Cross College

Tag: history

  • Exploring the Writings of Duns Scotus: A Mind of Subtle Distinctions

    Duns Scotus (1266–1308), often called the “Subtle Doctor,” was one of the most influential thinkers in medieval philosophy and theology. A Franciscan scholar, Scotus made groundbreaking contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and theology, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in philosophical and theological circles today. His works are noted for their intricate reasoning and…

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • India’s Greatest Dynasties: A Rich Tapestry of History

    The history of India is a vast and intricate story, defined by the rise and fall of extraordinary dynasties that shaped its culture, politics, economy, and intellect. These ruling powers were not merely administrators; they were visionaries who left legacies that resonate through centuries. Exploring the achievements and contributions of these dynasties reveals a civilization…

  • The Works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: A Towering Figure of Literature

    Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) is one of the most influential and celebrated figures in world literature. A polymath whose contributions span drama, poetry, novels, philosophy, and science, Goethe’s works continue to inspire readers with their depth, complexity, and human insight. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Goethe lived during a period of immense social and intellectual…

  • References in T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land

    T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land, published in 1922, is one of the most studied and enigmatic poems of the 20th century. Renowned for its fragmented structure and dense intertextuality, the poem weaves together a tapestry of references to literature, mythology, religion, and culture from diverse traditions. These references serve to enrich the poem’s themes of…

  • 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…

  • Key Ideas in the Works of Jean Baudrillard

    Jean Baudrillard (1929–2007), a French sociologist, cultural theorist, and philosopher, is renowned for his groundbreaking ideas on media, reality, and simulation. His works challenge conventional notions of society and reality, exploring how the rise of consumer culture, media, and technology have fundamentally altered human perception. Baudrillard’s writings are deeply provocative and remain influential in fields…