Suh,+Sang+HoonF2011


 * Current Event**


 * F Suh Sang Hoon (Peter) Ancient History Unit III**

1. Why might Korea under the Confucian Chosŏn dynasty have been an especially fertile ground for Christianity to take root? Since most of the lower class people wouldn’t have been treated equally as the educated, most of them would wish to have a change in society, which in this case was Christianity.
 * Christianity in Korea**
 * Doc 2**

2. What other religion that existed in Korea might have appealed to lower classes in a similar manner as Christianity? How might this other religion have been hindered in attracting new followers? Buddhism probably appealed to the lower class, before several of the individuals gained too much power and wealth. Buddhism also believes in equality, meaning that even the lower class can achieve nirvana, just like everyone else.

Why did the government care which religion people practiced? Since a religion can be used to explain why such things happen, perhaps to explain why the emperor has all the power, it is important that the government controls what the people believe in. However, the government tried to restrict Christianity from the society, probably because the people might begin to question against the government, and begin to revolt.

Chart:

Shintoism & Shaminism / Document 6
 * The Role of Shamanism & Fortune-Telling in Korean Culture**

Examine the films in Document 6. List all the items found and explain their significance. The first and second video shows a woman conducting rituals out in the public, and the third video is an interview of a mudang in Korea. Depends on their god, where they are from Hanbok (Clothing) - Protection Instruments (Drums, flutes) - To grab people’s attention, to scare evil spirits or attract Swords - To scare away the evil spirits Golden Cups - To show respect, or give alcohol Fans - To show respect to the spirits Black Hat - To represent death Food - To sacrifice goods to the god

2. Describe your group's feelings in viewing the films. While I was watching the video, I kept on asking why someone would do such a thing in public, and why the government allows them to do such things. If they were to do such things 30 years ago, they would have been arrested. The government is much more tolerant than the past. I have heard about this sort of ritual ever since I came to Korea, and they occasionally appear on television shows to show how they get rid of evil spirits from those who suffer from them. I personally thought that it was none sense, and I have no clue what in the world the women are talking about. They seem to be speaking out into the audience, and the audience just stares at her as if she is doing a show. Foreigners might view their rituals as marital arts, as they perform dances with music. The majority of the Korean citizens reject such acts because they wish to become modernized.

3. How do the films express Korean religious beliefs and practices? From my point of view, it seems like they are just wanting attention from the public, to spread their ritual. Most of the mudangs seem to earn a great amount of profit through various ways, such as taking out the evil spirits, or even predicting one’s future. Sometimes they would ask for great amounts money, since one is greatly cursed by an evil spirit. It doesn’t sound very convincing, yet some people seem to strongly believe in what they are doing. I personally think that the films just represent public humiliation.

4. The first film above was shot during a kut after Namdaemun had been burnt down. Explain why this kut was performed? The kut was performed after Namdaemun was burnt down because they believe that everything has a spirit within it, wishing the spirit to go to a good place, and will bring them good luck. The spirit might remain and become evil, bothering other live humans, due to the maniac who burnt down the gate.


 * Shintoism Note Chart**

In Han Fei’s ideal state, the supreme governing authority is the law, due to the fact that he describes the law to be praised right, and to blame the wrong. Rulers cannot do the same as the law, as they can become corrupted, while the law does not. If one does something wrong, they shall be punished, and those who deserve a prize are rewarded. Even a wise and rich man cannot reject the law. So if the laws are strong, the country itself becomes strong, but if it is weak, the country become weak as well. 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? The “Two Handles” are chastisement and commendation. Chastisement as in inflicting death or torture upon the guilty, and commendation as in to grant rewards to the excellent ones who deserve it. The two factors are very significant to a legalist state because it allows the society to stay in order, and keep the people in place so they do not break out into crimes. The sovereign must never surrender control over the two handles since without the two handles, the people would riot and go against the sovereign whenever they want, and nobody would be able to stop them.
 * QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS**
 * In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law?**

Both individuality and private initiative are both enforced under the law of Han Fei’s ideal state, as they are punished if they do something wrong, rather than the rich having less consequences. The society is for all the people, not for one individual.
 * What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state?**

I personally thing that Legalism appealed to some of the people during the time because it was a time of chaos and disorder. People wanted someone or something to step in and organize the society, which could have been Legalism. It brought consequences to the ones who made crimes, and granted those who had made excellent achievements. It gave an opportunity to everyone, not only the rich and noble. So Legalism would probably have been liked by the lower class, rather than the upper class, yet the upper class would be save from thieves and murders throughout the laws.
 * Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people?**

If the three were to have a conversation about the purpose of a good government, the Daoist would say that a government is not needed, as good is within the nature itself. If one keeps inner peace, that is the greatest government of them all, while a Confucian would argue that a good government is one who is intelligent, and one who can lead others with morality. A Legalist would answer them by saying that a good government ensures the society with laws and the two handles system, so that the bad are punished and the good are rewarded.
 * 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."**

A Daoist would answer that morality does not go into the formulating law, since such governing is not necessary. A Confucian would answer that all the citizens must be moral, and the laws must be based off of morality, while respecting others. A Legalist would probably say that if one decides to break the laws, they will meet their consequences, so become moral.

