Cross College

Category: Uncategorized

  • Who Was Cosimo de’ Medici?

    Cosimo de’ Medici (1389–1464), also known as Cosimo the Elder, was the founder of the Medici political dynasty and one of the most influential figures of the Italian Renaissance. As the de facto ruler of Florence, he laid the foundation for Medici power, shaped the city’s political landscape, and became a major patron of the…

  • Who Was Abd al-Rahman III?

    Abd al-Rahman III (891–961) was one of the most influential rulers of Islamic Spain, transforming Al-Andalus into a prosperous and powerful state. As the eighth Emir and later the first Caliph of Córdoba, he consolidated Umayyad rule, strengthened the economy, and turned Córdoba into a center of culture and learning. His reign marked the height…

  • Who Was Alfred the Great? The King Who Defended England

    Alfred the Great (c. 849–899) was the King of Wessex from 871 to 899 and is one of the most celebrated rulers in English history. He is best known for defending England against Viking invasions, reforming law and education, and laying the foundation for the unification of England. His legacy as a warrior, scholar, and…

  • Who Was Francis Bacon? The Philosopher, Scientist, and Statesman

    Francis Bacon (1561–1626) was an English philosopher, scientist, statesman, and essayist, widely regarded as one of the founders of modern empirical science. His contributions to philosophy and the scientific method helped shape the way knowledge was pursued in the early modern period, laying the groundwork for the Enlightenment. Beyond his intellectual legacy, Bacon was also…

  • Traditional Japanese Deities: The Divine Spirits of Shinto and Folklore

    Japan’s spiritual landscape is rich and diverse, shaped by centuries of religious and cultural traditions. At the heart of Japan’s belief system is Shinto, the indigenous religion that venerates a vast pantheon of kami (divine spirits or deities). These deities are associated with natural forces, ancestral spirits, and legendary figures who have influenced Japanese mythology…

  • Who Was Chinua Achebe? The Father of Modern African Literature

    Chinua Achebe (1930–2013) was a Nigerian writer, professor, and critic, widely regarded as the father of modern African literature. His groundbreaking novel, Things Fall Apart (1958), is one of the most influential books in African literary history, offering a powerful response to colonial narratives and giving voice to African perspectives. Through his novels, essays, and…

  • Who Was Unmon? A Zen Master of Profound Simplicity

    Unmon (雲門), also known as Yunmen Wenyan (864–949), was a Chinese Zen (Chan) master and one of the most influential figures in the history of Zen Buddhism. As the founder of the Yunmen school of Chan, his teachings emphasized direct insight, sharp wit, and the power of a single phrase or word to trigger enlightenment.…

  • Exploring the Different Forms of Buddhism: A Global Tradition with Diverse Paths

    Buddhism, a spiritual tradition founded over 2,500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), has evolved into one of the world’s most influential religions. Today, it is practiced in a variety of forms, each with unique teachings, rituals, and philosophies. While rooted in the core teachings of the Buddha, Buddhism has adapted to different cultural…

  • Who Was Budai? The Laughing Buddha of Folklore and Legend

    Budai, often referred to as the “Laughing Buddha,” is a figure deeply embedded in Chinese and East Asian culture. Although he is frequently associated with Buddhism, Budai’s origins and significance extend beyond religious boundaries. Known for his joyful demeanor, potbelly, and ever-present cloth sack, Budai is a symbol of contentment, generosity, and abundance. The Historical…

  • The Union of Zen Buddhism and Bushido: Myth and Reality

    Zen Buddhism and Bushido are often seen as two deeply intertwined traditions that shaped the philosophy and ethics of Japan’s samurai class. This romanticized image, however, does not fully reflect historical reality. While Zen did influence some samurai, only a small percentage of them actively practiced Zen Buddhism. Nonetheless, the principles of Zen resonated strongly…