Asian Literature

1. Records of the Grand Historian Qin dynasty
Record of the Grand Historian is arguably one of the most comprehensive collections of information on Chinese history and also the oldest recorded in terms of the period it covers. In that sense it is of an extreme historical significance, since it is able to give readers records from the time of the first ruler (The Yellow Emperor) right up to the period in which the author lived. These records thus span a period from 109 BC to 91 BC. The author Sima Qian came from a family of historians which was how he was able to collect such detailed information, and it is also believed that he traveled extensively, and met and spoke to various people to plug possible gaps in this elaborate account.
This was especially important, since the level of detail present is truly commendable.

What also makes Records of the Grand Historian Qin dynasty stand out from later work done in the field of Chinese history and culture was the fact that is managed to stay fairly neutral on its subject matter, and did not proclaim the absolute superiority of the rulers during any of the periods it covered. Instead it provided fairly accurate and insightful information on the various dynasties, and the matters of governance and administration during their time.

2. The concept of Mencius, Xunzi, and Laozi along with Confucius
The Confucian school of thought essentially talks of humanity and the importance of being good. It emphasizes on inclusion and preaches good values like respect for elders and importance of family. Both Mencius and Xunzi are famed Confucian philosophers in their own right, and were highly acclaimed for their teachings. But their was a significant difference in their interpretation of what Confucius said. While Mencius believed in the general goodness that exists in all of man, Xunzi believed that man was innately born evil, and had a tendency to do wrong. So Mencius stressed on how it was the influence of society that made men do wrong, and how education was they way men could tap and progress their innate goodness. He also was a strong believer in destiny and felt that one got what one deserved ultimately. Xunzi on the other hand believed that man was born with qualities like desire and greed, and he needed guidance, and a good teacher to set him on the right path. This was what led to the development of rituals, since they acted as a means of control and ensured that man did not stray. With the evolution of time, these rituals are the defining pillars on which society rests. Most followers regarded Xunzi to have a more liberal approach while Mencius was regarded as an orthodox philosopher.

Laozi on the other hand is regarded as the father of Taoism, and hence preached the Tao concepts of peace and harmony, and the importance of oneness with nature. In that sense Taoism differs from the Confucian school since the former talks of the self and its liberation through personal discovery, the latter talks of community over self, and the need to get salvation through interactions with others.
 
3. Chuang Tzu Basic Writings 
Chuang Tzu was a Chinese philosopher regarded as one of the great thinkers of the Eastern world. His writings are said to have a great influence in the development of Taoism and Chinese Buddhism and believed to have pre-dated the other basic text Laozi. His highly conversational style of writing used little stories and anecdotes to serve up bite sized portions of teachings which were simple yet very profound. Some of the most remarkable thoughts covered in his basic writings are the concept of relativity in defining things around us and the concept of transformation that the world is undergoing continuously. Chuang Tzu also believes that for man to survive the world around him, he too has to change and adapt with time. If he continues to nurse his prejudices and stick to a singular form of thinking he is bound to get frustrated and also stunt his growth. Also, what might be right for you might be wrong for another person, and vice-versa, hence the need to be open and adaptable. This is a sense was a major essence of what the writings talk about. One of the most famous stories that has almost become his signature and stands for his philosophy on life is The Butterfly dream. In this, Chuang Tzu dreams he has become a butterfly, but when he awakens he is himself. So does the dream that he has become a butterfly, or is it the butterfly that dreams it has become him This makes us think of the power of transformation, and ties back to the concept of adaptability. The butterfly is also a perfect analogy for how he wants us all to be, free spirited, joyous, and in oneness with nature, not fighting it with all our might.


4. Seven Taoist Masters
The Seven Taoist Masters is an engrossing and engaging read that use the art of storytelling to give us real gems from the ocean of Taoist philosophy. The book talks about how six men and one woman go on a journey of self discovery and the difficulties they encounter, and how their experiences hone them and take them on to enlightenment. The absorbing style of writing encourages us to drop down our guards and read and engage without any prejudice. The book essentially gives us valuable insights through two sources, firstly through the instructions of the teacher of these individuals (Wang) and secondly through the life changing experiences that each of the characters has to go through. This is where the real wisdom of the book lies. Each of our heroes has to overcome an obstacle that is in some way intertwined with their mind, and ego. From pride and rigidity to impatience and desire, amongst others, the book deals with various evils that are as relevant to mankind today as they were several centuries ago. And each individual needs to make some personal sacrifice in order to achieve the higher goal and fight his or her demons. The book also emphasizes the important link with the body and the mind and reminds us that performance of the body is determined by control of the mind, and it is mental mastery which holds the key to a better living. It is this Taoist way of life that we learn and imbibe through this book, and which remains with us long after we put it down.


5.  The Bhagavad Gita
Regarded by most as the greatest of all Hindu scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita is set against the backdrop of the historic defining battle at Kurukshetra. The setting is one where two sets of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas are fighting for supremacy and one of the Pandavas, Arjun has questions on how to wage wars against his own kith and kin. He seeks help from his charioteer, Lord Krishna (who is a manifestation of God himself) and the discourse he gets forms the basis of this epic. The universal teachings of this book stress on the importance of duty, and the need to look at the larger good, and it is hence regarded as an insightful read into understanding self and spirituality.

6. The Ramayana
One of the most revered of all ancient Hindu scriptures, The Ramayana is a Sanskrit poem that stands out for its continued relevance even in modern times and its timeless teachings. It is the story of a man Rama, and the various trials and tribulations he goes through before he can understand the deeper meaning of life and his existence. This magnum opus stresses on the concept of duty and its manifestations in ordinary mortals. The Ramayana has captured public imagination since it the time it was first recited, and has had implications in Hindu art, culture and ritual. Rama himself is seen as form of God, and is looked at for wisdom and spiritual guidance.