The qualities of a superior ruler from a Daoist view would be one who does not try to involve in one’s life, or change the rhythm of one’s individual life, since nature is the best way of life. The Confucian would say that a superior ruler must be intelligent, rather they are rich or poor. They have to be smart and moral enough to lead other people to follow his acts and prevent crimes. The Legalist would say that a superior ruler is someone also smart and sharp, knowing how to punish the people who deserve to be punished.


 * Essential Quotes of Taoism**


 * 1. In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, 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 Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?**

“The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels,” said by Laozi reminds me of heaven from Christianity. If one lives without desire, having no such greed, they would have the opportunity to go through the gates of heaven, or perhaps the opposite, hell. “To communicate with heaven is to be in accord with the Tao,” sounds similar to Christianity, how believers who read the bible and communicate with God will go to heaven.


 * 2. 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?**

Even though the three beliefs may sound different, they all relate to one another, at least a bit. Confucianism teaches how one should not determine by his or her background, and should focus on how much education or knowledge they have, which relates to “Not honoring men”. Buddhism teaches how one should not have desire, in order the achieve Nirvana, relating to “Not wanting rare things”. Taoism focuses on following the way of nature, rather than trying to change it by force, relating to “Not paying attention”. Each belief may have bits and pieces of each quote, and they definitely have similarities between each other.


 * 3. In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?**

Relaxing the mind would refer to living with the flow of nature, rather than using force to change it. Reinforcing the abdomen would relate to force that one possesses near their abdomen. Gentling the will and strengthening the bones could mean don’t try to stand out, and always maintain some what of a healthy body. These mostly focus on the Taoist beliefs.


 * 4. Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, 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.**

Confucius thought that the government should be educated, and have enough knowledge to morally lead the people into living the correct way, without internal conflict. Yet Laozi thought that a government shouldn’t interfere the way of nature, meaning that there shouldn’t be as many laws and restrictions to the people. Rather than teaching the people what to do, such as Confucius, Laozi thought that it was significant for them to leave the way it is. It is the complete opposite of a government, much more similar to some what of an anarchy where there is no such laws. It isn’t the best system today, due to the fact that the whole world would be under chaos, filled with people breaking the rules, if there were any. It might have worked before, but now there is too much power than one can possess, which could lead to major problems.


 * 5. 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?**

“The third is known as not daring to take the lead in the empire,” might mean that Laozi thought one who is moral shall possess the lead in the empire, even if they do not struggle to achieve it. Rather than leading the people, the emperor should just leave the people alone, letting them do what they wish to do, or however the nature flows. I personally believe that an empire needs a leader in order to help the society to flow. People fight for power, and this competition leads to a development, which is similar to our society today. He would say that the ambitious people would not succeed to achieve their goals, since they do not follow the way of nature. While others would say that ignorant people would not struggle to achieve goals, the taoists would call those who struggle to change as the non-intelligent people.

**The Tao of Pooh Wikipost Assignment** CHAPTER ONE **THE HOW OF POOH? ** by Peter Suh, Daniella Cha, Shelley Shim F Block Asian Studies (Mr. Plouffe)

I. PHOTO INTRODUCTION





II. SUMMARY The chapter opens with a discussion between the narrator and Pooh where the narrator decides to explain __Taoism__ . The narrator introduces the topic by referring to a scroll called The Vinegar Tasters, which he finds in a small shop that “sells scrolls in a classic manner”. There are three men standing around a vat of vinegar and each dips a finger in the liquid and tastes it. Each of the three men have a unique reaction. The vinegar tasted here represents the “Essence of Life”, and the three men represent the “Three Teachings” of China. The three men are Confucius (K’ung Fu-tse), Buddha, and Lao Zi (Lao-tse). The first man, Confucius, has a sour look on his face when he tastes the vinegar because to him, life seemed rather sour. He believed that the present and past did not match each other and that the ways of men did not go according to the Way of Heaven. Therefore, he encouraged people to revere their ancestors by performing ancient rituals and ceremonies, and as Confucius said, “If the mat was not straight, the Master would not sit”.

