Hahn,+Ji+OneF2011

[|F Hahn Mikaella JiOne) Ancient history Unit III v]
Korea first came in contact with Christianity in sixteenth century when a Japanese Roman Catholic general, Konishi Yukinaga came to Korea with the invading Japanese Army. He also brought a Jesuit missionary named Father de Cespedes. But he was more interested in Japanese soldiers than native Koreans. Thus initially Christianity did not have any impact on Koreans because Christians were not very active in spreading their religion. Yi Sunghun, the son of a recently appointed Korean envoy that went to China in 1783 reached China to research Christianity. However he became a Christian himself and was christened Peter, and later became founder of Korea’s first known Christian church. The uniqueness of establishing Korean church was that it was established by a local instead of a western missionary. This unique start continued to influence Christianity in a unique way. Due to this, Christianity in Korea evolved independently and without any western influence. Even today, Christians in korea have imbibed a lot of rituals that are unique to Korean culture.
 * Why do you think the first time Christianity entered Korea, it attracted no converts and had basically no influence on the Korean people or society? **
 * What is unique about how the first Christian church was established in Korea as compared to the formation of early churches in other parts of the non-western world? **
 * How might this unique start have continued to influence how Christianity is regarded in Korea? **


 * Han Fei's ideal state**

In Han Fei's ideal state, the supreme governing authority is the law. When the state attains a size where the ruler is unable to maintain the law and order, then he introduces a set of rules and regulations to operate within a social and political framework. Thus law is the supreme governing authority off an ideal state. The two handles are chastisement and commendation. The chastisement inflicts death or torture to culprits, whereas commendation is to give rewards to deserving men. Both these handles are necessary for a legalist state. However, sovereigns should not be under too much control over these handles as these inculcate fear and uncertainty too. Han Fei perpetuated the principle of Legalism that does not delve into deeper philosophy. However, it means that Legalism is the act of following laws. On the other hand, it also comes under the genre of philosophy that upholds the rule of law Legalism appealed to some people because it inculcates safety. There can be question on privacy and freedom. But at least some like this kind of governance because at least it is safe, crime-free and politically stable. A Daoist would believe that the purpose of a good government is to bring peace. A Daoist would not consider anything regarding morality, though he would prefer the natural world. A Confucian will go for good governance and laws based on morality and the relations of the people. The supreme leader should be intelligent. A Confucian does not believe that social status is more than intelligence. Thus “Might makes right” does not go along with a Daoist and Confucianist. But a legalist would be for strict government, with strict and rigid laws who has control over “Two Handles” and there would be a strict figure to uphold the law. The phrase “Might makes right” works well with Legalists.
 * 1. In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law? **
 * 2. What are the "Two Handles" and how important are they to a legalist state? Why must the sovereign never surrender control over the two handles? **
 * 3. What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state? **
 * 4. Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people? **
 * 5. Imagine a series of conversations among a Daoist, a Confucian, and a Legalist. How would each respond on the following issues: What is the purpose of good government? What role does morality play in formulating law? What are the qualities of a superior ruler? The proposition "Might makes right." **


 * Taoism**

The quote "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels" indicates the gates of heaven where the almighty resides. Moreover the line “The tao that can be said is not the everlasting Tao” shows the principle of everlasting God as mentioned in Christianity. Again the lines, “Thus, if always without desire, one can observe indescribable marvels;
 * 1) In //Lectures on the Tao TehChing//, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao TehChing that remind you of Christian ideals?

