Question

What are learning infleuences on asian literature poems?

Answer 1

Introduction to Ancient Asian Literature

Ancient history is usually defined as the time period up to 500 CE. That means that ancient literature would be literature that was written during this time period up to 500 CE. This lesson focuses on ancient literature written in Asia. Some of the most prominent countries in ancient Asia were China and India and so the literature of these two nations will be the focus of this lesson. Ancient literature is often closely related to religion and this is true of Ancient Asian literature as well. The ancient literature of India is primarily concerned with Hinduism while the ancient literature of China is mainly concerned with Daoism and Confucianism.

Ancient Literature of IndiaVedas

Vedas are the oldest of Sanskrit literature and Hindu scripture. Sanskrit is the ancient language of India and Hinduism is a multi-god religion that originated in India. There are four parts to the Vedas: the Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads. The Samhitas are hymns that praise the gods, the Brahmanas are prayers for priests, the Aranyakas are about worshiping and meditating, and the Upanishads are the philosophies of Hinduism.

Ramayana

Rama and Sita

Although we do not know exactly when Ramayanawas written, it was probably not written before 300 BCE. It's an Indian epic poem written by the poet Valmiki in Sanskrit. Ramayana is divided into seven books and tells the story of Rama, a god. Ramayana is ultimately a love story between Rama and Sita, a princess. The antagonist or villain of the story is Ravana who at one point kidnaps Sita. But in the end, Rama saves Sita and they have two sons together.

Ancient Literature of ChinaThe Art of War

The Art of War was written by Chinese general Sunzi (better known by the name Sun Tzu) in the fifth century BCE. It's a text about warfare and military strategy. There are thirteen chapters in The Art of Warand these chapters contain aphorisms, or concise wisdom, about battle. One of his most famous aphorisms is 'the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.' This text has influenced military and business strategy.

Confucius Analects

Confucius

Confucius was a Chinese teacher and philosopher in the fifth century BCE. The Confucius Analects are teachings of Confucius to his disciples. Some of the most important teachings of the Confucius Analectsare those regarding social interaction and hierarchy and respect in families and in government. Devotion to ancestors, parents, older siblings, and government officials was essential according to the Confucius Analects. It's actually a philosophy that still governs many aspects of Chinese culture.