The second man, Buddha, had a bitter expression when he tasted the vinegar because he believed that life was bitter. He thought that life was full of connections and desires that eventually led to suffering. Buddha believed that one’s goal in life would be achieving Nirvana by going through “the world of dust”.

The last man, Lao Zi (Lao-tse), smiled when he tasted the vinegar because he believed that there was a harmony that existed between heaven and earth from the very beginning. Being the creator of Taoism, Lao Zi also published a book called the Tao Te Ching, where he believed that the Heaven existed in the present time; he believed that Earth was an exact reflection of Heaven. Lao Zi also believed that the world was not a “setter of traps”, but a “teacher” of valuable lessons. Unlike Confucius, Lao Zi believed that people should enjoy the “dust of the world” instead of turning away from it, and he believed in “the Way” or “Dao”. Following the “Dao” is the prime principle of Taoism, a Way of the Universe that would initially be difficult to understand, but as its nature and meaning is slowly followed, Taoists would eventually be able to understand it. Taoists believe that the best way to live life is to live in happiness. That is why within the scroll, The Vinegar Tasters, Lao Zi is the only master out of the three who is smiling because he considers the best way to live life is to turn the sour and bitter parts into sweet parts. The only way to do this would be convert things that are unpleasant and negative into things that are positive, and ultimately try to achieve happiness.

III. SUMMARY ANALYSIS I think that Benjamin Hoff decided to introduce Taoism by referring to The Vinegar Tasters because he wanted to create a comparison between the three masters (Confucius, Buddha, Lao Zi) by giving the individual reactions each had when they tasted the vinegar. By using this comparison, Hoff was able to easily show us that Taoism is focused on turning the negative factors of life into positive factors (which is the reason why he was the only man who was smiling). Hoff also proved to us that the most important quality of Taoism is to try to achieve happiness, which is the ultimate goal of life. This introduction to Taoism in the first chapter is clear and accurate, especially as it explains this system by comparing it with Confucianism and Buddhism, which most people are familiar with.

IV. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What does The Vinegar Tasters represent, and why would the shopkeeper describe the scroll as something humorous, or perhaps with some sort of Timeless Meaning?

2. What is “the world of dust”, and why would Lao-tse advise others to “join the world of dust”?

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Who were the three masters in the book The Vinegar Tasters? What does the masters represent?

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Why did K’ung Fu-tse have a sour life, compared to Lao-tse, who had a sweet life?

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5. What is the “Tao Virtue Book”? What does it emphasize?

6. Compare and contrast between the three masters. What are some similarities and differences?

7. Why do you think that Benjamin Hoff decided to explain the principle of Taoism by referring to the story of the vinegar tasters and by comparing Lao Zi to Confucius and Buddha?

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">V. THEME ANALYSIS <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The three important themes that arise in ‘The How of Pooh’ are Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">They are discussed as the “Three Teachings”, and the sample vinegar in which they test is represented as the Essence of Life.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Confucius (K’ung Fu-tse) has a sour look on his face. This shows that life seems rather sour. The major beliefs are that the government of man on earth was out of harmony with the Way of Heaven, the government of the universe. Also, there is a great emphasis on reverence for the Ancestors, as well as for ancient rituals and ceremonies in which the Son of Heaven, the emperor, acts as an intermediary between the limitless heaven and limited earth.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On the other hand, Buddha has a bitter expression, which shows that life on earth is bitter, and filled with desires that lead to sufferings. According to the Buddhist belief, the world is seen as ‘a setter of traps, a generator of illusions, and a revolving wheel of pain for all creatures.’ Therefore, the goal is to find peace, and thus, it is necessary to transcend “the world of dust” and reach Nirvana, literally a state of “no wind”.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The most important theme is Taoism. Lao-tse (the author of the oldest existing book of Taoism) is smiling. This shows that the harmony in which nature exists between heaven and earth from the very beginning can be found by anyone at any time. Also, as stated in Tao Te Ching, The “Tao Virtue Book”, earth was in essence of a reflection of heaven, run by the same laws - not the laws of men. The more man interferes with the natural balance produced and governed by the universal laws, the farther away the harmony retreats. Everything has its own nature already within it, which cannot be violated without causing difficulties. The world is not a setter of traps, but a teacher of valuable lessons, and these lessons must be learned, just as its laws need to be followed. Then, all would go well. The natural result of the harmonious way of living is happiness, and that happy serenity is the most noticeable characteristic of the Taoist personality. It is also stated that sourness and bitterness originates from interference and the unappreciative mind. Therefore, when life itself is understood and utilized for what it is, it will be sweet.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">VI. PHOTOS (URL) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1) Taosim: Yin-Yang Symbol <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__http://taoism.about.com/od/visualsymbols/ig/Taoist-Symbols/Yin-Yang-Symbol.--jj.htm__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2) The Vinegar Tasters <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__http://www.edepot.com/taoism_3-vinegar-tasters.html__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3) The Essence of Life <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__http://newgenerationcoaching.blogspot.com/__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4) Confucius <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/philosophy/confucius.htm__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5) Buddha <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__http://buddha-meditation.org/9/buddha-meditation.html/gautam_buddha_in_meditation__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">6) Lao Zi <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__http://www.discoverthefire.com/blog/emptiness-lao-tzu/__]


