Western Classical Philosophy v Eastern Mystery Traditions — David S
Agreed. But we have to consider the fact that we in the West have interpreted Tao Te Ching or Confucianism according to our "culture". I mean, those translated works are adjusted to the Western world criteria.
Probably if we read it in the original version/language we would get confused because we wouldn't understand it — javi2541997
Water Margin and Monkey.
But quite a lot to do with Bruce Lee and David Carradine of Kung Fu fame — David S
Try to convince the Ukrainians that peace & harmony is inevitable. To the contrary, Philosophers of East & West have argued mostly for bottom-up happiness & harmony. For example, Confucius vainly tried to convince the rulers of his culture that the common people would meekly follow a virtuous lord, but would rebel against a vicious leader. Presumably, if individuals are happy, then the collective should be happy, and society should be harmonious & prosperous. But, political leaders of all times & places have tended to concern themselves primarily with harmony at the top, among their peers, leaving the hoi polloi to their own devices. Hypothetically, If Putin is happy, then everybody who counts (oligarchs) will be happy, and national harmony will reign. :joke: ironyWhy aim for "harmony"? — 180 Proof
@Gnomon
Good question, mon ami! As far as I can tell, there's no escaping harmony. Let's say we have disharmony - this with harmony is again harmony; iterate this to ∞ if you wish and/but you'll always end up harmony. It's amazing this yin-yang concept - if you oppose it, you endorse it! :cool: — Agent Smith
You are welcome. I understand now that you are not notified via email about "Mentions" to you.Firstly apologies. I was not so familiar with the site and replying directly to a commented post. Thanks for your carefully considered reply. — David S
No, it's not that. As I said, it's "the mystery of the purpose of living". This refers only to Western philosophy. There's no such mystery in the Eastern philosophy.It’s odd you say the question is biased. I guess phrasing it as meaning and purpose of life. — David S
Right. But then why do you ask. "Which system do you believe ‘pierces the veil’ better in understanding the mystery of the purpose of living?" if you agree that the Eastern system does not think about this subject?Agree too that the Eastern way of thinking would not really think in terms of purpose meaning of life. — David S
Exactly.The western leaning can be very short term. The East tend to thing for longer term. — David S
Certainly. Carradine was perfect for that role. Although I think this because I was used to. A lot of actrs could play that role. But have a difficulty imagining Lee in that role.Carradine in reality I think was a better choice — David S
You are welcome.thanks for your reply and insight. — David S
You got it! :smile:I assume you favour the Eastern over the Western — David S
Glad to know about this. I don't think we are many! :smile:That is my leaning too. — David S
I wish you both.develop both health and spiritual developments. — David S
I don’t believe so but accept the argument that you cannot possibly understand the Eastern philosophy unless you have submerged yourself or of course are brought up with the language and heritage. — David S
On the decline of the great Tao,
There are humanity (jen) and righteousness (i).
When intelligence (hui) and knowledge (chih) appear,
There is great artificiality (wei). — Tao Te Ching, from Verse 18 - Ellen Marie Chen Translation
Eliminate sagacity (sheng), discard knowledge (chih),
People will be profited (li) a hundredfold. — Tao Te Ching, from Verse 19 - Ellen Marie Chen Translation
One who knows (chih) does not accumulate knowledge,
One who accumulates knowledge (po) does not know. — Tao Te Ching, from Verse 81 - Ellen Marie Chen Translation
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.