Blog 7

Blog 6

Blog 5

Blog Four: A Personal Projection of the Infamous Xunzuang

The stunning piligrimage story of the monk, Xunzuang was a feast to the eyes of non-Chinese readers. However, one couldn't miss the resemblance of his biography to the

Blog Three: Mirrors of Thought to Liu Xinru's Article

The evolutionary progress of the Yuezhi-Kushan empire (although its history remains elusive and speculative) provides substantial instruction in the formation of culture in ancient Chinese civilizations. According to Liu Xinru's article of 'Migration and Settlement of the Yuezhi Kushan: Interaction and Interdependence of Nomadic and Sedentary Societies', nomadic cultures such as the Yuezhi-Kushan are not necessarily disadvantageous to agricultural settlements that have settled in the various areas in the North and South regions. As a matter of fact, interactions and exchanges have resulted to greater formations of culture and greater sense of distinctive interdependence. This idea pertains to Liu's suggestion that interactions of nomadic and sedentary groups have promulgated the genesis of Chinese and Indian cultures.


This thought is therefore illuminating, as it signifies the value of cultural correlation. Regardless of one's distinctive cultural attribute, different cultures have one way or another (with the aid of that one brave equestrian galloping in the perilous roads of the Tian Shan mountains)  influenced each other - have bonded and have consummated a rich and genuine culture contributing to it's language, practices and prestige.

Blog Two: Reflection on Bret Hinsch's Article

The calligraphy of ancient Chinese myths propose a unique formulation of Chinese ethnic identity. The skill of depending on ancient symbols, animals and heavenly bodies as representations of one's kin or tribe embodies a unique way of creating Chinese culture. Although the dependence on mythical literature proposes a crisis in dileanating ancient Chinese history; the dependence on myths can still provide substantial clues to engage in fluid relationships with the Chinese people in the modern times. Instead of obliviously categorizing Chinese ethnic culture as belonging to a speicfic origin or the classification of labeling them as 'the other'; educating oneself to the ancient traditions of another culture is an enlightening way to provide self-awareness and the eradication of cultural prejudices.

Although ancient myths in Chinese history often distort the authenticity of their history, it is crucial to understand that these myths provide structure in Chinese history. Mythical stories are imbued and important in Chinese culture. It provides a sense of identity and uniqueness that other cultures exclude. Ancient myths also form a sense of connection to the people of China, but also provide recognition to elements that aren't necessarily human. This, therefore represents respect to all creatures human or non-human in form: the circle of life.

The main emphasis of this article is therefore to take recognition of a culture that is uniquely and radically different from one's own, and learning to respect a contrasting belief that may not be as highly valuable to one's culture, but can be very signficant to the residing culture involved.