Logo
    Search

    From the Vault: Monsters of the Shān Hǎi Jīng, Part 1

    enFebruary 15, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring Community Connections and Future TechnologyBuilding strong community connections and utilizing technology, particularly AI, are crucial for unexpected events and future advancements. Podcasts offer valuable insights into various topics, including ancient texts and tech trends.

      Building strong community connections and being prepared for unexpected events are important, as highlighted by the Neighbor to Neighbor California volunteers network. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, will play a significant role in shaping the future. Podcasts like Technically Speaking, Conversations with UNK, and Stuff to Blow Your Mind offer insights into various topics, including ancient Chinese texts like the Shan Hai Jing, which can be seen as a travel guide or mythic geography encyclopedia. By exploring these different perspectives, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and the role technology plays in our lives. Whether it's connecting with neighbors, learning about the latest technology trends, or delving into mythology and folklore, there's always something new to discover.

    • Understanding strange creatures in ancient Chinese cultureRecognizing and understanding strange creatures was crucial for powerful individuals in ancient Chinese culture as it symbolized knowledge and control over the wild periphery.

      In ancient Chinese culture, understanding and recognizing strange creatures, or Guai Wu, was crucial for powerful and learned individuals. This is illustrated in a story from the Guanzi text about Duke Kwan, who was able to assert his dominance by having a horse that resembled a powerful and fearsome creature called the bow. The bow was described as a horse with a white body, black tail, a single horn, and tiger's teeth and claws. This story highlights the symbolic significance of these strange creatures, which could represent both physical threats and challenges to power. The ability to recognize and understand these creatures demonstrated the ruler's knowledge and control over the wild periphery.

    • Ancient Chinese Bestiary: Understanding the Strange and UnusualAncient Chinese bestiaries held a deep understanding of various creatures, both real and mythical, as essential knowledge for navigating the world.

      In ancient Chinese culture, having a deep understanding of the strange and unusual was considered essential for a learned person or advisor. Bestiaries, which contained information about various creatures, both real and mythical, were an important part of this knowledge base. These creatures were not considered outsiders but rather an integral part of the world. The ancient Chinese believed that knowing about these creatures, whether they were divine beings or not, would help one navigate the world and understand its complexities. The concept of strange creatures in ancient Chinese understanding was not necessarily the same as that of supernatural creatures. Instead, it encompassed both magical beings and real animals. This idea of a bestiary as a source of knowledge was not unique to ancient China; it was also prevalent in medieval bestiaries of Europe, which were popular illuminated texts filled with both real and imagined creatures. These texts were often described in terms of their religious meanings and were based on various sources, including works by Aristotle and Pliny the Elder. Overall, the ancient Chinese bestiary reflects a worldview that valued the understanding of the strange and unusual as a means of gaining wisdom and knowledge about the world.

    • Ancient Chinese text preserving knowledge about the world's creaturesThe Shan Hai Jing, an ancient Chinese text, has survived for centuries due to its multifaceted nature, providing wisdom, omens, geography, cosmology, fiction, mythology, and traditional medicine.

      The Shan Hai Jing, an ancient Chinese text, stands out from its Western counterparts, such as medieval bestiaries, due to its lack of allegorical moralizing. Instead, it focuses on the literal preservation and transmission of knowledge about the world, including various creatures, both real and mythical. The text, consisting of 18 books, has survived for centuries due to its multifaceted nature, having been interpreted as a source of ancient wisdom, omens, geography, cosmology, fiction, mythology, and traditional medicine. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its ability to adapt to different interpretations throughout history. Despite being filled with strange creatures, the Shan Hai Jing challenges our perception of what is strange and familiar, reminding us that it is our interpretation that shapes our understanding of the world. As Gopu, the first commentator of the book, wisely noted, "A thing is not strange in itself. It depends on me to make it strange."

    • Ancient Chinese text reveals past perceptions of reality and mythical creaturesThe Shan Hai Jing, an ancient Chinese bestiary, offers insights into how people in the past viewed the world, blurring the lines between reality and myth based on their understanding of the past.

      Our perception of reality and the past can be influenced by our understanding of strange or mythical creatures. The Shan Hai Jing, an ancient Chinese bestiary, serves as an example of how people in the past viewed the world, distinguishing between the real and the mythical based on their understanding of the past. The book, which was already considered a compendium of lost knowledge by 6 BCE, contains descriptions of various creatures, some of which could have been normal fauna that went extinct. This view of time, where the past was considered wilder and more magical, is reflected in many traditions and cultures. The distinction between reality and myth was not a clear-cut one, and people in the ancient world made this distinction as well. The Shan Hai Jing is a beautiful and fascinating text that offers insights into how our understanding of the world has evolved over time. Its illustrations add to the fun and wonder of the text, even if they do not date back as far as the text itself. Overall, the Shan Hai Jing serves as a reminder of the importance of questioning our assumptions about the world and the past.

