ORIENTAL THOUGHT

Philosophy 320

Spring 2000

Perspectives & Practices

Because Oriental thought involves modes of thinking different from that of the Occident, the primary perspective of the course will involve an attempt to reorient conceptual propensities. In short, we will focus not on the similarities, but the differences between modes of thinking. We will also examine at least one practice that has evolved from Taoist thought, namely, Tai Chi Chuan.

Directions

Where we hope to go, that is.

-          To attain a preliminary grasp of some major trends of Oriental thought

-          To focus on the underlying distinctions/differences between Oriental and Occidental ways of thinking

-          To take the opportunity to try out Oriental paths of thought

Tour Guides (Required)

-          Arieh Lev Breslow, Beyond the Closed Door: Chinese Culture and the Creation of T'ai Chi Ch'uan (If, in fact, we can get this book. If not, I will provide some handouts of other material)

-          Thomas Cleary (trans.), Immortal Sisters: Secret Teachings of Taoist Women

-          Herman Hesse, Siddhartha

-          Raymond Smullyan, The Tao is Silent

-          Arthur Wayley, Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China

Tour Guides (Recommended)

-          Michael H. Kohn (trans.), The Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen

Maps 

    (the following can be found in various translations/editions and on various web pages)

-          Tao Te Ching

-          I Ching

-          The Dhammapada

-          The Upanishads

-          The Kama Sutra

Activities

-          The in-class structure will, in large part, be oriented toward discussion. (10% of course grade)

-          Two short papers, not to exceed 8 pages (typed, double-spaced) (70% of course grade)

-          Your musings: call this a journal of sorts. Weekly insights/reflections based upon class discussions and readings. These will be due every three weeks, for a total of 4. (20% of course grade)

Some Web Pages Concerning Oriental Thought:

 General Oriental Links:

Chinese Cultural Studies: Texts

Hinduism:

Hindu Resources on-line

The Hindu Universe

Women Saints of India

 

Buddhism:

Buddha Net

Dharma and Nirvana

Resources for the Study of East Asian Language and Thought

Taoism and Tai Chi:

General:

Taoism and the Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan

Confucianism and Taoism Digital Text Resources

Center of Traditional Taoist Studies

Taoism Information Page

Chad Hansen's Chinese Philosophy Page

 

Chuang Tzu (Zhangzi):

The Chuang Tzu (Lin Yutang's Introduction)

Full Text of the Chuang Tzu

 

Lao Tzu:

English Translations of the Tao Teh Ching

 

Relax!