409 episodes
The China History Podcast Laszlo Montgomery
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- History
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4.8 • 1K Ratings
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Since 2010, The China History Podcast, presented by Laszlo Montgomery brings you over 300 episodes of curated topics from China's antiquity to modern times.
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S9E08 | Owned!
For our eighth CSP offering this season, we open up the Book of Han once again and hear the story behind Jiāo Bīng Bì Bài 骄兵必败. It doesn't always happen this way but the timeline of history is filled with examples of more powerful military forces being defeated on the field of battle by their weaker opponent. Arrogant soldiers must be defeated. Look what happened in Vietnam between 1954 and 1975. When you look into it, even today in our own time, Jiāo bīng bì bài is still happening. On a geopolitical level, this must be one of the hardest lessons to learn. More pugnacious world leaders should consult the Book of Han and ponder these words. Enjoy!
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The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 14)
We pick up with the second part of this overview of Daoism with Zhuangzi and his beloved book, "The Zhuangzi." We'll also move beyond Laozi and Zhuangzi and take a look at the rise of Fangshi’s 方士 in society, Daoist Thought and Religion, Xuanxue Dark Learning 玄学, Guo Xiang 郭襄, Xiang Xiu 向秀, and the compilation of the Daozang 道藏. I hope this basic overview gives some of you a good jumping-off point to explore more about Daoism the philosophy 道家 and Daoism, the religion 道教. Enjoy!
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The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 13)
We've already heard about Confucianism, The Hundred Schools, and the Yi Jing. In this episode, we look at Daoism. The life of Lao Tzu (Laozi) will be introduced along with the book he probably never wrote but which is ascribed to him anyway. This is the Tao Te Ching or Dao De Jing. Laozi was quite a character and by telling his story, it will give you the fundamentals to explore on your own what this philosophic thought is all about. We'll look at the Daoist concept of Wu Wei 无为 and the art of quiescence. We'll close with one of the earliest and greatest interpreters of the Daodejing, Wang Bi. In the History of Chinese Philosophy Part 13, we'll start looking at Zhuangzi and his classic book.
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S9E07 | You Can Get it if You Really Want (But you must try)
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
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The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 12)
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
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The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 11)
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
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Customer Reviews
Fun, informative and expansive
As a Modern Chinese History major (with a focus on the May 4th Literary Movement), that graduated 1 million years ago, I’ve mostly “given back to my teachers” any real knowledge from my champagne and caviar education. Well, the gaps are filling. I started out listening to the “modern stuff” and related political history on the CHP, but Laszlo is so good at explaining the topics and presenting in such an excellent manner, I’m going back and enjoying “the old stuff” as well. My two boys (11 and 9) and I listened to the episodes on Eunuchs and they really enjoyed it. Lots of palace intrigue and betrayals and Laszlo presents it so that even the younger listeners are hooked.
The best podcast if you like Chinese history
Long-running podcast featuring the erudite and charismatic Lazlo Montgomery. I appreciate his coverage of less mainstream topics. I especially enjoyed his podcasts on different overseas Chinese communities such as the Hakka, Hokkien, and the Teochew (of which my maternal grandfather was one). Always entertaining and educational, it is a joy to listen to this podcast
As a Taiwanese American
This podcast has brought me joy, anger, tears, pride, wisdom, laughter and enlightenment about the Asian continental biomass known as the ‘Chinese’. Thank you.