Cross College

Tag: ethics

  • 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 Cândido Rondon? The Explorer Who Mapped the Amazon and Championed Indigenous Rights

    In the vast and often untamed frontiers of Brazil, few names shine as brightly as that of Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon, better known simply as Cândido Rondon. A soldier, explorer, engineer, and above all, a humanitarian, Rondon dedicated his life to exploring the remote regions of Brazil and protecting the rights and cultures of…

  • The Bengal Renaissance: A Cultural and Intellectual Awakening

    Introduction The Bengal Renaissance was a period of cultural, intellectual, and social transformation in Bengal (modern-day West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh) during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement saw the fusion of Indian traditions with Western ideas, leading to groundbreaking developments in literature, philosophy, science, education, and social reform. Influenced by colonial encounters…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Who Was Nagarjuna? The Philosopher of Emptiness

    Nagarjuna, an influential Buddhist philosopher from the 2nd or 3rd century CE, is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in Mahayana Buddhism. Often called the “Second Buddha,” Nagarjuna’s writings and teachings reshaped Buddhist philosophy, particularly through his development of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) school. His profound exploration of concepts such as emptiness…

  • Who Was Shantideva? A Voice of Compassion in Buddhist Philosophy

    Shantideva, an 8th-century Indian Buddhist monk and philosopher, is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in Mahayana Buddhism. Known for his profound teachings on compassion, altruism, and the cultivation of the bodhisattva path, Shantideva’s life and works have inspired countless practitioners seeking to live with wisdom and kindness. His most famous text, the…

  • Diogenes: The Philosopher Who Lived with Virtue and Mocked Convention

    Diogenes of Sinope (circa 412–323 BCE) is one of the most eccentric and provocative figures in the history of philosophy. Known for his radical lifestyle and biting critiques of societal norms, Diogenes embodied a philosophy that emphasized virtue, simplicity, and a return to living in harmony with nature. His unconventional behavior and sharp wit made…

  • Nalanda: The Ancient Center of Learning and Wisdom

    Nalanda, a name that resonates with the grandeur of ancient Indian scholarship, was one of the world’s earliest and most significant centers of higher learning. Located in modern-day Bihar, India, Nalanda Mahavihara (great monastery) flourished between the 5th and 12th centuries CE, becoming a hub of intellectual activity, Buddhist philosophy, and cultural exchange. The Origins…

  • Who Was Bertrand Russell?

    Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) was one of the most influential philosophers, logicians, and public intellectuals of the 20th century. His contributions spanned a wide array of fields, including philosophy, mathematics, political theory, and social activism. Known for his analytical clarity and fearless commitment to truth, Russell reshaped modern thought while championing progressive causes. In this blog…