I noticed something in the crafter's guide...

[Sirias]

I was reading the crafting guide on bookbinding and I noticed something irritating... there is a typo or a misconception in regards to the symbol "ying-yang"

The word is 'yin' not 'ying'. The Yin Yang is a Zen emblem symbolizing the balance of good and evil in all things.

I just wanted to let you guys know that so hopefully it can be fixed. As a student of Shaolin, I am very respectful of the ideals of Yin and Yang and thus I suppose it is a bit of a pet peeve with me. That is all, thanks.

-C-

[Age]

Use the 'typo' command maybe?

[Zhentan]

Originally posted by Sirias
I was reading the crafting guide on bookbinding and I noticed something irritating... there is a typo or a misconception in regards to the symbol "ying-yang"

The word is 'yin' not 'ying'. The Yin Yang is a Zen emblem symbolizing the balance of good and evil in all things.

I just wanted to let you guys know that so hopefully it can be fixed. As a student of Shaolin, I am very respectful of the ideals of Yin and Yang and thus I suppose it is a bit of a pet peeve with me. That is all, thanks.

Where do I begin?

Yes, you're right, it's "Yin" and not "Ying". Beyond that.... where do I begin?

Let's start with "Zen". The symbol is not Zen it comes from Daojiao (Taoism). Specifically it comes from the branch of Daojiao that gave us Taijiquan (T'ai Chi Ch'üan in the Wade-Giles system). Zen is a branch of Fojiao (Buddhism). It is also not called "Yin Yang" it is called "Taijitu". The Taijitu symbolises the interaction and balance of Yin and Yang.

Shaolin (more properly Shaolinsi) has nothing to do with Daojiao and only indirectly anything to do with Zen. There are two kinds of Fojiao which were historically practiced at Shaolinsi: Chan and "Pure Land" (Jingtuzong). Zen developed from Chan.

Shaolinsi is a Fojiao temple in Henan province. (My hometown, Zhengzhou, is about two hours' drive from it.) You can walk around Shaolinsi for hours and not find a single Taijitu. So it would be odd for a "student of Shaolin" to "respect the ideals of Yin and Yang" given that a) that's not what it's called and b) it's not related to Shaolinsi anyway.

I'm sorry if my message is garbled, but there were so many errors in one place I wasn't sure how to sort it all out. The result may be confusion.

[Sirias]

1. You have way too much free time. You don't even play this game anymore.
2. As a student of Shaolin and Zen I know what I have learned as a studen of Shaolin and Zen better than you do. My teacher was not orthodox.
3. I was taught of Yin and Yang as a huge part of my studies and that is why it is important to me. I don't know the histories of all the Chinese martial arts or studies and I don't claim to. All that I am claiming here is that the symbol should be "Yin yang" and not "ying yang".
4. Thank you for continuing the spirit of the TRUE Castle Marrach Community by overcomplicating an uncomplicated matter and trying to start an argument pointlessly.
5. In the words of Dariel: Have a nice day.

-C-

[Gabs]

I don't think Lynn was trying to start an argument, or attack you for that matter.

And just because she doesn't play anymore, it doesn't mean she does not have the right to post on the forums. Otherwise, there are many ex-players that lurk around that wouldn'T have the right to post either.

Please let's not turn this into yet another flaming thread. Cookies, anyone?

[Zhentan]

Originally posted by Sirias
2. As a student of Shaolin and Zen I know what I have learned as a studen of Shaolin and Zen better than you do. My teacher was not orthodox.

A student of Shaolin? That phrase is utterly meaningless unless you're actually at Shaolinsi! If you are not at Shaolinsi, you are not a student of Shaolin. It's like claiming to be a student at, oh, Fudan University while living in France!

Incidentally, to have you, a westerner, tell me, a native, how my religious systems work -- well, it's about as offensive as me telling practising Christians that the symbol of Christianity is Santa Clause crucified on the cross.

I cannot tell you much about Zen beyond the fact that it is a derivative of Chanfojiao (Chan Buddhism). But I can tell you about Chanfojiao because I practice it! And nowhere in Shaolinsi will you find a Taijitu (your "Yin Yang Symbol"). If you don't believe me, I'll send you the 96 pictures my teacher took of the place when he visited me this January and you go look for yourself.

You are confusing so many pieces of culture it is honestly verging on the frightening. You're confusing Daojiao (China's only home-grown religion) with two completely different branches of Fojiao (Buddhism), one of which is not Chinese and are attributing to that branch the very Chinese symbol of Taijitu. My example of the crucified Santa Clause doesn't go quite far enough, come to think of it. Let's try this instead: "The core symbol of Christianity is Santa Clause crucified on a cross and oriented to face the Wailing Wall at Mecca". That's about how confused you are.

You can get insulted and haughty all you like. I will not stand by and watch someone spout gibberish about my culture and my people as if he's an authority.

(Next you'll be telling me what a Party Secretary's job "really" is....)

[Sirias]

Apologies have been sent via email. I have no intention of starting anything.

I am surprised to see you, Gabs, of all people defending /Zhentan/ on the forums and all I can say is congratulations. It is very big of you to "try to make the transition from bitch to carebear." As your signature states. This is an honest statement, no sarcasm intended. Its really good to see people trying to work for the better and I hope we all can be a lot friendlier here on the forums. Its rather bad as is wouldn't you say?

[Sirias]

And no sooner do I attempt peace and apology than I am shot down once more...

Lynn, I have never claimed expertise in the matter, only studies. I have studied. I don't claim full knowledge of it, nor do I even speak of any Chinese religion. I speak of the ways of Zen, which, if that is a religion, then I didn't learn the religious aspects of it and I mean no disrespect.

I know you know more about your country, culture and religion than I do. I never said you didn't. All I said was that I know more about what /I/ learned than you do. It has nothing to do with your religion because obviously that is not what I learned. My shidoshi called what he taught me "Shaolin" and "Zen". That is all I can say on the matter.

REGARDLESS of that fact, ALL this post was about was the fact that ying-yang is not the proper spelling for the symbol. Jesus Christ on a bowling ball, can we PLEASE leave it at that???

Peace. I beg you.

-C-

[Zhentan]

Originally posted by Sirias
Jesus Christ on a bowling ball, can we PLEASE leave it at that???

I thought it was a cross?

[Sirias]

*cackles* Good one. See? We can be friends.

[Gabs]

Originally posted by Sirias
Apologies have been sent via email. I have no intention of starting anything.

I am surprised to see you, Gabs, of all people defending /Zhentan/ on the forums and all I can say is congratulations. It is very big of you to "try to make the transition from bitch to carebear." As your signature states. This is an honest statement, no sarcasm intended. Its really good to see people trying to work for the better and I hope we all can be a lot friendlier here on the forums. Its rather bad as is wouldn't you say?

Well, I am trying.

[Ryot]

Originally posted by Zhentan
well, it's about as offensive as me telling practising Christians that the symbol of Christianity is Santa Clause crucified on the cross.

...it isn't?

Why wasn't I told?

-Greg?

[Zhentan]

Originally posted by Gabs
Well, I am trying.

She is. As I said in that forum with my goodbye letter, I've made my peace with Ms. Bernier.

And Sirias? I've replied to your email. Summary: I'm sorry.

[Age]

Step 1: File typo using typo command.
Step 2: Delete thread.

[Gabs]

No, no, no, Age, you got it all wrong.

Step 1: Steal underpants.
Step 2: ...
Step 3: Profit!

(Yes, I am in a weird mood... Sorry about that, couldn't resist. *smooches Age*)