    • Ancient texts with newer illustrations and translationsExplore Chinese mythology through ancient texts with updated illustrations and recent translations. Connect with neighbors through Neighbor to Neighbor, prepare for emergencies, and find relief from nasal allergies with Astepro. Discover the versatile new Hyundai Santa Fe.

      The illustrations in the ancient text "Classic of Mountains and Seas" are newer than the text itself, which is hundreds of years old. The text has been transcribed and illuminated over different periods, with the illustrations serving as the newer component. For instance, the sword's blade is older than its handle. Similarly, the text's translation by Anne Beryl from 1999 and another full translation are more recent than the text itself. Both translations are recommended for those interested in Chinese mythology. Additionally, the discussion highlighted Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteers network that empowers individuals to build meaningful social bonds and prepare for emergencies. The network aims to foster connections within communities. Astepro, a nasal allergy spray, was also introduced, offering fast-acting relief from symptoms without the need for a prescription. Lastly, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe was promoted as a versatile vehicle for weekend adventures, equipped with all-wheel drive and ample cargo space.

    • Ancient Chinese Text Describing a Flat Earth and Four SeasThe 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' is an ancient Chinese text that describes the world as a flat, square-shaped earth under a rounded heaven, surrounded by four symbolic seas. It provides a unique perspective into ancient Chinese culture and their understanding of the world.

      The "Classic of Mountains and Seas" (Shanghai Jing) is an ancient Chinese text that describes the world as a flat, square-shaped earth under a rounded heaven, surrounded by four seas. This text served as a metaphorical map of the world, with the seas representing any body of water or land beyond the limits of the home territory. Over time, the concept of seas became more concrete, while the magical concept of the four remained symbolic. This text can be compared to the Bible in that it is a collection of works from different authors and periods, each with its unique perspective. However, unlike the Bible, the authorship of the Shanghai Jing is anonymous, and the texts do not always clearly identify their origins. The text provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese culture and their understanding of the world.

    • Ancient Chinese Text Describes Realms Within and Beyond China's BordersThe 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' is an ancient Chinese text that provides early scientific insights, including descriptions of animals, geography, and botany, while also incorporating mythical beings and xenophobic myth-making in its depictions of foreign lands and peoples.

      The "Classic of Mountains and Seas," an ancient Chinese text, is divided into two main parts: the first five books, known as the "5 Treasures," which describe the Chinese realm with a focus on botanical, zoological, and geological information, and the remaining books, which explore lands beyond China's borders and include increasingly mythical and fantastic beings and peoples. These early books are considered a proto-scientific document, showcasing a foundation of the scientific method in ancient China despite its lack of taxonomic principles and mythological inspirations. The text's format includes standard descriptions of animals, including their habitats, physical descriptions, sounds, medicinal uses, and omens. However, it also includes mythical creatures, and there are editorial interventions and xenophobic myth-making in the descriptions of foreign peoples.

    • Ancient texts reveal cultural biases through namesNames given to foreign creatures and places in ancient texts often reflect a sense of cultural superiority and provide insights into the authors' perspectives

      The use of names in ancient texts, such as Chinese literature and Dante's Inferno, can reveal cultural biases and provide insight into the authors' perspectives. The names given to foreign creatures and places often reflect a sense of cultural superiority and the inner world as sacred, while the lands outside are seen as profane or even cursed. This is evident in the translation of demon names in Dante's Inferno, where the Italian names have a certain exotic and foreign energy that may not survive translation. Strasberg's work on ancient Mandarin texts highlights the complexity of translating ancient languages into modern English, as Chinese graphs can possess multiple meanings or be ambiguous. For example, a creature described as an ox with a blue body and one foot, which is called "awestruck" in one translation and "Kui" in another, illustrates the divide in interpretation. Overall, the use of names in ancient texts provides valuable insights into the cultural context and biases of their authors.

    • Ancient Chinese Mythology: The Powerful and Magical KuiThe Shan Hai Jing introduces various mythical creatures, including the Kui, a one-legged ox with magical energy, whose skin was used by the Yellow Emperor to make a drum and bone to beat it, symbolizing power and awe in Chinese mythology.

      The Shan Hai Jing, an ancient Chinese mythological text, introduces various mythical creatures, each with unique characteristics and uses. For instance, the Kui, also known as the "thunder beast," is described as a one-legged ox with magical energy and a significant role in Chinese mythology. The Kui's story involves the Yellow Emperor using its skin to make a drum and bone to beat it, which becomes crucial in his battle against Chi You. Despite the text's archaic nature and the challenges it presents in terms of character translations, scholars like Beryl Matas have attempted to bring the classic to life by providing accessible translations that convey the essence of the creatures. The Kui, for example, is translated as "awestruck," giving readers an idea of its powerful and magical nature. The Shan Hai Jing is filled with such intriguing creatures, each with their unique characteristics and potential uses or meanings. Additionally, the text's interpretation and adaptation have evolved over time, leading to various versions and interpretations of these mythical beings.

