Taoism

In Chinese culture, Taoism is both philosophy and religion. Taosim living in harmony with the Tao (also romanized as Dao).
The term Tao means "way", "path" or "principle", and this term can also be found in other Chinese philosophies and religions other than Taoism. In Taoism, however, Tao denotes something that is both the source and the driving force behind everything that exists

While Taoism drew its cosmological notions from the tenets of the School of Yin Yang, the Tao Te Ching, a compact and ambiguous book containing teachings attributed to Laozi (Chinese: 老子; pinyin: Lǎozǐ; Wade–Giles: Lao Tzu), is widely considered its keystone work. Together with the writings of Zhuangzi, these two texts build the philosophical foundation of Taoism deriving from the 8 Hexagrams of Fu Xi in the 2700s BCE in China.

Taoist propriety and ethics may vary depending on the particular school, but in general tends to emphasize wu-wei (action through non-action), "naturalness", simplicity, spontaneity, and the Three Treasures: compassion, moderation, and humility.

Taoism has had profound influence on Chinese culture in the course of the centuries, and clerics of institutionalised Taoism (Chinese: 道士; pinyin: dàoshi) usually take care to note distinction between their ritual tradition and the customs and practices found in Chinese folk religion as these distinctions sometimes appear blurred. Chinese alchemy (especially neidan), Chinese astrology, Chan (Zen) Buddhism, several martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine, feng shui, and many styles of qigong have been intertwined with Taoism throughout history. Beyond China, Taoism also had influence on surrounding societies in Asia.

After Laozi and Zhuangzi, the literature of Taoism grew steadily and was compiled in form of a canon—the Daozang—which was published at the behest of the emperor. Throughout Chinese history, Taoism was several times nominated as a state religion. After the 17th century, however, it fell from favor.

Today, Taoism is one of five religions recognized in the PRC, and although it does not travel readily from its Asian roots, claims adherents in a number of societies.[1]such as Wudang Mountains which is the center of in China today, Taoism also has sizable communities in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and in Southeast Asia.

A Chinese philosopher defines Daoism as “early forms comes from understanding and experience of the dao. Experience of the dao is an irreducible element of the formation and transformation of Chinese experience of the ultimate”

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Art of War

Sun Bin's Art of War is an ancient Chinese classic work on military strategy written by Sun Bin, an alleged descendant of Sun Tzu who served as a military strategist in the Qi state during the Warring States period. According to historical records from the Han Dynasty, Sun Bin's Art of War contained an extensive 89 chapters, with four volumes of pictures attached, but was lost by the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. As a consequence, Sun Bin's Art of War is sometimes conflated with Sun Tzu's The Art of War.
Contents of Art of War

 

Chapter 1 : Capturing Pang Juan

• Describes the four stratagems employed in the Battle of Guiling:
• A southward march at the initial stage of the war, to avoid a decisive battle with Pang Juan
• Launching a false attack and feigning retreat and defeat in Pingling, which reinforced Pang Juan's determination to attack Handan
• Direct advance on Kaifeng (capital city of the Wei state) to force Pang Juan to turn back to rescue Wei
• Ambush at Guiling to destroy the enemy in one move

 

Chapter 2: Meeting King Wei

 

Sun Bin discusses with King Wei of Qi about war and states: "Only victory in war can bring about authority and prosperity". Sun believes that the historically progressive unification accomplished in war had been an important means of facilitating the submission of feudal lords. To start a war, one must have "a storage of materials, a just cause for war" and must "be well-prepared before launching an attack". Sun also pointed out that "Warmongers will inevitably lose and those who expect to make a fortune out of war will also suffer defeat and disgrace".

Chapter 3: King Wei asks for advice

Sun Bin advises King Wei and Tian Ji, engaging them in a comprehensive discussion on his basic thoughts about strategy and tactics. The chapter focuses on resolute attacks on weakly defended key enemy positions and on the military philosophy of using Tao and flexible principles to attain victory.

Chapter 4: Tian Ji asks how to construct a defence

Set in the Battle of Maling, Sun Bin and Tian Ji discuss the problems of battlefield positions in field operations. The combination of terrain, weapons and the types of soldiers is emphasized.

