Tag: Central Asia

Taklimakan Desert Evolution

China: Scientists Discover Age of Mid-Latitude Asian Deserts! (30.10.2024)

The research, titled “Spatial heterogeneity in the formation of large deserts in midlatitude Asia revealed by drill core evidence”, was published in the Science Bulletin this month.

“The climatic and environmental effects of dust aerosols significantly impact the global climate, biogeochemical cycles, marine ecosystems and even the global carbon cycle,” Wang said. He added that the research contributes to a better understanding of the long-term environmental changes in the deserts, a crucial source of dust for the Northern Hemisphere.

“Unravelling the history of the desert and its climate impacts will provide insights into how desert systems may respond to future climate changes,” Wang said, adding that the team will continue studying the drill cores to gain further insights into the formation and evolution of these deserts.

Continue reading

Buddhist Swastika

China: How to Read the Buddhist “卍” (Swastika) Symbol Currectly! (17.10.2024)

Empress Wu Zetian (武则天) of the Tang Dynasty was attracted to Buddhism very much and often invited Ch’an Masters to the palace to explain Buddhist Sutras to her. It was under the promotion of Wu Zetian that Huayan (华严) Sect became a major Buddhist school during the Tang Dynasty.

At that time, there was still no consensus on the pronunciation of “卍” within Buddhism. Some people insisted that it should be pronounced as “万” (Wan4) or “The Ten Thousand Thing” – but others opposed this interpretation – and believed it should be pronounced as “万”(mo2) or “Scorpion” – referring to an Oracle Bone Inscription which refers to a non-Chinese primitive tribe (during the Shang Dynasty) that worshipped the “Scorpion” whilst mimicking its movements in a ritualistic dance (perhaps implying the “foreignness” of India).

Continue reading

My Job Application to ‘Asia-Plus’! (8.5.2023)

Of course, what you are NOT telling your audience is just how many ethnic Tajiks in Russia SUPPORT President Putin – and openly OPPOSE your editorial position – an anti-Russian position that was even ‘banned’ by the Tajik government – so repugnant did they find it! I am sure these differences in perceiving reality will not come between us – and prevent my snout from joining yours in the trough of plenty that is the endless flow of US dollars!

Continue reading