    • Ancient text compiled from various travelers' writingsThe value of 'Beryl's Book' lies in its diverse perspectives and the insights it offers into ancient cultures and the nature of books.

      The ancient text "Beryl's Book" is a compilation of writings from various travelers, rather than a single authored work. Despite its disjointed style, the content is rich with valuable information on anthropology, ethology, genealogy, ecology, and mythology. The book's history is complex, with theories suggesting it was originally collected on bamboo slips and later rearranged, or that it underwent editorial additions and even censorship. Regardless, the text's value lies in its diverse perspectives and the insights it offers into ancient cultures and the nature of books themselves. Throughout history, this work has been attributed to a single author, creating a myth of a singular genius behind it. However, in reality, it is the product of many hands and many centuries. This realization adds to the fascination of the text and invites us to consider the complexities of the books we read and the stories behind them.

    • EBay Motors, Apple Card, and Ancient Chinese Scholar GopuEBay Motors offers vehicle parts and affordable prices, Apple Card provides cashback rewards, ancient scholar Gopu known for commentaries and poetry, longed for reclusion, killed for divination prediction

      EBay Motors offers a wide range of automotive parts and accessories, guaranteed to fit your vehicle the first time, at affordable prices. Meanwhile, the Apple Card provides cashback rewards on various purchases. Moving on to history, Gopu, a scholar and poet from ancient China during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, is known for his commentaries on classic texts and his poetry. His poetry often expressed a longing for reclusion and simple living, contrasting with the Jin courtly rhetoric and erudition in his language. Tragically, Gopu was killed due to his skill in divination when he predicted a military commander's rebellion would fail. This incident highlights the dangers of delivering bad news to powerful figures. Overall, the stories of eBay Motors, Apple Card, and Gopu showcase the convenience and affordability of modern technology, the importance of knowledge and learning, and the risks of divination.

    • The allure and danger of climbing the social ladderThe metaphor of climbing a ladder to social advancement can be both tempting and risky, with the promise of safety and power at the top potentially leading to downfall.

      The concept of ascending through the ranks of society, represented metaphorically as climbing a ladder, can be both alluring and dangerous. The metaphor of a siege ladder, which promises safety and power at the top, can ironically lead to one's downfall. This idea is reflected in both historical literature and poetry, where the longing for a simpler, pastoral life is often expressed by those who have never truly experienced it. For instance, the poet Gopo, who idealized the life of a hermit in the wilderness, had spent his entire life in the court. This desire for the unknown, or the "greener grass," can be seen as a common thread throughout Chinese poetry, which often celebrates the tactile appreciation of nature. An early admirer of this tradition was the 4th century nature poet Tao Yuanming, who wrote about the joy of reading and experiencing nature firsthand. Ultimately, the allure of the unknown, whether it be a simpler life or the pursuit of power, can be both enticing and potentially dangerous.

    • The Fascinating Tale of Twain Lode and the 'Classic of Mountains and Seas'The 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' is an ancient Chinese text with intriguing mythology, inspiring critical thinking and cultural exploration through tales of gods, corpse deities, and magical creatures.

      The "Classic of Mountains and Seas" is an ancient Chinese text with a rich history and intriguing mythology. The story of Twain Lode, a corpse deity, and his ritual execution for the murder of a lesser god, not only astounded the emperor but also sparked a long-lasting tradition of studying, commenting, and translating the text. Throughout history, various interpretations and works have emerged, including Li Zhu Chen's satirical novel "Flowers in the Mirror." This text not only showcases the depth and complexity of Chinese mythology but also highlights the importance of cultural exploration and critical thinking. The intriguing tales of gods, corpse deities, and magical creatures found within the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" continue to captivate readers and scholars alike.

    • Exploring the World of Podcasts: From Social Issues to Bedtime StoriesDiscover the power of podcasts to enrich our lives through thought-provoking discussions and soothing bedtime stories. Tune in to TMI and Sleep Tight Stories on the Black Effect Podcast Network or other platforms.