Chapter 5: Selection of the best soldiers

Comments on the basic principles of building and training an army, and on the factors of field command that will determine victory or defeat. On the topic of building an army, Sun Bin focuses on the employment of the best soldiers in terms of field command. He stresses 'five factors that will lead to constant victory':

• The commander who has won the sovereign's trust and has an independent command will win.
• The one who knows the art of war will win.
• The one who gets uniform support from his soldiers will win.
• The one whose subordinates work in concert with each other will win.
• The one who is good at analysing and utilising terrain will win.
• There are also five corollaries that will lead to constant defeat:
• The one whose command is constrained by the sovereign will be defeated.
• The one who does not know the art of war will be defeated.
• The one who does not have the support of his soldiers will be defeated.
• The one whose subordinates do not work in harmony will be defeated.
• The one who does not know to use spies will be defeated.

 

Chapter 7: Eight formations

 

Discusses the methods of a commander and the principles of battle formation. It emphasises that a commander must be well versed in both meteorology and geography. He also must get the support of his people at home, while understanding the actual situation of his enemy. In a direct battle, he knows well the basic points of the eight formations. If one is sure of victory he will fight; if unsure he should not fight. Sun Bin also emphasises that in laying a formation, the army can be divided into three divisions. In each, the best soldiers should be placed as a vanguard and every team should be followed with a sustainable reserve.

He emphasises dividing the army into three teams and engaging one team in battle in while leaving the other two strictly in defence.

Sun Bin says that an army must take an advantageous geographical position to attack enemy in a less defensible position. When land is flat there should be more armed chariots; when terrain is difficult, more cavalry should be sent: and when is narrow and blocked, there should be more archers sent.

Chapter 14: Organisation of military posts

 

Chapter 14 is similar to military rules and regulations of the later ages. It may be divided into three parts:

• Regulations for army organization and command, emphasising that all types of organizations, units and systems must complete and appropriately meet the requirements for battle.
• Regulations for military operations under different enemy situations, different terrain, and different climates. Its focus is to emphasize flexibility in command and in the employment of soldiers, and on the need to make decisions according to the situation.
• Specific rules on marching, camping, patrolling, guarding, war preparations and logistics.

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Sun Zi

Sun Zi was a Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher who lived in the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient China. The name he is best known by is actually an honorific which means "Master Sun": His birth name was Sun Wu and he was known outside of his family by his courtesy name Changqing.
Sun Zi is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, an extremely influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy. Sun Tzu has had a significant impact on Chinese and Asian history and culture, both as the author of The Art of War and as a legendary historical figure.

Sun Zi's historicity is uncertain. Sima Qian and other traditional historians placed him as a minister to King Helü of Wu and dated his lifetime to 544–496 BC. Modern scholars accepting his historicity nonetheless place the existing text of The Art of War in the later Warring States period based upon its style of composition and its descriptions of warfare.

Traditional accounts state that the general's descendant Sun Bin also wrote a treatise on military tactics, also titled The Art of War. Since both Sun Wu and Sun Bin were referred to as Sun Tzu in classical Chinese texts, some historians believed them identical prior to the rediscovery of Sun Bin's treatise in 1972.

Sun Tzu's work has been praised and employed throughout East Asia since its composition. During the twentieth century, The Art of War grew in popularity and saw practical use in Western society as well. It continues to influence many competitive endeavors in Asia, Europe, and America including culture, politics, business, and sports, as well as modern warfare.

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Chinese Zodiac (Pig)

Pig is not thought to be smart as dog. It likes sleeping and eating and becomes fat. Thus it usually features laziness and clumsiness. On the positive side, it behaves itself, has no calculation to harm others, and can bring affluence to people. Consequently, pigs were once regarded as wealth.

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Chinese Zodiac (Dog)

Dog is always human's friend who can understand the human's spirit and obey its master, whether he is wealthy or not. The Chinese regard it as an auspicious animal. If a dog happens to come to a house, usually the host will be very glad to adopt it, for it symbolizes the coming of fortune. Poodles, especially black poodles, bring more luck. The masters of dogs are not only humans, but immortal in legends as well. The invincible God Erlang used a wolf-dog mix to help him capture monsters.

