Day One Today you will fly to Chengdu, the capital of modern Sichuan province. A historic capital serving as the traditional gateway to the Tibetan plateau, Chengdu has in recent years become a vibrant and sophisticated metropolis. Prepare yourself for mouth-watering Sichuan food, wonderful cultural sites and of course one of the rarest bears on our […]
In the introductory article on the Occult Universe, we establish the basic model of Chinese thought that Confucius inherited. His contribution was to imbue this primitive but complex system with moral value. Confucius was an innovative conservative. While upholding the ceremonial rituals of the existing cultural model, he gave them a moral significance of his […]
Foundation of the Gelug Sect Tsong Khapa (1357-1419) founded Ganden monastery in 1409. A graduate of the austere Karmapa order, his doctrine emphasized monastic discipline. This attitude was echoed by his reinforcement of the primacy of sutras – the original teachings of Buddha – over the tantras – later mystical teachings. So popular was his […]
The short article, Occult Universe, presents the basic patterns of belief current in China from the third millenium BC. It introduces the Book of Changes, which was as influential in the development of Confucianism as it was in much Daoist doctrine. Yet whereas Confucius expanded this book’s social implications, Daoism elaborated on its metaphysical claim […]
This lecture on the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi was given by Professor Wang Bo, Professor of Philosophy at Peking University, as part of Imperial Tours-sponsored research into Chinese philosophy and ideas. The Spirit of Zhuangzi By Professor Wang Bo Good evening everybody. My name is Professor Wang Bo and I have been at Peking University […]
