Author: Mike Colagrossi / Source: Big Think
- Taoist philosophy teaches its adherents the paradoxical action of non-action.
- Over three thousand years ago, the I Ching conceptualized binary code and influenced major asian religions
- Ram Dass and Herman Hesse synthesized western scientific and philosophic views with traditional eastern religions to inform their teachings.
All cultures in the world have sought to develop an understanding of themselves, their realities and seek deeper truths. While the scientific and reductionist worldview of European thought has labored to formulate and postulate on the world, a divergence of thought also flourished throughout the East with a more holistic view of existence. These ideals and differing thoughts have certainly pollinated and crossed one another throughout the years. Today, the old dichotomy and division of Eastern and Western thought has largely dissolved or converged. In the past century or so, these views of the world were more alienated from one another.
In a more seemingly rapid paced world without sanctuary or peace of mind, it’s time we return to these books on Eastern philosophy. Discover what has been lost and what can be found again.
This influential and widely known Chinese text is attributed to the great sage Lao Tzu. Short and whimsical, the “Tao Te Ching” reads more like folky Aesop’s fables than fundamental religious doctrine. It’s a slim book and a quick read, but leaves behind new profundities on the nature of being and reality. Stephen Mitchell’s poetic translation keeps the wisdom intact.
Considered the foundational text for Taoism, the “Tao Te Ching” leads its reader into a newfound, harmonious way of existing in the world. Taoism is the paradoxical concept of non-action or “doing not-doing”. Mitchell writes in the introduction that: “The game plays the game; the poem writes the poem; we can’t tell the dancer from the dance.”
“Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.”
– Lao Tzu
“The Analects” are a collection of Confucius’ sayings after the fact; they were written sometime after his death in 497 BCE. Confucius’ goal was to create and uphold the ideal vision of what a man should be. He wanted to perfect one’s moral character and develop the methods toward pursuing such a grand goal.
Drawing from many different ancient Chinese texts and philosophies already in existence, the philosophy or religion of Confucianism has gone through many iterations. It shares a similarity with Christianity and the works of Socrates as both these philosophies and religions had the words of their leaders written after their deaths by their devotees.
One of the great classics of world literature, “The Analects” have to be read firsthand to be truly understood.
“Not to discuss with a man worthy of conversation is to waste the man. To discuss with a man not worthy of conversation is to waste words. The wise waste neither men nor words.” – Confucius, “The Analects”
“The I Ching” has had an immense influence on the world. It’s influenced Chinese thought…
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