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Chinese Zodiac (Rooster)

The Rooster is almost the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. For ancestors who had no alarm clocks, the rooster's crowing was significant, as it could awaken people to get up and start to work. Another symbolic meaning this creature carries is exorcising evil spirits. People used to worship ancestors and believed in fortune telling for a long time.

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Chinese Zodiac (Monkey)

The monkey is a clever animal. It is usually compare to a smart person. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC – 476 BC), the dignified official title of marquis with the pronunciation 'Hou', was the same as the monkey's. The monkey was thereby bestowed with auspicious meaning. Pictures of it are pasted on walls and doors to bring good fortune in officialdom.

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Chinese Zodiac (Goat)

Goat is among the animals that people like most. It is gentle and calm. Since ancient times, people have learned to use its fleece to make writing brushes and skin to keep warm. As it is white, people describe delicate and precious white jade to be 'suet jade'. Thus it is close to the meaning of good things.

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Chinese Zodiac (Horse)

The spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese people's ethos – making unremitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able.

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Chinese Zodiac (Snake)

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Snake is listed after the Dragon, but its place and its significance as a symbol of worship is far less than that of the Dragon. it carries the meanings of malevolence, cattiness and mystery, as well as acumen, divination and the ability to distinguish herbs. In some places, people believe that a snake found in their court can bring delight. During Spring Festival, people like to paste onto their doors and windows the paper-cut 'Fu' character (happiness), combined with a snake twisting around a rabbit onto their doors and windows as a popular pattern indicating wealth.

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Chinese Zodiac (Dragon)

Dragon enjoys a very high reputation in Chinese culture. The Chinese Dragon is a far different being from its Western counterpart. Chinese Dragon is the token of authority, dignity, honor, success, luck, and capacity. In ancient China, this creature was thought to speed across the sky with divine power. Emperors entitled themselves exclusively as dragon; their thrones were called dragon thrones, their clothes dragon gowns.

Strengths

People under the sign of the dragon are lively, intellectual, energetic and excitable. They often can be leaders and try to go for perfection. When they meet with difficulties, they are not discouraged. They are magnanimous, romantic and sensitive about their reputation. They usually have great ambition and an ingenuous personality. They hate hypocrisy, gossip and slander. They are not afraid of difficulties but hate to be used or controlled by others.

Weaknesses

They are a little arrogant and impatient, while dragon women can be over-confident. Sometimes, 'dragons' are unable to control their moods very well due to being eccentric, tactless, fiery, intolerant and unrealistic. They may feel blank about the future. There is no lack of romance in their life over all, but they seldom give true love. Therefore, they do not usually show disappointment in love. They may criticize others for their inefficiency at work. They have a nature ardent to excess and couldn't withstand setbacks which make them flee away. If they overcome these defects, they can have a brighter future.

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Chinese Zodiac (Rabbit)

Everyone loves a rat. Charming, social, and quick-witted, those born during a rat year are generally popular people. Rat people are clever and careful, therefore their life and career will progress steadily.

Strengths

People born under the sign of the rabbit are gentle, sensitive, compassionate, amiable, modest and merciful, and have strong memory. They like to communicate with others in a humorous manner. They cannot bear dull life, so they are good at creating romantic or interesting spice. They are soft-spoken and welcoming, being fond of peaceful love life. They hate arguing with capacity of converting an enemy into a friend. They are homebody and hospitable, and like house fitting-up.  They can work with speed and efficiency, do not insist and get angry easily.

Weaknesses

They lack meditative abilities and often sink money into ideas that may cause failures in their career. They are amorous and not determined, soft in appearance and stubborn inside. They usually do not submit to dreary life, but create romance. They are not good at delving deeply and likely to escape the reality. They may lose good chances because of reserved personality.

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Chinese Zodiac (Tiger)

Tigers are the symbol of power and lordliness. The Chinese character "王" (Lord) is the stripes on the forehead of tiger .

Strengths

They are tolerant, staunch, valiant, and respected. They like challenges and speed and they are active and good at expressing themselves. They have strong sense of errantry, be frank and easy to win others' trust. In their middle age, their fate may be uneven, but afterwards will enjoy a bright prospect. Most women under the tiger sign are intelligent, faithful and virtuous.

