts of the two different genders brought upon a common saying, “A man though born like a wolf may, it is feared, become a weak monstrosity; a woman though born like a mouse may, it is feared, become a tiger” (Pg. 175). This statement or saying says a lot about people thought and probably still think about gender stereotypes. A man is born like a wolf, a man is born as being strong and masculine as a women is born weak and kind. These are the norms of the society. Even today there are plenty of societal norms that if a person breaks one of these norms that person would be
Yin and Yang is an ancient Chinese philosophy that shows the perfect balance between two things. The yin and yang sign is considered an energy which keeps the concept flowing. It is two
One of the oldest philosophies in Chinese history is Confucianism. At the time of the warring states, Confucius wandered throughout China seeking a ruler who accepted the Confucian way. Since then, his ideas grew and are still relevant today. Throughout time other philosophers, Mengzi and Xunzi, have interpreted Confucius’ teachings and have long debated whether human nature is good or bad. I argue that human nature is not, as Mengzi believes, inherently good, instead, completely self-interested.
We have covered the general accounts of human nature found in Confucianism and Taoism in light of the historical backdrop of the Period of Warring States. Use your responses to the following general questions below as an opportunity to refer either to the Smith text and accompanying assigned scriptures(s), Smith video(s) on China, Confucianism, and Taoism, or any additional material covered in class. Look ahead to the next question on the chun tzu in order to plan on avoiding repetition of answers verbatim within each essay if there are areas of potential overlap.
In “The Daodejing,” Laozi, similar to many prominent Chinese philosophers before and after his time, discusses his unique perspective of the “Way.” There is much controversy, however, regarding whether Laozi was the actual author of this text or was even a real person, and “his” work is thought to have been a composite. (For the purpose of clarity, throughout this paper, the author(s) of “The Daodejing” will be mentioned as Laozi.) Laozi’s vision of the “Way” is exceptionally challenging to define using words because of its metaphysical nature. Although this term is somewhat difficult to envision, it is what mankind should aspire and take action to be aligned with. According to Laozi, in “readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy,” the “Way” (or dao) is the “source, sustenance, and ideal state of all things in the world” (Laozi 158). It can be best thought of as the underlying guiding force of all events that occur in the universe, and mankind is closer to the “Way” when they realize that all things are interconnected and have an effect on one another. As might be expected, this vague definition isn’t a foolproof depiction of the eighty-one chapters in the “Daodejing,” but one is able to grasp a basic understanding of Laozi’s ineffable doctrine. Although numerous chapters are meaningful and could provide substantial analysis, this paper will focus in on Chapter Twelve. Ultimately, this chapter adequately and efficaciously compresses the teachings of “The Daodejing” into
The final interpretation of the Daodejing’s philosophy of language is one which sees there use of paradox as connected to their view of yin/yang. This theory thinks that the Taoist emphasis on polarity,
As explained in World Religions Today, in contemporary culture, the discoveries made through science are usually articulated in the structure of mathematical equations. These mathematical equations serve as proofs of the fundamental truths that the particular science reveals. Analogous to this idea is the symbolism in the Yi-Jing system of East Asian Religions. The symbolization of the Yi-Jing system enriches the conceptualization of the universe as incessantly changing. Within the Yi-Jing system, the yin-yang symbol exemplifies the most familiar representation of these uncovered fundamental truths (Esposito 502-3). In this essay, I intend to explain the meaning of the terms yin and yang and discuss the role they play in Chinese religions generally. Further, I will explain the way in which the symbolism of yin and yang contribute to the Chinese conception of the universe and the way that role is played out in religious practices.
A hundred schools were created to help Chinese understand the cosmos and nature in the world. An early belief in ancient times was that the universe consisted of two divisions, good and evil, light and dark, male and female, etc... giving itself the name of yin and yang. Most Chinese tried to understand the process for the effects that came after for instance after bad times come good ones and vice-versa. Confucius helped with the evolvement of Confucianism for he preached for his followers to keep close yet at a distance with their ancestral spirits. Confucius ha a keen interest in philosophy that had political and ethical factors in it. With humans becoming harmonious with their purpose in life, they would prosper in the world, but their
My symbol, the yin yang symbol, holds the utmost importance to me. The yin yang symbolizes a perpetual philosophy I have: balance. The yin and yang represent the belief that everything in the universe consists of two forces that are opposing but complementary. The small circles of the opposing colors represent that nothing is absolute. This holds true for everything in the universe, such as in every female there is a little male and in every good there is a little evil. Nothing in the universe, or in life, is simple black or white. As nothing is absolute, I have deemed that hearing both sides of arguments is critical to maintaining a positive interaction with other people. Both sides of the yin yang symbol yield to one another and push into
As I step into the world outside my room, I see a bigger picture with
Philosophy in China flourished during the tumultuous time of the Warring Period and, as a result, new ideas emerged. One school of thought, teaching inaction and balance, became known as Taoism. In the Tao Te Ching, a master, someone who follows the Tao, holds many virtues such as humility and discipline. A master of the Tao should live in a state of complete balance and practice “not-doing.” Because of its infinite complexities, the human language cannot completely define the Tao.
In “The Daodejing,” Laozi, similar to many prominent Chinese philosophers before and after his time, discusses his unique perspective of the “Way.” There is much controversy, however, regarding whether Laozi was the actual author of this text or was even a real person, and “his” work is thought to have been a composite. (For the purpose of clarity, throughout this paper, the author(s) of “The Daodejing” will be mentioned as Laozi.) Laozi’s vision of the “Way” is exceptionally challenging to define using words because of its metaphysical nature. Although this term is somewhat difficult to envision, it is what mankind should aspire and take action to be aligned with. According to Laozi, in “readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy,” the “Way” (or dao) is the “source, sustenance, and ideal state of all things in the world” (Laozi 158). It can be best thought of as the underlying guiding force of all events that occur in the universe, and mankind is closer to the “Way” when they realize that all things are interconnected and have an effect on one another. As might be expected, this vague definition isn’t a foolproof depiction of the eighty-one chapters in the “Daodejing,” but one is able to grasp a basic understanding of Laozi’s ineffable doctrine. Although numerous chapters are meaningful and could provide
Confucianism has easily been influential in the development of the Chinese state through history. In fact, the core ideals of Confucianism have evolved. Despite the harsh repression of Confucianism by Marxist revolutionaries during the second half of the twentieth century, Confucian values continues to be influential in Chinese society and recently, Confucian political philosophy has resurfaced again. In addition, the political ideas and social ethics of Confucianism can provide the basis for a new, functional form of government in China. Confucianism can be a viable political philosophy for China in the twenty first century because many intellectuals have turned to Confucianism to make sense of such social
[ 1 ]. Jimmy Lai (2007, January 27). 我是黎智英. World Journal Book Store, Author Introduction