Daoism

Beginnings and History The history of Daoism can befittingly be separated into four periods: Proto-Daoism, Classical Daoism, Modern Daoism and Contemporary Daoism. The first period, Proto-Daoism, spans the time from antiquity all the way to the 2nd century C. E. The intention behind this period being called â€Å"proto-Daoism† is that we have no information of any official Daoist religious organizations at this time. The classic works that were inscribed in the course of this period, the Daode jing and the Zhuangzi in particular, they were highly significant upon the flourishing of the classical Daoist tradition.Many textbooks on world religions still take this period as representing the essence of Daoism. This is simply an dull-witted and ambiguous interpretation of the m, entire history of Daoism. The second period, that of classical Daoist religion, starts in 142 C. E. when Zhang Daoling established the Way of the Celestial Masters, also known as the Way of Orthodox Unity, the first successful organized Daoist religious system. Daoist priests today claim to be ordained in a lineage that stretches back to this original founder.Two other important movements developed later during this period of classical Daoist religion: the Way of Highest Clarity (Shangqing Daoism) and the Way of Numinous Treasure (Lingbao Daoism). This period, between the 2nd and the 7th centuries can be called the classical period because scholars of Daoism look back to this time (known also as the medieval period of Chinese history) as the era in which many Daoist practices, texts and rituals initially took shape. Also during this period, Buddhism was brought to China by missionaries from India and Tibet.Buddhist ideas and practices were absorbed into Daoism (and vice-versa) but there were also periods of intense rivalry between Daoists and Buddhists. The classical period of Daoism ends with the Tang dynasty (618-906), one of the high-points of Chinese civilisation from the point of view of the development of art and culture. During the Tang dynasty Daoism became fully integrated with the imperial court system particularly under the reign of the Xuanzong Emperor (713-756). During this time Daoism functioned as the official religion of the imperial court and exerted complete supremacy over Buddhism.The period of modern Daoism begins with the Song Dynasty (960-1279), during which time the boundaries between elite Daoist religion, Buddhism, and local cults begin to be increasingly blurred. Based on the syncretism that began in this period, it becomes increasingly difficult to separate out Daoism as a religious category from the popular Chinese religious culture as it functions on the ground. In terms of elite Daoism, however, the most significant event was the founding of the Way of Complete Perfection (Quanzhen dao) by Wang Zhe (1113-1170).The Way of Complete Perfection is the major monastic form of Daoism that exists to this day alongside the more community-bas ed priesthood of the celestial masters. The Way of Complete Perfection is devoted to the practice of internal alchemy, in which the energies of the body are refined through breathing and other forms of meditation into ever subtler forms, thus promoting longevity and even, in a few rare cases, the possibility of totally transcending the ordinary finitudes of human existence.The Way of Complete Perfection is also marked by its aim to â€Å"harmonise the three teachings† of Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism, and became highly influential under the Mongol Yuan dynasty after Wang Zhe's disciple Qiu Changchun (1148-1227) underook a three-year journey to the court of the Mongol warlord, Chinggis Khan. Despite the rhetoric of harmonization, further acrimonious debates with Buddhists developed at this time, and when the Daoists lost a series of these debates in1281 many Daoist texts were burned.Despite this setback, Daoism flourished during the subsequent Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and the year 1445 saw the compilation of the Daoist Canon (Daozang), a compendium of some 1,500 Daoist texts, under the patronage of the Yongle Emperor. In the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) Daoist ideas and practices became more entrenched in popular religious culture.Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that we have better historical evidence of the way popular religion functioned since many popular Daoist morality texts were published and the practice of Daoist-inspired arts such as Taiji quan (Tai Chi) and Qigong (Ch'i-kung) became increasingly widespread. The fourth period, since 1949, has been a near-total catastrophe for Daoism, particularly during the period of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966-76) when many Daoist temples were destroyed and the overt functioning of the religion to all intents and purposes ceased to exist in mainland China.Since 1980 Daoism has begun to be practiced openly again in China and a new generation of Daoists are struggling to rebuild their temples and recover their tradition. On the other hand, through the emigration of many Chinese people across the world, Daoist temples have been established in Europe, the Americas and elsewhere and many popular Daoist practices such as Qigong and Taiji quan (Tai-chi) have taken root in the West. Until recently it was not certain that Daoism had survived this cataclysmic upheaval, but the study and practice of Daoism is beginning to flourish once again in China and throughout the world.Beliefs The primary belief is in learning and practicing â€Å"The Way† (Dao) which is the ultimate truth to the universe. The Dao has several meanings. It is the basis of all living things, it governs nature, and it is a method to live by. Daoists do not believe in extremes, instead focusing on the interdependence of things. There is no total good or evil or negative and positive. The Yin-Yang symbol exemplifies this view. The black represents the Yin the white represents the Yang. Yin is als o associated with weakness and passivity and Yang with strength and activity.The symbol shows that within the Yang there exists the Yin and vice versa. All nature is the balance between the two. Daoist beliefs have undergone a series of changes in its history. In the 2nd Century the Shangqing school of Daoism emerged that focused on meditation, breathing and recitation of verses. This was the dominant practice of Daoism until about 1,100 AD. In the 5th Century AD, the Lingbao school emerged which borrowed much from Buddhist teachings such as reincarnation and cosmology. The use of talismans and the practice of alchemy were also associated with the Lingbao school.This school of thought was eventually absorbed into the Shangqing school during the Tang Dynasty. In the 6th Century, Zhengyi Daoists, who believed in protective talismans and rituals, emerged. Zhengyi Daoists performed offering rituals for showing thanks and the retreat ritual that includes repentance recitations and abstin ence. This school of Daoism is still popular today. Around 1254, Daoist priest Wang Chongyang developed the Quanzhen school of Daoism. This school of thought used meditation and breathing to promote longevity, many are also vegetarian.The Quanzhen school also further combines the three main Chinese teachings of Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism. Due to the influence of this school, by the late Song Dynasty (960-1279) many of the lines between Daoism and other religions were blurred. The Quanzhen school is also still prominent today. Another key component of Daoism is the De, which is the manifestation of the Dao in all things. De is defined as having virtue, morality and integrity. Historically, the highest achievement of a Daoist is to achieve immortality through breathing, meditation, helping others and the use of elixirs.In early Daoist practices, priests experimented with minerals to find an elixir for immortality, laying the groundwork for ancient Chinese chemistry. One of thes e inventions was gunpowder, which was discovered while searching for an elixir. Daoists believe that influential Daoists are transformed into immortals who help guide others. Tao, originally, meant ‘road' and then implied ‘to rule' and ‘principle'. Lao Zi used Tao to propound his ideological system; therefore his school of thinking is called Taoism. At the time Lao Zi created this religion, it was simply a school of philosophy.During the Eastern Han Dynasty, it became a religion. Tao is the origin of the eternal world. It is boundless in time and space. Ordinary people can become gods when they have Tao. This religion pursues immortality and preservation of health; its uttermost goal is to become an immortal being. This can be obtained through cultivating one's moral character and perfecting one's moral integrity. A Taoist phrase is to say an ordinary man can become immortal if he does good 3,000 times and accomplishes 800 exploits. Of course the number is symbolic .It requires people to do good without making it known to others as the gods will know it naturally, much like the Christian principle expressed in Matthew 6:3-4, â€Å"But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. † At certain dates, food may be set out as a sacrifice to the spirits of the deceased or the gods, such as during the Qingming Festival. This may include slaughtered animals, such as pigs and ducks, or fruit.Another form of sacrifice involves the burning of Joss paper, or Hell Bank Notes, on the assumption that images thus consumed by the fire will reappear—not as a mere image, but as the actual item—in the spirit world, making them available for revered ancestors and departed loved ones. At other points, a vegan diet or full fast may be observed. Also on particular holidays, street parades take place. These are lively a ffairs which invariably involve firecrackers and flower-covered floats broadcasting traditional