“Annihilation of the Heart”: The Ideal of Non-Perception in the Liezi

Author(s): Richard J. Sage / Language(s): English Issue: Suppl./2016

The early Chinese text Liezi列子 claims that you have to modify your perceptive faculties in order to unify your full shen 神 (“spirit”) and become a zhi ren 至人– an “utmost human”, able to get in touch with the primordial cosmic forces, and endowed with special skills and properties. The idea that the proper adjustment of your perception leads to this state is deeply rooted within the Liezi’s view on the evolution of the cosmic and social order. In fact, the work describes the gradual modification of the perceptive process in a way that it is possible to juxtapose it with the cosmogony expounded in its first chapter. The aim of this paper is thus to analyse these processes, clarify how they are related to each other and explore what it ultimately means to become an “utmost human”. In the end it becomes clear that only the complete obliteration of perception, including the xin 心 (“heart”) as its main actor, makes the “utmost human” able to become one with the primordial forces and gain their powers.

“Terrestrial identity” as grounded relationality. A comparative study of contemporary Chinese and Hawaiian sources

Author(s): Sydney Morrow / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2018

In this essay, I discuss a potential nexus for comparison between Hawaiian and Chinese philosophies grounded in what I call “terrestrial identity”. I bring Fei Xiaotong’s (1910–2005) description of the formation of social identity in China, which is historically agrarian and inalienably place-based, to meet contemporary Hawaiian philosophical perspectives of personal responsibility (kuleana), genealogical (moʻokūʻauhau) consciousness, and “seascape epistemology” (Ingersoll, 2016) to flesh out a new theory of relationality, one that includes the ontological, historical, and ethical relationship of humans to the land on which they orient themselves and that defines the circumstances of their lives. The concept of terrestrial identity is inclusive in terms of types of relational entities, accommodating place, space, and memory into a comprehensive social ontology. It also opens onto discussions of contemporary social problems in a way that centres place and contextuality. I will conclude this essay with such a discussion, regarding homelessness among Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians).

„BU DAODE“ ELGESYS KINIJOJE IR VAKARUOSE. KAIP IŠVENGTI ASIMETRIŠKUMO TARPKULTŪRINĖJE NORMŲ PSICHOLOGIJOJE

Author(s): Vytis Silius,Renatas Berniūnas,Vilius Dranseika / Language(s): Lithuanian Issue: 91/2017

It is a commonplace in contemporary English language literature of moral philosophy and moral psychology dealing with Chinese tradition or comparative issues, to use Chinese term daode 道德 as a technical translation for the English term moral. Such usage is supported by references to dictionaries, equivalent usage of both Chinese and English term by bilinguals, (Buchtel et al. 2015), and is also endorsed by contemporary Chinese academic authors writing on the questions about daode 道德 or lunli 倫理 (moral/ethical). (Gao 2005). At the same time, many authors also notice problems with equating morality with daode. This article is an attempt to provide some background to the conceptual inadequacies that appear in contemporary cross-cultural moral philosophy and psychology. It is claimed that sufficient empirical evidence exists to reject the possibility of equating the Western and Chinese normative domains, respectively conceptualized as morality and daode, despite their significant overlaps and resemblances. The current inertia of academic theories to assume universal nature of the structure of normative domains across cultures results in asymmetry in cross-cultural studies. It is suggested that more psychological and anthropological empirical studies using methods developed by experimental philosophy need to be done in order to gather data of the folk strategies and everyday linguistic practices of distinguishing between different normative domains. The hope is that theoretical conceptual frameworks thus could be adjusted to everyday linguistic practices and normative intuitions of the lay people in different cultures.

„Nowy” konfucjanizm w krajach Azji Wschodniej

Author(s): Roman Sławiński / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2010

Європейська рецепція японської філософії (на прикладі кіно матеріалів др. пол. ХХ ст. – поч. ХХІ ст.)

Author(s): Alina Tymofeyenko / Language(s): Ukrainian Issue: 1/2019

The aim of the paper is to identify the features of the European reception of Japanese philosophy in feature films, to identify characteristic plot complexes and principles of representation. The methodological basis of the research is a cultural approach that made it possible to use the phenomenological, hermeneutic, semiotic methods, which allow to reveal the basic principles of the Japan‘s image explication through philosophical practices, which is reflected in European cinema. The scientific novelty of the study is to increase the heuristic potential of the image of Japan in European popular culture. Findings. European perception of Japanese philosophy, which is depicted in feature films, is interpreted through two main themes: samurai and monastic service. The general principles of extrapolating the images of a samurai and a monk are the idealization and romanticisation of the characters, the disclosure of the basic principles of the worldview, the relation of European stereotypes and the realities of the Japanese tradition.

