Jason and the Argonauts

335 Words2 Pages
French Sinologist Marcel Granet traces the term Dao back to the name for a gnomon (a tall wooden pole erected at the center of the world that reaches up to the sky). In the myth of the gnomon, the gnomon functions as the marker for the capital of the perfect ruler and is not supposed to cast any shadow on midsummers day. The gnomon is meant to connect the 9 sources to the 9 skies (connect the foundation of the world with its ridge). It is called jian mu. This is image of nature corresponds with the daoist image of the Dao being perfect. The gnomon is a pivot of nature where the 4 points meet. Through the gnomon we observe the rhythm of yin & yang, light & day, brightness & darkness. The Daoist sage is the perfect ruler who manifests the synthesis of nature by emptying his/her heart thus placing him/herself in the center of his/her mind. In other words the sage is the gnomon and time & space revolve around him. Jason and the Argonauts Jason’s search and his subsequent journey for the Golden Fleece is comparable to the sovereigns search for the perfect place to plant the gnomon. The fleece and the gnomon both symbolize perfection that is being sought for. Hero In Hero, synthesis of nature talked about is seen during the sword fights between Nameless & Long Sky and then with Broken Sword. In both fights the swordsmen emptied their minds and fought mentally. Question How would a Daoist view hunting regulations in todays society? Answer Daoist would view todays hunting regulations as a negative act, because they are concerned with the relationship among humans and animals, which are all part of the universe. In our opinion we believe Daoist would disagree with the act of hunting as a sport however, hunting as a tool for survival and a means of gathering food would be seen as acceptable because it’s a natural process of living.
Open Document