 * Chuang Tzu and The Butterfly Analysis (Poem)**

The author chose a butterfly, because it represents change. The butterfly effect represents how such a small change could bring changes in other places, or perhaps in the future. There is endless change in our lives, and one might be rich and famous today, but later in the future, they might become a farmer or something better.
 * Why does the author choose a butterfly?**

The water cycle represents water starting from a mountain, going down the mountain, going into the sea, and evaporating, and going back to the mountain. This represents endless change in our lives, and one cannot remain the same forever, since nature decides your faith.
 * What is the importance of the water cycle?**

The man was once a Prince, now he is a farmer, due to the endless changes. He might have thought that he would remain as a prince forever, but the nature decides that he should become a farmer.
 * What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?**

No matter what you do, nature decides on your faith. There is endless change, don’t lose your child likeness. What are you toiling for? Nature decides your faith, and their will be endless change until the end of your life, and no one can predict the end of the endless changes.
 * What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?**


 * Tao of Pooh Questions**

2. According to Mencius, what will happen if "Everyone must make everything he uses"? According to Mencius, if everyone were to make everything he uses, the Empire (Society) would be led along the path of incessant til, meaning that everyone would have to constantly struggle and suffer to obtain their own source of food by farming. In order for a society to develop, one must have a surplus of food, which is provided by the farmers. If the farmers were to not exist, someone would have to take their spot, or perhaps everyone would be busy making their own food. This means that every person has his / her place in society, and everyone should respect each others job, rather it is honorable or not.
 * Skit C - Questions**

3. According to Mencius, what type of person deserves to rule over other people? According to Mencius, one who uses their mind deserves to rule over other people who use their muscles, and are supported by those people. If one does not have the knowledge, they do not deserve to rule, but to work such as a farmer or one who uses their muscles, yet each individual has their own place in society, and each and every one of them are as significant.

//1.What kind of quality or virtue is jen or humanity, and what kind of person could be called a person of humanity?// Humanity or jen, is to love everyone while having a happy life without greed. One who enjoys their life will enjoy their long living life, as they love everyone equally. That person would wish to establish his own character, and the characters of others. Wishing to be well-known himself, and help others to be prominent.
 * Confucius Humanity Questions**

//2. Do you find any similarities between the humanity of Confucius and the guiding principles of another religious tradition with which you may be familiar - for example, love or charity in Christianity, social responsibility in Judaism, or compassion in Buddhism? Any differences? Note: you might need to examine those faiths of which you know very little in order to learn something about them before answering this question.// In Christianity, the people tend to helps others who cannot afford to maintain their lives. Also in Buddhism, the temples accept people who are not wealthy enough to manage to take care of their children, and accept them as monks. Confucianism teaches also teaches to love one another while helping others. Yet Confucianism relies more on the respect toward one another, rather than supporting their basic standards.

__//"The man of wisdom delights in water; the man of humanity delights in mountains. The man of wisdom is active; the man of humanity is tranquil. The man of wisdom enjoys happiness; the man of humanity enjoys long life."//__ (6:21) This quote is from Confucius, which basically means that wisdom and humanity is one of the most significant characteristics of a man who wishes to enjoy happiness and a long life. If one does not achieve jen (humanity) they cannot be happy, nor live a long life.


 * Confucius Notes**


 * Reading Karma in the Jatakas**


 * Comparison Chart of Buddhist Schools**

media type="file" key="Peter Suh & James Huh_10F_Tendai Research Project.m4v" width="420" height="420" URL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsb_CycCJ8k
 * Tendai Buddhism Video**



Religion and philosophy both help us understand the reason of life, as it helps to shape an individual’s perspective on life, the universe, and everything.
 * WHAT DO RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY HAVE IN COMMON?**

The study of religion and philosophy is important due to the fact that it helps us understand culture and history from different perspectives. We can understand why a society acts different from one another, and the reasoning why such differences exist.
 * And, WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT?**

Audio media type="file" key="Peter Suh_10F_Religion Script.mp3" width="240" height="20" Script + Outline