Небо и човек су једно: древни кинески концепт три својства космоса – неба, земље и човека – у Промени Џоуа

Author(s): Nataša Kostić / Language(s): Serbian Issue: 152/2015

This paper uses a completely innovative point of view to analyze The Change of Zhou – a comprehensive ancient Chinese philosophical work, which is composed of well-known Book of Change and its philosophical commentaries, so called The Commentaries of Change. The chapters of The Commentaries of Change like “Jicizhuan”, “Tuanci” and “Xiangci” are quoted in this paper and their meaning is explained, which is important for understanding the ancient Chinese cosmological concept of “the Unity of Heaven and Man”. According to the Chinese perception of the Universe – Heaven, Earth and man are holistically connected and interdependent. Man is considered to be responsible for all his actions and it is emphasized that even the most trivial human activity causes the changes in the whole cosmic order. A human being is born not to indulge in carefree pleasures, but to choose himself a goal of spiritual growth i.e. self-cultivation through the stages of honest man (junzi), and wise man (shengren). He should also endeavor to establish and maintain harmony with nature and thus have a beneficial effect on all the beings and things in nature.

Оппозиционная пара «Небо – Земля» в «Сицы Чжуань» и ее лингвистические параметры

Author(s): Vladislav Vladislavovich Kruglov / Language(s): Russian Issue: 1/2021

The oppositional pair of heaven – earth (天 ‘tian’ – 地 ‘di’) derived on the basis of the conceptual apparatus of the Xici Zhuan (‘Appended Commentaries’) and in line with the I Ching tradition was studied. A methodology for linguoculturological analysis of the term with account of the linguistic parameters of the oppositional pair (attribution to predicates/names, grammaticalogical commentary, and interpretation within the traditional Chinese philosophy) was introduced. The analysis was performed with the help of a wide range of the ancient Chinese texts. All occurrences of the oppositional pair of heaven – earth in the Xici Zhuan text were analyzed. As a result of the research, the place of the oppositional pair of heaven – earth in the Xici Zhuan and its linguistic parameters were revealed.

ПЕРЕТИН КУЛЬТУР ЗАХОДУ І СХОДУ В ФІЛОСОФСЬКОМУ РОМАНІ ОЛДОСА ГАКСЛІ «ОСТРІВ»

Author(s): Iryna Karaeva / Language(s): Ukrainian Issue: 2/2020

The purpose of the article is to prove that Huxley's appeal to the philosophical and religious ideas of the East made it possible to create an ideal society, culture, and perfect personality in the philosophical novel “Island”; to consider examples from the life experience of the artist, which testify to his deep penetration into the culture of the East; to find out how the experience is reflected in the works of the writer, in particular in the philosophical novel “Island”. Methodology. The methods of comparative and hermeneutic analysis and systematization of scientific works on cultural studies, philosophy, psychology and literary criticism, the method of biography and psychoanalysis, as well as N. Khamitov's metaanthropological approach were used, that allowed to consider the works devoted to A.Huxley correctly and deliberately and qualify his work “Island” as a philosophical novel. Scientific results. For the first time, it is stated that it was A. Huxley's appeal to the culture, philosophical and religious ideas of the East that made it possible to create an ideal society, culture, and perfect personality in the philosophical novel “Island”; examples of writer’s deep penetration into the culture of the East from his life experience are considered; a number of philosophical and artistic works, which reflect the mentioned experience of A. Huxley are identified. With the help of metaanthropological methodology, it was possible to find out the creative development of A. Huxley from personal to philosophical world outlook, which led the author to new opportunities in literary work and in understanding the essence of culture. Conclusion. In the novel “Island”, A. Huxley created a model of an ideal society built on the principles of Zen Buddhism - one of the cultures of the philosophical and religious heritage of the East. By going not only beyond the ordinary but also beyond the personal world outlook, the author has artistically demonstrated the ability of the personality to perceive the world around them at a higher level and create talented examples of philosophical prose. The formation of the artist's philosophical world outlook determined his deep penetration into the East culture, contributed to the appearance of philosophical essays, non-fiction and fiction works, the main of which is the philosophical novel “Island”.

Пътепис

Author(s): Evliya Çelebi / Language(s): Bulgarian

Evliya Celebi was an enlightened man in a variety of ways who believed in equality, freedom of thought and intellectual debate, and found all of these things present in Islamic societies. Over the course of his travels, he wrote ten volumes detailing his adventures. ‘Seyahatname’ – Book of Travels – is a unique and important text, representing one of the few accounts of the 17th century and the Ottoman world from the perspective of a Muslim. These are not just factual accounts, Evliya had a great imagination and just as important as his journal entries were the imaginative storytelling that ran alongside, elaborating, exaggerating, and fantasizing. Through his stories, we are prompted to think more imaginatively about our own travels and journeys to other cities. This 17th-century Muslim traveler can sometimes seem narrow-minded and yet this same man can stand in St Stephens Cathedral in Vienna and be moved by the music he hears. Sometimes these encounters lead to nothing but sometimes they lead to stories which are so deeply felt, and so universally melodic that they leave echoes which can still be heard and felt today. In 2011, the year which would have been his 400th birthday, Evliya is being paid homage as UNESCO’s Man of the Year.

