Cross College

Tag: spirituality

  • 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 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…

  • The Chief Deities of the Hindu Pantheon

    Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, is renowned for its diverse and vibrant pantheon of deities. These gods and goddesses represent various aspects of the divine and encompass a wide range of human emotions, cosmic principles, and natural forces. At the heart of the Hindu pantheon are several key deities who hold significant roles…

  • 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 Zarathustra?

    Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster, is the ancient prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. He is thought to have lived in the region of present-day Iran or Central Asia, likely between 1500 and 1000 BCE, although some historians place him as far back as 2000 BCE. Revered as a…

  • Who Was Meister Eckhart? Exploring the Life and Philosophy of a Christian Mystic

    Meister Eckhart (1260–1328) was a German theologian, philosopher, and mystic, widely regarded as one of the most profound spiritual figures in Western Christianity. His teachings, which often focused on the direct experience of God, challenged conventional religious thinking and have continued to inspire mystics, philosophers, and seekers of spiritual truth throughout history. In this post,…

  • The Philosophy of Henri Bergson: Time, Creativity, and the Nature of Reality

    Henri Bergson (1859-1941) was a prominent French philosopher whose ideas challenged the dominant intellectual currents of his time, particularly in regard to time, consciousness, and creativity. His work influenced a wide range of fields, from literature and art to science and metaphysics, and continues to be studied for its innovative approaches to understanding reality. In…

  • Exploring the Literary Treasures of South Asia: Five Landmark Works

    Indian literature, one of the oldest literary traditions in the world, encompasses a vast range of languages, cultures, and religions. It is deeply rooted in the region’s spiritual and philosophical history, and its themes often reflect complex understandings of human existence, duty, love, and devotion. From ancient religious epics to modern novels, the literary works…