I normally do not like a pure lecture, but I enjoyed today's talk. It was the first time anybody talked about Daoism- a philosophical tradition I've always enjoyed.

I thought our speaker (apologize can't remember his name) had a touch of Chinese chauvinism, but I actually liked that. People who are passionate about their subject usually have a strong point of view and I tend to prefer that. Has anybody read "the tale of Genji" and "The Sword and the Stone"? If anybody has which story do you prefer and why?

Another interesting point was how Ch'an or Zen Buddhism did away with the tradition and forms of the Theravadin (mispelled) and Mahayana schools of Buddhism. If Zen or Ch'an enlightenment put the emphasis on internal revelation as oppossed to external than this conflict between them and the more formal schools is similiar to the one between Protestant and Catholic Christians.

By the way, our speaker refered to the Theravadin (mispelled) Buddhist tradition as the Hinayana (little raft) tradition in Buddhism- it should be pointed out that only Mahayana Buddhists use this term and Theravadins find it insulting (I don't think he mean't to do this, but it should be pointed out).

What connection do you make between Sword and the Stone and Genji? Princes? Perfect men? Mythology? I love The Sword and the Stone- humor, human characters. genji is too convuluted to me and is filled with description and minutia that just distract me.

Again, why do you ask?

I also found his tone refreshing- not just clinical and correct, but more connected and human.
Dean

It was clear to me that professor Ye bears a great wealth of knowledge about Chinese literature. What I really liked about his presentation was his connections with modern pop culture and his humor. After his mention of it, I spent the rest of the day with the closing notes of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony running through my head!
Both the "Dream of Red Mansions" and the "Story of the Stone" sound very interesting to me, but I am most interested in getting the Anthology of Chinese literature that he mentioned.

I just finished reading The Good Earth, and I couldn't put the book down! It was entertaining as well as rich with the Chinese culture of the time. I would love to check out the original movie as well, but Blockbusters and my local and main branch libraries didn't carry it. I couldn't find the Soty of the Stone or Plum in the Golden Vase at the libraries either. Perhaps the LA county libraries are better stocked.
Belinda