Розвиток фортепіанного мистецтва у Китаї

Author(s): Marina Olegovna Antoshko / Language(s): Ukrainian Issue: 1/2020

The purpose of the article is to study the problem of the development of piano art in China. The methodology of the research is to use historical and biographical methods in the study of this topic. The scientific novelty of the article is to study the expediency of the problem of the development of piano art in China, studying the historical origins of this problem. For the first time, the historical names of the figures who directly influenced the development of piano art in China, which clarified the cultural traditions of the East. Conclusions. On the basis of the study of the problem concerning piano art in China, they discovered the processes of development of his and distinctive culture. Identify the names of the well-known teachers and musicians in China that have influenced the development and development of the country's art. Identify the influence of philosophy on thinking and understanding of piano art. The system of thinking of modern piano art is based on ancient Chinese philosophy. The musical culture of China is in constant search for the nature of sound, timbre palette, form, combining national motives. Through the combination of national features, country philosophy, religious tendencies, elements of vocal and instrumental folklore, theater and composition and piano culture, China's musical piano culture has become well-known in the world. The technique of piano playing is based on strict classical methods and national consciousness, which have been etched in the centuries. It was the Vietnamese school and the Yuege educational system that formed the basis for the development of Chinese musical culture. Thus, a great influence on the development of music education was made by: Shen Shingong - one of the first piano teachers, Jeng Jimin, who founded the music school in Shanghai, Lee Shutong - taught singing and piano at the Shanghai Women's School and Nanjing Higher School. An important role in the formation of piano art was played by Din Shande, who combined Western and Eastern motifs on the example of his works. These issues are interesting and require further study by scientists.

Ръкопис за петте стъпала. Горин Но Шьо

Author(s): Miyamoto Musashi / Language(s): Japanese,Bulgarian

When the undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi retreated to a cave in 1643 and wrote The Book of Five Rings, a manifesto on swordsmanship, strategy, and winning for his students and generations of samurai to come, he created one of the most perceptive and incisive texts on strategic thinking ever to come from Asia. Musashi gives timeless advice on defeating an adversary, throwing an opponent off-guard, creating confusion, and other techniques for overpowering an assailant that will resonate with both martial artists and everyone else interested in skillfully dealing with conflict. For Musashi, the way of the martial arts was a mastery of the mind rather than simply technical prowess—and it is this path to mastery that is the core teaching in The Book of Five Rings. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction.

СВЕЩЕНАТА ПЛАНИНА ТАЙШАН В ПРОФАННОТО ПРОСТРАНСТВО НА СЪВРЕМЕННАТА КУЛТУРНА ИНДУСТРИЯ НА КНР

Author(s): Evelina HEIN / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 2/2019

The paper seeks to address some questions connected to the conflict between the very nature of sacred places like mount Taishan in China and the contemporary phenomenon of culture industry which has its intrinsic value in exploitation of the national history and culture with the purpose of ensuring economical profit for the state. The author traces the roots and the historical development of the worship of mount Taishan into an emblematic universal symbol of Chineseness and points to possible problematic connection between this symbol and the clear profit-making purpose of one concrete project of the culture industry in PRC – the “Culture Industry Park of Mount Taishan”, whose realization started in 2009. As a meaningful focus of the whole project the landscape mega-spectacle “Chinese Taishan: The Great Sacrifice to Heaven and Earth” is examined through its official media covering and the feedback of the spectators. The paper finds that the promoted “harmony” between the history of the sacred mount Taishan and the contemporary mundane use of it as a cultural resource contains potential dramatical developments.

Семья и партнерство на пути к «постоянному счастью»: трансформация гендерной идеологии в процессе религиозной конверсии в западный буддизм в России

Author(s): Svetlana Yaroshenko,Valentina Isaeva,Konstantin S. Divisenko / Language(s): Russian Issue: 1/2022

The article, based on biographical interviews conducted in 2019 with members of the Karma Kagyu Buddhist communities in Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Arkhangelsk, and Severodvinsk, examines the impact of religious conversion on gender ideology that supports individual decisions about how to achieve well-being through changing attitudes to marriage and partnership, as well as through flexible combination of family and work in everyday life. The study relied on the methodology of the narrative analysis developed by the German sociologist Fritz Schütze, which is focused on identifying relationship between institutional structures and subjective action. In the analysis of the biographical interviews, the main attention is paid to those changes in individual’s gender ideology and practices that take place in the process of religious conversion and facilitate reinterpretation of negative life experiences and of the consequences of deprivation caused by failed life strategies. We argue that the influence of the parental family and gender norms and attitudes formed before the religious conversion in some cases turn out to be a source of cultural exclusion caused by contradictions in the realization of the gender schemes of the “main breadwinner” and “complete family” inherited and reproduced from the Soviet period. Cultural exclusion results in the biographical traumatic experience, which needs to be redefined and demands the repair of broken gender schemes. The transformation of gender ideology has a neo-traditional character, involving the articulation of gender differences, assigning them different ranks, and, at the same time, flexibility in their development at the individual level.

