The China History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

S9E07 | You Can Get it if You Really Want (But you must try) May 19, 2024

Show notes

Here's another well-worn favorite from the long list of great chengyu's: 磨杵成针 Mó Chǔ Chéng Zhén. The story behind this Chinese Saying stars none other than (one of China's greatest poets) Li Bai. As a youngster, Li Bai chanced upon an old woman, surnamed Wu, who was intent on accomplishing a seemingly impossible (in Li Bai's eyes) task. Don't let any naysayers deter you. Don't fear the impossible. Listen to this quick story and maybe acquire a little bit of inspiration in what you're trying to accomplish. Thanks everyone for listening.

If you'd like to donate to the show, you can at: https://teacup.media/support

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 12) May 19, 2024

Show notes

The introduction to the Yi Jing (I Ching) The Book of Changes continues into the Han Dynasty. We'll see how The Yi Jing is grouped with the Five Classics 五经 and how the discoveries at Mawangdui shook things up a little as far as Yi Jing scholarship went. Then we'll try and decipher Confucius's Ten Wings. Then we'll close with an intro to the practical usage of the Yi Jing and how it has been rediscovered and embraced in the West.

You can buy the two books of the History of Chinese Philosophy series here:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laszlo-Montgomery/author/B0C8B4MMZS?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1715963841&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 11) May 12, 2024

Show notes

In this Part 11 episode, we begin introducing the content found in Book 2 of the History of Chiense Philosophy, available wherever fine books are sold. We start with an introduction to the Yi Jing (I Ching), The Book of Changes, or the Changes of Zhou. We'll look at the Yi Jing's earliest beginnings, and the main characters associated with its authorship: Fu Xi, Yu the Great, and King Wen of Zhou. Then we'll finish off with an explanation of the Trigrams, Hexagrams and the development of the Yi Jing over time, including the addition of the "Ten Wings" of Confucius

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S9E06 | The First Cut is the Deepest May 05, 2024

Show notes

Once again, as a regular feature to the CHP, I'm including the latest Chinese Sayings Podcast offering. This one may be a bit of a departure from the average CSP episode. The Chinese Saying for this time is Jiǎn Bú Duàn, Lǐ Hái Luàn-剪不断理还乱. Many Chinese poetry lovers and aficionados may already be familiar with this line from the 10th-century poem 相见欢. Today's CSP offering is more of a history lesson than an introduction to a chengyu but it's worth it to hear it out to the end. The star of this episode is the final ruler of the Southern Tang Dynasty. Like his kindred spirit emperor Huizong of the Northern Song, Li Yu 李煜 of Southern Tang wasn't much of a ruler. But what he lacked in leadership ability he made up for it with his great literary skills, especially where cí 词 poetry was concerned.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 10) May 05, 2024

Show notes

Among the many changes happening in China towards the end of the Han Dynasty was a rise in the popularity of Buddhism. Rivalries began to arise among the three religions as they jockeyed for positions in the halls of power. The seeds of Neo-Confucianism are planted by Tang scholar-officials: Han Yu, Li Ao, and Liu Zongyuan. We also look at the Confucian Daotong Lineage.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S9E05 | Had enough yet? Apr 28, 2024

Show notes

I forgot to upload this one to the CHP feed last week. 不好意思. Here's a good one from the Three Kingdoms Era in which we feature the famous story of Meng Huo, Zhuge Liang, and Qī Qín Mèng Huò 七擒孟获. Some people just can't accept defeat but in the end, they bow to the inevitable. Cao Pi of Wei thought he'd have some fun and employed Meng Huo to harass his enemy in the Kingdom of Han. That didn't go as planned. But Zhuge Liang sure seemed to enjoy it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 9) Apr 28, 2024

Show notes

Like James Dean, Confucius was much bigger in death than he was in his own lifetime. It wasn't until the Han Dynasty that Confucianism enjoyed a major triumph. This time we'll look at Dong Zhongshu who was so consequential in tying Confucianism and the imperial government into one system. We'll also look at Sima Tan (father of Sima Qian) and the Six Schools, as well as the first explainers of Confucianism: Liu Xin, Wang Chong, and Yang Xiong. I hope you're enjoying this series. Nine more episodes to go. We still have the Yi Jing (Book of Changes), Daoisim, and Song Neo-Confucianism to go yet.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 8) Apr 21, 2024

Show notes

We've already explored the Ru School of Philosophy and the thought of Confucius, Mengzi and Xunzi. This time we look at Legalism and the most important philosophers of this school of thought. We'll look at the lives of Shang Yang, Shen Buhai, Han Fei, and Li Si and how they embraced this controversial political philosophy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 7) Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

This episode will focus on the life of Mengzi and his philosophy. We'll also introduce Mengzi's legendary mother. Then we'll finish off with another Confucianist great from this era, Xunzi 荀子.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jin Yong and the Wuxia genre. Laszlo chats with author Alice Poon Apr 14, 2024

Show notes

I had the great pleasure to interview fellow Earnshaw Books author, Alice Poon recently. The occasion was the official release date of her new book, "The Earthly Blaze" (links below). We first discussed the life and work of Zha Liangyong, also known as Louis Cha. But he is more widely known by his pen name, Jin Yong, whose novels have been read and enjoyed by countless numbers of readers around the world. While I had Alice in the studio I also got her to talk about the greater Wuxia 武侠 genre of Chinese fiction and how it has been received in popular culture.

The Earthly Blaze Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Earthly-Blaze-Sword-Maiden-Moon/dp/9888843680/

The Earthly Blaze BN Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-earthly-blaze-alice-poon/1144936000

The Earthly Blaze at Earnshaw Books: https://earnshawbooks.com/product/the-earthly-blaze/

Alice's Blog: https://alicewaihanpoon.blogspot.com/

A nice recommended resource for further reading about Jin Yong and Wuxia: https://wuxiasociety.com/jin-yong-novels/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices