Analysis of Chuang Tzu 33 Chapters Later Edited by Kuo Hsiang Essay

Analysis of Chuang Tzu 33 Chapters Later Edited by Kuo Hsiang - Essay Example The main body of the essay consists of detailed discussion of his philosophic and literary masterpiece. As is obvious the original work is in the Chinese language, hence the main source of this essay is the translation of Chuang Tzu's complete work by the another famous orientalist A.C. Graham __ "Chaung Tzu, The Inner Chapters". Introduction: Little is known of the man Chuang Tzu, except the some sattered details found in miscellaneous official historical records. He lived during the Warring States Era ( 403-221 B.C. ) in the Chinese history; he held a minor official post, and he was a resident of a place called Meng, in the present day Honan Province. At this bleak junction in the Chinese history a phenomenon known as the Baijia, or the hundred schools of thought, emerged. Each of these schools propagated their peculiar brand of remedies to cure the social malaise to rid the Chinese society of the culture of violence and gore. The basic point that in a way united these schools was the fact that all of these schools of thought wanted to a state of social harmony, both at the level of the state and the individual. Among these schools of thought and perhaps the most influential one, was the Ruist__the erstwhile followers of Confucius. These scholars were in favor of returning to the wisdom and the old traditions and values of ancient China. Another, important school was the Mohist: composed of the disciples of "Master Mo" or Mozi. These scholars were opposed to the traditional culture and values because they perceived them to be elitist. Doadejing was also a popular movement of during these turbulent times. Chuang Tzu's philosophy developed within the context defined by the Ruist, Mohist and the Doadeing schools of thought. Chaung Tzu, is reported to have taken birth about more than a century after Confucius. His famous contemporaries were Mencius ( with whom he had no discourse or any contact), Gonsung Longzi ( the logician ) and his acquaintance Hui Shih ( ref erred to as a paradox monger). One man without whose mention the Chinese cultural history is bereft of any vitality and color is Chuang Tzu. But it is not on his own account but because of the remarkable feat of conservation of his work successfully undertaken by the Jin dynasty scholar and commentator, Kuo Hsiang (d.312 C.E.) that we know him today. Had it not been for Kuo Hsiang, China and the rest of the world would have never known the exceptional visionary, Chuang Tzu. Apart from preserving his work for posterity, Kuo Hsiang also has the unique distinction of being the first editor of Chuang Tzu. Originally, the work of Chuang Tzu was composed of fifty two chapters but it was reduced to its current thirty three chapters by Kuo Hsiang. He left out all that he thought spurious, and to set the record right, only the first seven chapters are written by the great man and are referred to as the "Inner Chapters" or Neipian. The rest of the chapters, that is chapters eight to twenty tw o, are referred to as the "Outer Chapters or Waipian, and chapters twenty three to thirty three are called the "Miscellaneous Chapters" or Zaipian. These chapters are attributed to the disciples and followers of the great man. In short the "Inner Chapters" form the core of the magnum opus or the basic writings of Chuang Tzu. At this

Gun control Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Gun control - Research Paper Example This law is, in effect, in many parts of the world. Even with the gun-control policy, gun ownership is still faced by many controversies and challenges. The Gun-control policy has a significant importance on the safety of people and ensuring that guns licensed are not used wrongly and addressing the challenges and controversies facing this policy will be imperative in meeting the objective of safety of individuals, societies and communities. The Gun Control Gun control is policies and laws that are designed to restrict gun ownership in a given jurisdiction. Most countries are concerned about the safety of the people. They license individuals to carry guns. Those licensed are supposed to use their guns for defense only. However, there are cases where the owners get false alarm and use their guns out of panic. At the same time, there are some people who feel they are secure enough and threaten other people using the gun they obtained (Hemenway 1). Some licensed gun holders may also use their guns inappropriately and for criminal purposes. This has made it a challenge for the gun-control policies and law makers. They do not know who to trust and who not to trust. The current regulations Any person in any country across the world has right to a licensed gun. However, there are regulations that come with this. ... Policy makers usually worry that a mentally ill person owing a gun can be disastrous to the society and have to ensure that applicants are sane. The third process involves providing reasons as to why the applicant would like to own a gun. In most countries, the applicant has to go the nearest police station for an interview. Once they provide all the reasons why they would like to own a gun, a police board evaluates the application. It is discussed by that board and decision made. It is important to note that the police have the right to disregard an applicant’s application without providing any reasons. If the police decide that the application is successful, the applicant has to prove that they know how to handle and use guns. If they do not know how to use, they have to enroll for a class on the same. The class may day a few days after which the applicant is provided with the gun and the permit. The newly licensed gun holder has to go through the requirements and conditions for using the gun (The New York Police Department 1). The terms and conditions for gun application and the process differ from country to country. They also differ in different parts of an individual country, especially countries that have a state system. This also differs if the applicant requires large guns for hunting or other purposes. The Gun Control Debate There has been a gun-control debate for the last decades. Of course, some support gun ownership while others do not. Most people apply for gun ownership for self-defense purposes. They claim that there are times they may be in danger, and guns may be important in protecting them. For example, a person could be walking down a dark alley at night only to come across criminals. If they