music.They also variously include lion dances and dragon dances; human-occupied puppets (often of the â€Å"Seventh Lord† and â€Å"Eighth Lord†); tongji ( â€Å"spirit-medium; shaman†) who cut their skin with knives; Bajiajiang, which are Kungfu-practicing honor guards in demonic makeup; and palanquins carrying god-images. The various participants are not considered performers, but rather possessed by the gods and spirits in question. Fortune-telling—including astrology, I Ching, and other forms of divination—has long been considered a traditional Taoist pursuit. Mediumship is also widely encountered in some sects.There is an academic and social distinction between martial forms of mediumship (such as tongji) and the spirit-writing that is typically practiced through planchette writing Daoism Today The Taijitu (â€Å"yin and yang†) symbol as well as the Ba gua (â€Å"Eight Trigrams†) are connected with Daoist symbolism. While almost all Daoist societies make use of the yin and yang symbol, one could also call it Confucian, Neo-Confucian or pan-Chinese. The yin and yang make an â€Å"S† shape, with yin (Black or Red) on the right. One is likely to see this symbol as beautifications on Daoist organization flags and logos, temple floors, or stitched into clerical robes.In accordance Song Dynasty sources, it originated around the 10th century. Previously, yin and yang were symbolized by a tiger and dragon. A zigzag with seven stars is sometimes displayed, representing the Big Dipper (or the Bushel, the Chinese equivalent). In the Shang Dynasty the Big Dipper was considered a deity, while during the Han Dynasty, it was considered a qi path of the circumpolar god, Taiyi. Daoist temples in southern China and Taiwan may often be identified by their roofs, which feature Chinese dragons and phoenix made from multi-color ed ceramic tiles. They also stand for the harmony of yin and yang (with the phoenix being yin).A related symbol is the flaming pearl which may be seen on such roofs between two dragons, as well as on the hairpin of a Celestial Master. In general though, Chinese Taoist architecture has no universal features that distinguish it from other structures. Daoist temples may fly square or triangular flags. They typically feature mystical writing or diagrams and are intended to fulfill various functions including providing guidance for the spirits of the dead, to bring good fortune, increase life span, etc. Other flags and banners may be those of the gods or immortals themselves.Today Taoism is mainly practiced in China and Taiwan. It has also spread to other parts of Asia and even around the world. There are about 20 million followers worldwide–most of them living in Taiwan. About 30,000 North Americans practice Taoism. The Chinese government has tried to suppress Taoism (severely at times in the past), but its teachings and practices still thrive and remain strong†¦ One thing that keeps Taoism popular is its flexibility–it almost isn't a religion, but a philosophy. Most followers practice Taoism in conjunction with Confucianism, Buddhism, and other religions.Many Chinese practice a mix of Confucianism and Taoism. Evangelization to Daoism Daoist are very involved in their own historic culture much like most other religions, things have always been a certain way for them, so they are comfortable in dealing with the â€Å"Dao† and in saying what’s life is life. Which brings a hard pint top bring across when a Christian makes it their goal to show a Daoist that there is value to life, and things do not simply happen for no reason. Many Christians, including me before this class, have no connection with Daoism like they would with Islam or Buddhism.But with 30 million followers Daoism is making a name for itself in the religious world. Dao ist are far opposites from extremist, believing that is simply no evil and no good. So with a start I think as a Christian you have to hear them out and understand their beliefs as to why there is no good or why there is no evil. Otherwise it will just come across as you attacking them and having no care for their soul, and just talking to prove wrong. Once you are comfortable with one another, it’s your turn! You begin to show the good things in the world, and explain how they came to be and how God had a hand in all of it.Now I know this won’t work for every single individual you come across, but any reasonable person will give you a shot and that is all our God needs! Bibligraphy Littlejohn, Ronnie. Daoism: An Introduction. London: I. B. Tauris, 2009. Print. Palmer, David A. , and Xun Liu. Daoism in the Twentieth Century: Between Eternity and Modernity. Berkeley, CA: Global, Area, and International Archive, University of California, 2012. Print. â€Å"The Canon of Reason and Virtue. † (Tao Te Ching) Index. N. p. , n. d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013. â€Å"China and the Chinese. † From Project Gutenberg. N. p. , n. d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.

