Cross College

Tag: chinese history

  • Who Was Laozi? The Sage Behind Taoism

    Laozi (also spelled Lao Tzu or Lao-Tze) is one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in Chinese philosophy and spiritual history. Often credited as the founder of Daoism (Taoism) and the author of its central text, the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching), Laozi’s ideas continue to shape philosophical, religious, and cultural thought across…

  • 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.…

  • 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…

  • Who Was Mencius? A Sage of Compassion and Confucian Wisdom

    Mencius, known as Mengzi (孟子) in Chinese, was a renowned Confucian philosopher who lived during the Warring States period (372–289 BCE). Often called the “Second Sage” of Confucianism, following Confucius himself, Mencius expanded and refined the teachings of Confucius, focusing on human nature, morality, and governance. His ideas are compiled in the classic text The…

  • Understanding The Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp: Key Stories and Themes

    The Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp (Jingde Chuandeng Lu) is one of the foundational texts in Zen (Chan) Buddhism, composed during the Song Dynasty in China by the monk Daoyuan. This 30-volume work records the lineage of Zen masters, starting from the Buddha and extending to the 10th century, capturing stories, teachings,…

  • What is Mohism?

    Mohism, founded by the Chinese philosopher Mozi (also known as Mo Tzu or Mo Di) during the Warring States period in ancient China, is a philosophical tradition that focuses on universal love, meritocratic governance, and practical ethics. As a significant counterpoint to Confucianism, Mohism challenges some traditional Chinese values, emphasizing egalitarianism, utility, and social order…

  • Who Was Li Hongzhang? The Statesman and Diplomat Who Tried to Modernize Qing China

    Li Hongzhang (1823–1901) was a prominent Chinese statesman, military leader, and diplomat during the late Qing Dynasty. A central figure in Chinese politics during one of the most turbulent periods of China’s history, Li played a crucial role in efforts to modernize the country, strengthen its military, and navigate the complex international landscape that China…