Chapter 12 -- as I see it

As I have read through the passages of Mongolians through different eyes, it is very interesting to learn how each of them thought of the Mongols. Mongols were stereotyped as barbaric savages, primitive, and any bad words as you can think of. But --

Mongols thought of themselves as loyal, have eternal friendships, heroic, religious and very harmonious according to the passage: Secret History of the Mongols. 

Letter to Chanchun confirmed how Mongol thinks of themselves: as Chinggis Khan himself was very modest. Khan said he would like to unite the whole world into one empire because Chinese didn't have the constant leadership. Therefore, God has assisted him to acquire China. However, because he didn't have any distinguished qualities nor surrounded by people who were not worthy enough to take high offices, he seeked help of Chanchun.

The Russians thought of the Mongols as savages who killed men and children and raped women. But unfortunately, the time that the Russians described were during the invasion. I believed they were merely describing the war -- but not the typical behaviors of the Mongols.

Chinese were conquered by Mongols and assimilated into Mongol culture. However, the "Epitaph for honorable Menggu" showed what a great leader Menggu - a Mongol governor was. The region that Menggu has prospered under Menggu leadership and the people of the region loved Menggu as he had led them into prosperity while assuring safety of his people.

"Mongol women through the Europeans eyes" was another passage describing what the Europeans would considered primitive nature of the Mongols, although Mongol women were simply preserving their traditions and cultures. 

Many different opinions for same culture/race. I think of Mongols as goal-driven, cultural enriched, traditional people. I would love to visit Mongolia one day and see if my perception would remain the same or follow those of the others stated above.

Islamic women vs. men

As I'm reading the chapter 11 of the book titled, "Women and Men in early Islam," I'm getting confused over the controversial. The Quran clearly states that men and women are equal. If Quran is supposed to be religious scripture to the Islam religion, why is that women were still treated as if they were inferior?

There were a lot of controversial stuff I read, I don't even know where to start. What captured my attention is the fact that the marriage must be agreed upon both parties so marriage by capture is not legal. And I'm not understanding why the religious scripture would note that if the woman is not sexually satisfied for 4 months, she can file for divorce. Here's one thing that makes me laugh out loud: woman taking multiple husbands is prohibited YET polygamy is accepted? Women must be obedient to their husband, if not - they may be put to bed and be beaten? How is this anything near being equal?

I have heard of many stories over the years of honor killings. Husband who had multiple wives accused a wife of cheating, so he killed her and it is legal. A brother who was embarrassed by his sister having sex without marriage killed her because she brought shame to the family and it is legal. I hate to be the type to judge upon another religion - but it seems as though the practice/belief is going backward. In the earlier Islamic times, the women played a large part in public roles especially Muhammad's youngest wife, Aisha. Seclusion and veiling of women were not practiced. But currently, women are veiled in the public area, and are secluded away from the men.

It is very surprising to me that the whole society accepts the practice of honor killing. I watched a true-story movie related to honor killing, very shocking!! http://www.thestoning.com/

Advise to young warrior...

As I was reading the passage: SHIBA YOSIMASA Advice to Young Samurai, I realized that Yosimasa was being an elder to the new samurai who are "fresh blood." Now-a-day in a military training (aka boot camp), it is thought that young soldiers are brainwashed to think that dying for the country is an honor. There's no distinguish factors on the cause of death during the war on whether or not death could have been prevented. His words on the young warriors to "not bring on eternal disgrace" to themselves nor the descendant was very strong and meaningful. Prior to making something happen, the young warrior must think of the consequences.

Also, I think it is very Buddhist like to continue to respect the parents even though the young warriors thought their parents thoughts are "stupid." And I am sure the percentage he quoted of "80-90% of what parents say make sense for their children" is not from a scientific research but through experience.

And I also love what he said about the fact that if one doesn't go to shrine or temple, he will not be condemned but will still be blessed if he has honest, clean and good mind... WOW -- why was I taught all my life that if I don't go to church, I'm going to hell then?

And I must say: I agree with everything he has said... =)
I wound't mind becoming a young samurai under his supervision.

Wow... Goods, Cultures, Diseases... Oh My

Wasn't it interesting that as alternative routes opened up -- more things pushed through from one country to another country? As merchants and traders came through, the luxury goods were brought along to trade. Goods must be offset with bad - that's to keep the equilibrium.  Merchants/traders also brought along their own cultures and religions. It is also interesting that one of the reasons why religions were strengthened because of the spread of the diseases. Religions such as Buddhism and Christianity offered compassion to those that were sick.

With the availability of many routes into the New World, folks of many professions came through as well. From the waiting-women who lured men with their attractions to physicians and astrologers as well as builders, jewelers, etc. However, even with huge influx of people from different cultures and professions, the world was free of jealousy, feuds and quarrels -- it was indeed a world of peace where people were honest and truthful. It was indeed the type of world I want to be in -- free from dishonest people.

I loved reading the story of when Mongols conquered China -- they ruled China in mostly "Chinese" fashion. Yet they kept many parts of their own cultures such that they continued to wear their traditional clothing, gave birth Mongol style and even kept their own Mongol shamans in the royal court. It is probably the very first example of acculturation.