      There are podcasts available that cater to different needs and can make a positive impact on our lives. The Black Effect Podcast Network, home to TMI, tackles social and civil rights issues, pop culture, and politics, aiming to push culture forward and make the world a better place. On the other hand, Sleep Tight Stories offers calming bedtime stories to help children relax and fall asleep, providing a cherished bedtime routine that families can enjoy. These podcasts, among many others, demonstrate the vast array of content available to listeners and the potential they have to enrich our lives in various ways. So, whether you're looking for thought-provoking discussions or soothing bedtime stories, there's a podcast out there for you. Don't miss out on these opportunities to learn, relax, and be entertained. Listen to TMI and Sleep Tight Stories on the Black Effect Podcast Network, Iheartradio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    Recent Episodes from Stuff To Blow Your Mind

    Smart Talks with IBM: AI & the Productivity Paradox

    Smart Talks with IBM: AI & the Productivity Paradox

    In a rapidly evolving world, we need to balance the fear surrounding AI and its role in the workplace with its potential to drive productivity growth. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage by Rob Thomas, senior vice president of software and chief commercial officer at IBM, during NY Tech Week. They discuss “the productivity paradox,” the importance of open-source AI, and a future where AI will touch every industry.

    This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.

    Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Dungeonmaster

    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Dungeonmaster

    In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe return to the glorious world of 80s Charles Band productions with 1984’s “The Dungeonmaster,” a supernatural dreamscape with eight directors starring Jeffrey Byron, Richard Moll and Leslie Wing. It’s time to reject the devil’s reality and substitute your own! 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    New Season of Smart Talks with IBM Coming Soon

    New Season of Smart Talks with IBM Coming Soon

    Smart Talks with IBM returns with a new season on Tuesday, June 25th. This season, we’re diving back into the world of artificial intelligence, but with a focus on the powerful concept of “open,” and how it applies to AI. Host Malcolm Gladwell will invite curious colleagues from Pushkin Industries to explore how openness is already reshaping industries, ways of doing business, and our very notion of what's possible.

    This is a paid advertisement from IBM.

    Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Related Episodes

    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Battle for Endor

    Weirdhouse Cinema: The Battle for Endor

    The Star Wars franchise is home to many cinematic entries some consider to be unnatural. In this episode of Weirdhouse Cinema, Rob and Joe discuss the 1985 made-for-TV film “Ewoks: The Battle For Endor,” starring Wilford Brimley and various forest monsters.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From the Vault: Monsters of the Shān Hǎi Jīng, Part 2

    From the Vault: Monsters of the Shān Hǎi Jīng, Part 2

    In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the Shān Hǎi Jīng or “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” an ancient Chinese text that compiles the mythic geography and fantastic creatures of the world. (Originally published 2/11/2021)

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Roxanne and Cort’s New Year’s Resolutions — Episode 056

    Roxanne and Cort’s New Year’s Resolutions — Episode 056

    Since New Year’s Eve falls on the same Tuesday as the release of a new episode, we felt it would be fitting to reflect on the past year and share some of our resolutions moving into 2020.

    On this episode, we discuss the ways we’re both going to make sure self-care is a priority in the new year. As much as it gets thrown around as a buzzword these days, it’s so important, and absolutely necessary in order to be our best selves. Whether it’s getting more sleep, exercise or water — or whatever it means to you — self-care should always be at the top of the list.

    We also share some of our mantras for the new year, such as:

    • “Because I love myself enough to keep going.”
    • “Don’t feel guilty for doing what’s best for your body.”
    • “Eat lunch, don’t be a jerk.”

    Tune in to the episode below to hear the inspiration behind these mantras and how they’re going to motivate us in 2020. We also talk about our excitement for the future of Open Space Radio, some new things we have in store and the ways we want to better connect with you (for starters, come say hi and follow us on Instagram)!

    Thank you so much for your continued support of the show, and Happy New Year!

    #202 - Dr. MacGillicuddy's Shark Milk Schnapps (A-Team S1E12)

    #202 - Dr. MacGillicuddy's Shark Milk Schnapps (A-Team S1E12)
    Bill joins us again this week to discuss an episode involving the wedding of the century! Not really though, but Murdock looked really pretty! Listen in as we discuss shark milk, tears of the kingdom, telephone repairmen and so much more!

    Episode Title: Till Death Do Us Part
    Original Airdate: April 19th, 1983

    Find more info about Bill and his podcasts here: https://www.carnivalofgleecreations.com/
    Find/Purchase D20 or Die here!

    Find The Airwolf Years from Episodes 96 - 189
    Find The Knight Rider Years from Episodes 1 - 95

    -----

    The 80’s Years Opening & Closing Theme by: Steve Corning, http://thinkfishtank.com
    The 80’s Years Logo Design by: Luke Larsson, http://www.meaningfullymaed.com
    Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ciampaklein
    Instagram: @the80syears
    Twitter: @EightiesYears
    TikTok: @the80syears
    Email us: letusblowyourmind@gmail.com
    Call our Hotline: (207) 835-1954
    Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

    -----

    The 80’s Years is a proud member of The Podfix Network.
    Check us out and all the other amazing podcasts at www.podfixnetwork.com
    Instagram: @official_podfix
    Twitter: @podfix
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podfixnetwork