Weaknesses

Tigers usually tend to show off before others. They are given to deep thinking and capable of great sympathy, however, they can be short-tempered without interest with long-term endeavor. Sometimes, they come into conflict easily with the seniors and people in authority. Their hasty mind and decision may cause poor results. They are over confident and traitorous, which may result in unsuccessful communication and cooperation with others.

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Chinese Zodiac (Ox)

Ox ranked as the second zodiac, the ox is huge. In life, people often used it to indicate something big in size or large in number. It is persistent, simple, honest, and straightforward.

Strengths

People born in this year are probably honest, industrious, patient, and cautious, and do things steadily. They are talent leader with strong will and faith, strong devotion to work and staying power. They are not easily affected by others or their surroundings but just follow their concept and ability. They are contemplative before taking actions and can make a clear distinction between right and wrong. Women are usually good wives who pay attention to their children's education. In short, people under the ox sigh are tender-hearted, having amiable temper and an honesty nature. They are usually conservative. They hold respect to the tradition and value job and family highly.

Weaknesses

Most Ox people are a bit slow, because they need to take time to consider the time again and again. And they are obstinate and poor at communication. Leaders in their career may not discover their abilities. They looks prudish and distant, but not feminine, charming and lively enough. They usually do not get a great facility in speaking, being silent and persistent in their old ways. In their old age, they would be usually bestowed with happiness.

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Chinese Zodiac (Rat)

Rat ranks first on the Chinese Zodiac. It has attributes of an animal with spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility and vitality.

Strengths

People under this sign are usually smart and wealthy and will work for success. They are sanguine and very adaptable, being popular with others. Rat females have a flair for cleanliness and tidiness. They are clever and adorable, personable and materialistic. They are also by nature thoughtful, sensible, judiciously and curious.

Weaknesses

They are usually timid, lack of concentration and stability. They are in need of courage introspection, principles and responsibility. The do not look authoritatively, incapable of assuming a leading position. They stick fast and refused to be influenced. They are easily guided only by their private interests. They have natural goodness but look unpolite. They are also iobstinate and selfish. They are likely to speculate and they profess their greed as a virtue.

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Chinese Zodiac

The zodiac traditionally begins with the sign of the Rat. The following are the twelve zodiac signs (each with its associated Earthly Branch) in order and their characteristics.

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Confucianism introduction

Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical system. Some people will describe it as a religion, because it worshiped Chinese Emperors as son of God since mid Han Dynasty.

The founder of Confucianism was Chinese philosopher and educator Confucius (孔夫子 Kǒng Fūzǐ, it means "Master Kong", 551–479 BCE), and developed by his Disciples, and became the official state ideology between Han Dynasty and Qin Dynasty (note: except Tang dynasty and Mongol dynasty).

From Han Dynasty onwards, most Chinese Emperors have used a mix of Legalism and Confucianism as their ruling doctrine, but Confucianism was not Confucius' concept anymore, for fully understand Confucius' concept, I suggest reading Analects (論語) first, it records speeches by Confucius and his disciples, as well as the discussions they held.

Confucianism's concept was based on the Four Books and Five Classics (四书五经) are the authoritative books of Confucianism in China written before 300 BC.

Four Books (四书)

• Great Learning (大學)
• Doctrine of the Mean (中庸) 
• Analects (論語)
• Mencius (孟子)

Five Classics (五经)

• Classic of Poetry (詩經)
• Book of Documents (尚書)
• Book of Rites (禮記)
• Book of Changes (易經) 
• Spring and Autumn Annals (春秋)

The core of Confucianism focuses on the cultivation of virtue and maintenance of ethics. Some of the basic Confucian ethical concepts and practices include Rén, Yì, and Lǐ, and Zhì.

• Ren
  Ren is an obligation of altruism and humaneness for other individuals.
• Yi
  Yi is the upholding of righteousness and the moral disposition to do good.
• Li
  Li is a system of ritual norms and propriety that determines how a person should properly act in everyday life.
• Zhi
  Zhi is the ability to see what is right and fair, or the converse, in the behaviors exhibited by others.

Historically, cultures and countries strongly influenced by Confucianism include mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, as well as various territories settled predominantly by Chinese people, such as Singapore. In the 20th century, Confucianism’s influence has been greatly reduced.

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