Eastern Journeys

    This blog entry compares and contrasts the approach of two sources covering cultural and religious development in China along the Silk Road during its early and middle stages, emphasizing the impact that foreign travelers had in bringing ways of life and faith that would otherwise have taken much longer to reach China.  A broad overview from author Patrick Bresnan in Chapter Sixteen of   Awakening: A History of Eastern Thought   covers several varieties of Buddhism that developed in China's Tarim Basin near the Silk Road . A less detailed approach covering the history of the Silk Road and its mix of cultures and religions in China is the subject of the video   The Silk Road: Where East Met West, which is much more greatly focused on the culture and its elements of trade instead of its religions.  For example, the video covers several influences the Muslims left behind that remain thriving in places like Xi'an.  ( Silk , 7:47-8:46)   ...

 When we look at Confucianism and consider its common ground with Daoism as well as its differences, we see history, core ideas and similar objectives that tie the two philosophies together. Both arose from the desire for order, peace and harmony after long periods of war and chaos. Both parted ways in how they approached the idea of whether people should treat each other as equals, and how that approach affects basic human interaction. To understand both philosophies better, we first need to look at a concept that preceded them: the Mandate of Heaven. As described by author Patrick Bresnan in Awakening: A History of Eastern Thought , "The Mandate of Heaven refers to the belief that the earthly king presides as something of  a steward to the gods. His rule is legitimate only so long as he fulfills the will of heaven, which is to say, to govern wisely and well, in the interest of all. If he allows selfish interest to replace concern for the common good, he will lose the Mandate...