If always desirous, one sees merest traces.” These lines also indicate Christian philosophy as it explains that if you do not have desires, you go to heaven and if you have desires, you go to hell. The first line of the passage indicates Confucianism as it shuns unnecessary competiveness and calls for wisdom and intelligence. The Second line is like the belief system of Buddhism as it forbids greediness. The third line is like Taoism as it calls for simplistic life and not paying attention to what we do not have. These incredible words of the quote symbolize the philosophies of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. The first three words ’relaxing the mind’ denote Taoism as it says to alleviate the mind by being self to the supreme power. The next three words ‘reinforcing the abdomen’ means strengthening the inner self like it has been said in Confucianism. Lastly ‘gentling the will’ denotes Buddhism as it indicates to alleviate the mind. Confucianism preaches a government governed by educated and intelligent people. On the other hand, Lao Tzu is in favor of government, which is ruled by compassionate people. The modern system of government is socialism, which is theoretically good but not practically viable. I do not agree with the message of Lao Tzu. Being ambitious and competitive is not bad. But Lao Tzu considers it wrong. For him being compassionate and not ambitious is the only virtue. It is not pragmatic in today’s scenario.
 * 1) See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How are does this help one understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
 * 1) In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
 * 1) Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's //Lao Tzu: Tao TeChing//, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
 * 1) Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?

>> ==== 3. Money is not static. A person who is rich now may not remain rich for his whole life, even the riches change with time. With the example of man raising the melons the author reveals that once the man was a prince with all riches, but now he lost everything. He tells the relation of change with time. ====
 * 1) Why does the author choose a butterfly? - The author uses the example of butterfly to tell that the world is as colourful as butterfly, but we do not understand what is real and what is imagination. The man sees the environment and pleasures with money as they appear appealing, but they do not understand what the real happiness is. The author uses butterfly to represent the colourful world.
 * 2) What is the importance of the water cycle?
 * 3) -Through the aid of watercycle the author wants to reiterate the fact that everything is subjected to change. The water from the deep sea, become the shallow water in a stream. He wants to show that nothing is static and everything changes with time.
 * 1) What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?

>>
 * 1) What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
 * 2) The author wants the readers to understand that everything and every thought in this world is subjected to change. There is no end to change. The money, time and world change, accordingly. The author has represented the change in thought, the change in form and the change in materialistic possessions. Although, we know this still we struggle for money and what not!!

Confucius

According to Jen, a man of humanity practices five most important things in his life; earnestness, which help him in earning respect of others, truthfulness, which will allow him to win people’s trust too, diligence that will make him successful, liberality that will make him win hearts of all and generosity that will give him the privilege to enjoy the services of people. Apart from all these qualities, a man of humanity can endure adversity and enjoy prosperity for a longer period of time. He is a man free from evil, which cultivates and realizes humanity; he sacrifices his life for the well being of others and never abandons the essence of humanity. In short, a man of humanity is a person who has high moral character and helps others to develop their character too; he never injures humanity and falls in a category of a saint or a sage.

Confucius was a great Chinese philosopher and thinker. He laid great premium on love for humanity. According to Confucius love for love and compassion for humanity is the most important in society. Confucius’ philosophy stressed upon personal and societal correctness in behavior. He wanted moral righteousness among human beings. The teachings and principles of Confucius went on to be developed into a religion called Confucianism. This religion professed the values of humanity. In the same way, the principles of Buddhism also are somewhat on the same lines. Buddhism too believes in love for humanity. Buddhism professes care and concern for others. It does not believe in causing harm to any human being, animal or any other living being. In that way, I think that Confucius’ beliefs and the principles in Buddhism are more or less similar and have many things in common. One difference that I think can be found in the two religions is that while Confucius’ beliefs stresses upon love and compassion for human beings, Buddhism expresses concerns for all living creatures. It not only seeks concern for humanity, but also empathy towards all living beings.

Sept 21st



Buddhism



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihY8AnNxVq4

Comparison Chart and Four on a Log




 * WHAT DO RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY HAVE IN COMMON? And, WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT?**

Religion is an amalgamation of culture, belief, spiritually, morality etc. On the other hand, philosophy is a thought process comprising reasoning and knowledge. In a nutshell, though they seem differ on a number of parameters, yet they intrinsically common in nature. Religion gets expanded through philosophy because philosophy brings authenticity to Religion. Moreover, philosophy explains the intricacies arise out of Religion.