Філософеми "цзижань" і "гу" в китайській художньо-естетичній культурі

Author(s): Maryna Ratko / Language(s): Ukrainian Issue: 3/2011

The article deals with the universals of the Chinese spiritual culture, their manifestations in aesthetics and various spheres of the artistic life of the Chinese (literature, painting, landscape architecture, music etc.).

Японците

Author(s): Bratislav Ivanov / Language(s): Bulgarian

Bratislav Ivanov's new book is dedicated to the values and traditions of the Japanese culture. Already in the early twentieth century, French scientist Henry Dumolard draws attention to the fact that the Japanese people are guided by their logic and draw conclusions that are often incomprehensible to Europeans. To understand the Japanese people, we need to know the values that form the core of their culture. A key to their understanding is the geographical environment, mythology, religion, and Japan's history.

იაპონური აზროვნების ლაბირინთებში

Author(s): Mariam Chalabashvili / Language(s): Georgian Issue: 1/2021

Japanese mainstream way of thinking prevails as a puzzle for the whole world including Georgia. Several Japanese words and phrases are hard to grasp even after the translation; Ikigai (生き甲斐) and Wabi-sabi (わびさび) are the two striking examples. Both of them could be deemed as not only words, but also as the way of thinking or the way of life.The word etymology of Ikigai (the reason, value of life) derives from the Heian period (794-1185). According to the clinical psychologist Akihiro Hasegawa, Gai comes from the Japanese word Kai - shell; during the Heian period (as well as much earlier) shells were perceived highly valuable as artists decorated them by hand, and used them in a shell-matching game called Kaiawase. Kaiis also used in other Japanese words and actual verbs such as hatarakigai (the value of working); yarigai (the value of doing) and asobigai (the value of playing). Since Gai relates to value, Ikigai could also be translated as the value of life, something worth living for. The concept of Ikigai could be compared to a sunflower, the sunflower seeds in the center could be perceived as the source of Ikigai and petals of the flower as one’s feeling about the ikigai object - Ikigai-kan (Ikigai feeling). As the Japanese proverb goes, "ten people, ten colours". Therefore, Ikigai could be as diverse as the number of people and the Japanese tend to follow their own Ikigai, without clarifying the word.Another Japanese concept - Wabi-sabi (which gradually transformed its initial gloomy connotation since 14th century) offers us to perceive beauty even inimpermanence, incompletion and imperfection. Even though, the concept is intricately entangled with the everyday life, that makes it very difficult for Japanese people to convey the meaning, the essence of Wabi-sabi could be comprehended in the ancient craft of Kintsugi and Japanese house design as well.

生成する世界とメシア的な主体 ― ベルジャーエフの世界戦争論をめぐって ―

Author(s): Satoshi Kitami / Language(s): Japanese Issue: 66/2019

Настоящая статья посвящена осмыслению философских воззрений Н. А. Бердяева на войну и нацию в период Первой мировой войны. Прежде всего, мы рассматриваем этот вопрос в контексте онтологии Бердяева, т. е. его теории о творчестве, которая выступает философским фоном его идей о войне и нации; и, вовторых, – в контексте других философских концепций, существовавших в период так называемого русского религиозно-философского ренессанса.

血亲伦理束缚下的弑母意志与自我塑造——论《毒蛇在握》中让的俄瑞斯忒斯情结

Author(s): Yonggang Gao,Di Feng,Yiran Dong,Yue Li / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

As the “negative Oedipus Complex”, the Orestes Complex is little known. Orestes’s matricide is not only the opposition of Oedipus’s mother fixation, but also reflects the reflection and transcendence of Oedipus complex. On the basis of tracing the origin of Orestes Complex, this paper takes the autobiographical novel Viper in the Fist by French writer Hervé Bazin as an example to demonstrate As the “negative Oedipus Complex”, the Orestes Complex is little known. Orestes’s matricide is not only the opposition of Oedipus’s mother fixation, but also reflects the reflection and transcendence of Oedipus complex. On the basis of tracing the origin of Orestes Complex, this paper takes the autobiographical novel Viper in the Fist by French writer Hervé Bazin as an example to demonstrate