Eugenics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Eugenics - Essay Example As quoted in "Regulating Eugenics," Francis Galton—who was actually a cousin of Charles Darwin—first used the term "eugenics" in 1883. Galton described it as: But who is to say which "race" or "strain of blood" is more "suitable" than another? This paper will look at several topics concerning eugenics and what the practice might mean in the present day and future. There is a type of eugenics that is practiced in nature. If a zebra is born with a genetic defect that affects its legs, it will very soon be culled from the herd by predators. It is a fact of nature that the weakest and sickest are, in general, the first to die; it is survival of the fittest. Humans are one predator that flip this equation on its ear. How many hunters hope to bag the smallest, sickliest of deer? No, human hunters tend to go for the "prize," thus removing from the gene pool an animal that has some sort of genetic disposition—a better immune system; greater intelligence to protect it from predators, automobiles, or starvation; stronger bones and muscle and greater strength—that has allowed it to reach an enviable size and age. To protect from overpopulation, at least in deer, hunting is a necessity; however, by culling these "trophies" from the population, hunters are weakening the stock that otherwise would have been strengthened by natural selection. But perhaps humans make up for this toying with the nature of things by taking care of our own. In Greek literature, there is mention of blind prophet. Left on his own, this man would likely die; instead, he is cared for and tended by his peers. Whether or not this person is fictional or historical does not matter, for if this behavior exists in literature, it can be reasoned that it existed in real life as well. Throughout literature and history, there is mention of a person disabled

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Men of Honor - Movie Review Example Determined to become the Navy's first master diver, Brashear confronts Billy Sunday, a racist Navy diving instructor in the segregated south of the early 1950s. From the beginning of the film we see Brashear struggle with the elements and his race as he plows a field in the hot sun with his father. As a means to escape, Brashear joins the Navy with the hope of bettering his station in life. He confronts the chores of Navy kitchen duty while working to become a black Navy diver. Eventually given the opportunity to become a diver, he is confronted by the Navy instructors bent on proving him incapable. The ongoing torment from Billy Sunday and the Commander, played by Hal Holbrooke, can't hold Brashear down. He conquers every obstacle placed in front of him. After he becomes a diver, his career seems to be cut short when his leg is amputated after an accident on a Navy ship. Brashear again struggles to regain his strength and the fortitude to carry the weight of a Navy Scuba outfit. This time, Billy Sunday is his biggest supporter as we see Brashear overcome the final obstacle of a physical handicap. Though the film is based in racism, its inspiration comes from the need to overcome any hardship. Much of Brashear's torment came from a racist feeling in Sunday and his classmates, yet we see the struggle in terms of a fight against the elements and ourselves. There is a memorable scene where Sunday makes Brashear's diving test almost impossible to pass.

Critical literary essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Critical literary - Essay Example the Magi† O’ Henry primarily deals with the passion of two opposite sexes for each other, at the inner level of it, he leaves a message that is more serious than it sounds on the surface level. It is the message that appeals to the readers to review their own relationship with their female counterpart of the society. For those readers who are not acquainted with some of his other stories like â€Å"Hearts and Hands†, â€Å"the Romance of a Busy Broker† and â€Å"Girl† may easily mistake his handling of â€Å"love† between Jim and Della for an anecdote that is devoid of any complex theme. In this regard Rena Korb says, â€Å"The majority of critics then dubbed O. Henry’s stories facile, anecdotal, superficial, and flippant† (1). But these stories fairly play the role of a foil to â€Å"the Gift of the Magi†. While reading â€Å"the Gift of the Magi† a reader may perceive the amorous bond between Jim and Della as it is. But when one reads â€Å"the Romance of the Busy Broker†, he is confronted with the question what love should be and immediately the answer lies in the reflection of â€Å"the Gift of the Magi† that love is as unconditional and spontaneous as Jim-Della’s is. Therefore the themes in these stories are comple mentary to each other that integrate into a more holistic view of Henry about the amorous relationship between opposite sexes. When critics comment that â€Å"the Gift of the Magi† is nothing more than a mere anecdote, it is the problem of their approach that fails to delve deep into the message of the author. As the formalist critics are exclusively engaged with the author’s intention and style, they cannot interpret the message that the author leaves it in his story for his readers. Hence the reader-response approach to Henry’s stories is more holistic than the formalist approach. In general, critics on the story, â€Å"the Gift of the Magi† are of the opinion that his approach to human passion like â€Å"love† is more of the fantasy than of

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Timeline of Historical Events, Movements or Individuals (History of the USA to 1865) - Research Paper Example it was initiated by the Virginia Company. Thomas Jefferson is included among the list of Presidents of United States of America who played a vital role towards the constitution formation and obtaining the declaration of independence of United States of America. He was born in 1743 and he was an integral part of the American Revolution and overall process. Also he due to his innumerable achievements and contributions is listed among the few who are called the founding fathers of United States of America. He also remained the Secretary of State and further, remained the United States Minister to France. His other contributions in the professional capacity include his standing and duty performance as the Governor of Virginia. He remained the Vice President as well. A decade long war that started in 1753 and lasted till 1764. It is important in the history of American nation on