Yin – Yang – YinYang
YinYang is my term to describe the in-depth synthesis of Yin and Yang. (Sub)conceptual While many things can be seen as Yin or Yang, there is a family resemblance within both. In one interpretation, Yin may be more fluid, Yang more solid. I see in Yin the more subconceptual side of thinking, while Yang is Read the full article…
Hikikomori
Since the late nineties, the phenomenon of hikikomori has hit Japan. The definition is a physical isolation for minimally six months (sometimes years or decades), active avoidance of any social interaction or commitment, and feelings of inadequacy or despondence. According to Japanese government figures, there are presently around 1 million individuals living as hikikomori within Japan, with Read the full article…
Confucianism
Living in a time of turmoil, Confucius was bent on providing guidance to handle this and create a better world. As to the turmoil, the present is no exception. Confucius may still be relevant with a twist. There are many Confucianisms. Allow me to write about my little understanding. A picture of thousand ideas To Read the full article…
Chi
Right to the core, the Chinese concept of Chi is most interesting as a specific cultural view of Compassion. I write this text with all due respect for all Asian and non-Asian people who think highly of Chi ― as I do. Note also that, historically, there have been Chinese philosophers with quite distinct conceptualizations Read the full article…
The Heart of Buddhism
Many Buddhists find the core of their worldview being expressed in the chanting of the Hannya Shingyo (ancient Japanese). In many Buddhist monasteries, it is chanted at least every day. You can listen to the entire (few minutes) Hannya Shingyo in this nice video. You can read a fine translation (one of many slightly different) Read the full article…
Wu Wei in Leadership
Traditionally a characteristic of the idealized Chinese leader, ‘effortless action’ doesn’t always appeal to Western-style leadership. With a twist in-depth, it may appeal to any leadership worldwide. Hopefully, this contributes to [see: “One Future, One World”]. In any case, recognizable leadership everywhere is a good start. Open Leadership [see this category on the blog-wiki] This Read the full article…
Buddha-Nature
Everywhere and nowhere, deemed non-existent and most important, Buddha-nature is the mother of all paradoxes. Buddhism Buddhism is an excellent source of inspiration for a rational and profound way of life, although it is also a conglomeration of traditions with substantial differences. As to Buddha-nature, the core shines through despite differences, mainly seeing it as Read the full article…
Four Bodhisattva Vows & AURELIS
On the path towards personal ‘awakening’ (mental growth), Compassion is crucial. [see: “Compassion, basically”] Bodhisattva A ‘bodhisattva’ is a Buddhist term for one on the path to personal awakening while caring for all others. It’s a very inclusive path, therefore Compassionate. I’m no Buddhist, but I see the Buddhist philosophy as quite inspirational to the Read the full article…
Compassion Connecting East & West
And North and South, of course, and everything in-between ― even past, present, and future. Essential A Compassionate attitude is to be received gracefully after sometimes earning it with huge effort and even danger to yourself. Sacrifices are unnecessary, but the person who is reluctant to make them can hardly attain a Compassionate stance. At Read the full article…
Guan-Shi-Yin
Today, you may call me an idealist as never before. An ultra-woke person may call me a sexist. A fact is that Guan-Shi-Yin is female. That, at least, is what is. I cannot help it. Besides, she started male. In Indian Buddhism, long before Jesus preached his lovely message, ‘she’ was known as Avalokiteshvara, the Read the full article…