Asian philosophy?

Question

What are some good Chinese/Asian philosophy? Why are they good in your opinion? Want to get some books to read about it. Thanks.

Answer 1

Confucius, Lao Tze. These two for now! The reason: they got milions and milions to believe in what they have written. I think that the fundamental concept of the Asian culture is 'harmony'... And even though I'm European, I completely admire the eastern philosophy due to the fact that it calms me, it conforts the heart as well as it represent food for thought. So enjoy!

Answer 2

If you have no background in this area, I would first suggest two books:
(1) The Tao of Pooh
(2) The Te of Piglet

They are good introductions to the "type" of thinking that is represented by this strand of philosophy.

In addition, I would like to point out that an earlier answerer is incorrect. Labelling the strand of thought "Asian" philosophy is probably more accurate than to label it "Eastern" (though this is a common misconception). India--with works like the Upanishads, Rig Veda, and Bhagavad Gita--is part of "Asia" and is usually called the Asian "sub-continent." The problem with labeling this entire strand of thought as "Eastern" is that we live on a ball, really. East of what?? The term is constructed from the idea of the old British Empire--and, thus, is a politically loaded term.

Answer 3

Personaly i like some of the Taoism, in particular the Tao Te Ching. And the one book that makes me think the most is Chuang Tzu, which also contains Taoist philosophy and is written uniquely. Also i like some of the Buddhist teachings. I try to stay away from things that a religion says, because it is a perspective of what their spiritual person said, but it could be a wrong or incomplete perspective. Instead i like the fundimentals ^_^. Also a verry good somewhat modern philosopher that does an excellent job on explaining how humans work/think (things that i would probably never think of, yet they make sense) is Krishnamurti.

I like this article about the view points of Confucious, Buddha, and Lao Tzu:http://dynamicbalancingtaichi.co.uk/Vinegar%20tasters.htm

Answer 4

Offhand I'd say Zen Buddhism or Taoism.
If you want a light taste of Zen try
"Little Zen Companion" from Barnes and noble.
"Siddhartha" is a good second book.

The good in eastern philosophy is the observation that there is a balance to everything. That things are not only defined by their opposite, but contain a bit of it within. The ying-yang symbol is an expression of this. Eastern meditation helps quiet the mind.

The bad aspect of eastern philosophy is they believe you can find enlightenment through extended periods of raking sand.

Answer 5

The proper terminology is Eastern philosophy. As it encompasses parts of non-Asian countries I.E. India.

Confucianism is bare none arguably the best Eastern philosophy in terms of ethics and morals.
Sun Tsu - The Art of War (Great Book)
Taoism - Eastern Philosophy

Answer 6

The first book you need to get is on Eastern Philosophy to help you choose which one you would like to study. No one can give you a rundown on the many and varied philosophies of the East with in this forum. It is just too limiting.

Answer 7

Confucius—"It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs." (Don't be self centered, the world does not revolve around one person.)

Sun Tzu; Bing Fa (The Art of War)—"The ruler cannot mobilize the army out of personal anger. The general cannot engage in battle because of personal frustration. When it is advantageous, move; when not advantageous, stop. Anger can revert to happiness, annoyance can revert to joy, but the vanquished state cannot be revived, the dead cannot be brought back to life." (Think before you act or worse, before you react.)

Lao-tzu—To know that you do not know is the best.
To pretend to know when you do not know is a disease.
(Don't lie to impress people. Don't impress people with facts that you know nothing about.)

Answer 8

T'ai Chi Classics - translated by Waysun Liao.

Answer 9

Asians are awesome!