number of accounts. Firstly, it served as the foundation step towards the internal resentment against the English, secondly it was fought in the form of a proxy war between the English and the French who had their influence and presence in the region. Third was the fact that it set the grounds for the later on Seven Years War which was to be fought directly between the Great Britain and France. The warring territories engaged in this battle were Nova Scotia and parts of Virginia in the modern day United States. The final outcome came about in the form of victory towards the English. The first Continental Congress proceedings lasted between September and October of 1774. It was important on number of grounds. The first was the fact that nearly all the states sent over their representatives for the grand gathering with the mere exception of Georgia. The event was held in Philadelphia. It was significant on the account of fact that a platform was made where it was established that this platform would make efforts to overcome the obstacles

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Nike - The Sweatshop Debate - Essay Example All organizations are faced with cultural challenges like diversity or cultural gaps. The problems with cultural diversity are difficult and hard to handle. Whereas ethics can be defined as the code of moral principles and values that help to oversee the behaviors of the employees or teams with respect to what is right and what is not. The organizations these days are also faced with ethical dilemma within the company. Ethical challenges arise in the organization when in a situation each alternative choice or behavior is undesirable because of potentially harmful ethical consequences. Right and wrong are not clearly identifiable in the situation. The legal dimension means the general environment of the company that includes federal, state and local rules and regulations that help the company to control the behavior of the employees. The legal challenges of the company would include the EEO (equal employment opportunity). (Daft, 1997) As we know that government laws and regulations differ from country to country and this makes manufacturing of products very difficult challenge for the international companies like Nike. The host governments have laws concerns about consumer protection, information and labeling, employment, wages and salaries and safety of the workers who work in those firms. The international organizations must keep these rules and regulations in their minds and should abide by them. The most visible changes in the legal-political factors develop and grow out of international trade agreements and the emergence of international trade alliance between different countries, for example, GATT or EU etc. (Daft, 1997) The various roles that the host governments of different countries like China, Vietnam or Indonesia played in this particular global business’s operations were that they turned a blind eye towards the poor working conditions of the manufacturing plants.

Philosophy of Science - Does Creationism qualify as science Essay

Philosophy of Science - Does Creationism qualify as science - Essay Example This new aspect erroneously emphasizes that both the earth and universe were born some 10,000 years ago and the present life form of the earth is the outcome of catastrophes like floods. Some creation scientists again hold that human beings were born out of divine intervention for the presence of intelligence absent in others. The creationism aspect of science on account of the above examples is countering problem for the proper teaching of science. (Skehan & Nelson, 1-2). Thus, the activities of creation scientists are aiming to draw a rift between experimental nature of science and a scientific approach based on false dogmas and religious ideologies. Creationism which fails to impart an experimental outlook fails to be qualified as Science. Controversial Theories of Creation Science against Science Scientific Creationism is observed to largely mingle religious ideologies with scientific doctrines causing the formation of erroneous facts which cultivate an environment of misinformat ion. In fact, the doctrines rendered by Creation Science which states that the formation and destruction of life forms on the planet were the outcome of a deluge were observed to bear close resemblance to Biblical theories. These facts rendered by Creation Science draw controversies for Science has already stated the age of the earth as amounting to some billions of years. With regards to the development of the large diversity of flora and fauna Science has successfully shown that these diversities sprouted out owing to the effects of evolution. The facts stated by Science gain ground for being supported by experimental observations conducted through the study of fossils which claims that evolution is a spontaneous phenomenon and not merely a theory. An endeavor to intensify the realm of Creation Science to reach the Science classrooms was largely contested on several grounds. The Law of the land observed such moves of Creation Science as totally unconstitutional due to mainly three aspects. Firstly, it was observed that such a drive affected the secularity of the region and legislation. It is because the approach of Creation Science is considered to have strong linkages to the Catholic religion. Secondly, it was held that the Creation Science’s approach was involved more in spreading religion than centered on imparting knowledge. Thirdly the approach made by Creation Science was also felt as anti-governmental activity and thus an endeavor was made to restrict its further development. Several schools of the American region were strictly directed to disallow the professing of the doctrines of Creation Science. The activities of Creation Science however did counter less halt as it came out with the doctrine of ‘Intelligent Design’. The theory of ‘Intelligent Design’ is considered to be propounded by the Creation Science theorists to counter the strength of legislative actions imposed upon it. The theory of ‘Intelligent Desi gn’ propounded by the Creation Scientists presents itself in two parts. The first part aimed at totally criticizing the theory of evolution framed by Charles Darwin. It aimed at stating that the theory of evolution was totally wrong and practically suffered from absence of a strong base. In the second part the concept of ‘Intelligent Design’ tried to focus that each of the different life forms on earth including the intelligent human beings were the actions of some