amra@ihuxj.UUCP (Steven L. Aldrich) (11/26/83)
I never had much Asian history either. I guess 5000 years of civilization
and cultural development don't count for much. Most Westerners seem to
ignore the numerous contributions this area has made to humanity. People
from asian contries seem,from what I've read,to have a more balanced way
of dealing with the world they live in. Many seek to find balance and
harmoniy with nature and themselves. In my opinion, most westerners could
learn numerous valuable lessons from asian cultures and philosophies.
From the ever curious mind of:
Steve Aldrich (ihuxj!amra)
p.s. For a fairly good book on the differance between Eastern and Western
cultures may I suggest The Way of the Bull by Leo Buscaglia. He
has traveled throughout asia and the book recounts this trip. It
contains an accounting of some of the unique individuals he met
during this journey. Really helps to clarify the differances between
Eastern and Western philosophies and cultures.genji@ucbopal.CC.Berkeley.ARPA (12/05/83)
<< From: amra@ihuxj.UUCP << Posted: Sat Nov 26 05:52:43 1983 << I never had much Asian history either. I guess 5000 years of civilization << and cultural development don't count for much. Most Westerners seem to << ignore the numerous contributions this area has made to humanity. << Steve Aldrich (ihuxj!amra) Agreed. Much of modern significance is overlooked when Asian culture and history are neglected. There have been improvements in recent years, especially since the beginnings of the USA+China anti-USSR alliance, but ignorance is still our mode at every level of education. Two examples of ancient Chinese philosophy's relevance in our era: 1. "The Art of War" (Ping Fa), a brief statement of strategy written around 500 B.C.E., was the basis of military principles of the Chinese revolution led by Mao Tse-Tung and company. (The other side considered the book outdated.) This book (hardly known by non-Asians) is valuable for its succinct statement of strategy, as well as the recognition of the importance of politics in war making (for example, warning that no country wins a protracted war and that such wars breed domestic revolts). It also indicates how combined (Chinese +European-American) was the philosophic basis of the Chinese revolution. 2. Ancient Chinese physical theory (5 elements, yin-yang, chi, etc.) is seldom taken seriously but deserves to be taught at least in history of science. These concepts become practical in pre-acupuncture diagnosis (interplay of several elementary energy streams is considered in prescribing treatment). The obvious parallel in western medicine to yin-yang is the potassium-sodium relationship (in nervous transmission, etc.). --Genji
ksf@security.UUCP (Kieth S. Fung) (12/07/83)
The Art of War is available in english (I recommend the 1982 printing translated by James Clavel). The oniginal author is T'sun Tsu by the way. Also in the Art of War, T'sun T'su recommends (now get this) an ancient book called The Managment of Armies. For more recent reading I would recommend "Go Sho Rin" (the Book of Five Rings) by Myamato Musashyi (PLEASE forgive that mispelling) and the "Hagakuri" (Falling Leaves). I can't remember the author, because I don't have my copy at work. Side note : When you get the Art of War, under NO circumstances bother with the Oxford printing. That copy is 1/10 T'sun T'su and 9/10 crap by the translator on HIS beliefs on how Mao used T'sun's theories. The actual book is quite thin but loaded with knowledge. Yes I have all these books and I am constantly looking for more books in this subject. Keith Fung Mitre !linus!security!ksf
grunwald@uiuccsb.UUCP (12/11/83)
#R:ucbopal:-12000:uiuccsb:11000084:000:201 uiuccsb!grunwald Dec 10 17:29:00 1983 I have read much of "The Art of War," and I was amazed at the attitude that came through. I got the impression that war in ancient China was though of as a gentlemans sport. Very different from today.
amra@ihuxj.UUCP (Steven L. Aldrich) (12/11/83)
****************************
THANKS GO OUT TO LAURA
CREIGHTON AND OTHERS FOR
THIS INSPIRING THIS IDEA!!
*********************************
I would like to propose a discussion of Asian history and
philosophies. Also would like to discuss the differances
between Eastern & Western cultures,religions,and philosophies.
I would also be interested in hearing from people who can suggest
relevant reading materials on these subjects. My knowledge of this
area of the world is limited; I would like to increase it. This
is of interest to me and I'd like to hear from you about this topic.
I believe that with 5000+ yrs. of history and cultural/scientific
development behind them, the Asian cultures have NUMEROUS contributions
to make to Western society.
Send comments,suggestions,& information to me at IHNP4!IHUXJ!AMRA,
or POST them to the following newsgroups,(net.politics;net.religion;
or net.philosophy). Hope to hear from you in the near future.
PEACE & BEST WISHED
From the ever curious mind of:
Steve Aldrich (ihnp4!ihuxj!amra)ellis@flairvax.UUCP (Michael Ellis) (12/15/83)
Two fairly encyclopedic texts I'd recommend are:
Sourcebook on Indian Philosophy, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Sourcebook on Chinese Philosophy, Wing-Tsit Chan
...both published by Princeton University Press and widely available in
paperback for about $10 apiece.
Chan's method involves a minimum of commentary and massive dosages of
translation. His Lao Tzu is the best I've read yet. I am unable to
comment on Radhakrishnan -- the material is vast and my exposure
to it still minimal.
If you're looking for something to keep you busy for about five years,
pick these up.
-michael