Religious Identity And Religious Difference: Journey To The West, Arabian Nights, And Decameron
Religious identity and religious difference (Journey to the West, Arabian Nights, and Decameron)
Religion is not only a complex social and historical phenomenon but also is a common and long-lasting cultural phenomenon. “Religious beliefs influence many aspects of daily life. It is therefore plausible to argue that these beliefs affect some of our most central endeavors”(64). The development of human religion and human culture interacts each other and affects mutual tolerance and mutual penetration. Under different social and historical conditions, the relationship and role between religion and culture can manifest in different forms. Any literature works necessarily reflect their social lives, and cultural patterns of various nationalities …show more content…
Journey to the West, as the mind-Ming Dynasty novel, reflects the prevailing religious culture and thought at that time to some extent. This novel combines Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism together, reflecting the social ideas of three convergences. Xuan Zang starts his mission and there are many adventures, many of which include fighting with demons. At the end he pleads for harmony, theses scriptures are presented as a synthesis of the main religions in China. In the description of the mythical world in Journey to the West, we can see the shadow of realistic society everywhere.
The theme is the story of pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures, thus Buddhist culture is the most obvious part of the novel. It vigorously broadcasts Buddhism through Tang Seng and Guan Yin. When the monk encounters difficulties, he often turns to Buddhist Gods for help. Also, through Tang Seng’s daily life, we can see that the rules of Buddhism: no meat, no kill, and no lust. For example, the Monkey is severely punished by Tang Seng even though he only kills few times. When facing heterosexual courtship, Tang Seng expresses his firm conviction more than one time. Ba Jie’s lust causes …show more content…
He is born with religious overtones because he is from a stone. He causes havocs in the heaven and underworld that makes the Daoist Gods helpless and panicked. However, Ru Lai’s appearance saves the temple of heaven and maintains the domination of Jade Emperor. As a result, the position of Buddhism is established and the Monkey King is trapped under the mountain for 500 years.
The reason why Tang Seng put himself out of the way to get scriptures is that he believes Buddhism is boundless and it can save all sufferings. In his journey, Guan Yin always appears in the most dangerous time. The Monkey King, the Pig, and Sha Seng are also affected by the Goddess of mercy. They put a magnificent career in Buddhism, and eventually become immortal. Their fates in the end also claim the triumph of Buddhism.
Journey to the West is an artistic treasure and a masterpiece of Chinese literature. It takes in-depth exploration in Chinese Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism, reflecting people’s religious faith in Tang
Religion is not only a complex social and historical phenomenon but also is a common and long-lasting cultural phenomenon. “Religious beliefs influence many aspects of daily life. It is therefore plausible to argue that these beliefs affect some of our most central endeavors”(64). The development of human religion and human culture interacts each other and affects mutual tolerance and mutual penetration. Under different social and historical conditions, the relationship and role between religion and culture can manifest in different forms. Any literature works necessarily reflect their social lives, and cultural patterns of various nationalities …show more content…
Journey to the West, as the mind-Ming Dynasty novel, reflects the prevailing religious culture and thought at that time to some extent. This novel combines Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism together, reflecting the social ideas of three convergences. Xuan Zang starts his mission and there are many adventures, many of which include fighting with demons. At the end he pleads for harmony, theses scriptures are presented as a synthesis of the main religions in China. In the description of the mythical world in Journey to the West, we can see the shadow of realistic society everywhere.
The theme is the story of pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures, thus Buddhist culture is the most obvious part of the novel. It vigorously broadcasts Buddhism through Tang Seng and Guan Yin. When the monk encounters difficulties, he often turns to Buddhist Gods for help. Also, through Tang Seng’s daily life, we can see that the rules of Buddhism: no meat, no kill, and no lust. For example, the Monkey is severely punished by Tang Seng even though he only kills few times. When facing heterosexual courtship, Tang Seng expresses his firm conviction more than one time. Ba Jie’s lust causes …show more content…
He is born with religious overtones because he is from a stone. He causes havocs in the heaven and underworld that makes the Daoist Gods helpless and panicked. However, Ru Lai’s appearance saves the temple of heaven and maintains the domination of Jade Emperor. As a result, the position of Buddhism is established and the Monkey King is trapped under the mountain for 500 years.
The reason why Tang Seng put himself out of the way to get scriptures is that he believes Buddhism is boundless and it can save all sufferings. In his journey, Guan Yin always appears in the most dangerous time. The Monkey King, the Pig, and Sha Seng are also affected by the Goddess of mercy. They put a magnificent career in Buddhism, and eventually become immortal. Their fates in the end also claim the triumph of Buddhism.
Journey to the West is an artistic treasure and a masterpiece of Chinese literature. It takes in-depth exploration in Chinese Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism, reflecting people’s religious faith in Tang