#asam lit

[the-greatest-fool]

Oh fuck, it’s almost June. Okay, here’s a quick and dirty Asian American literature sweep I recommend for AAPI month. Note this is not meant to cover all of AAPI—obviously, because they’re different ethnic groups and it barely even makes sense to combine the categories to begin with—but instead blast out some of the most famous works that, IMO, should already be household names outside of AsAm lit/studies. I also, just based off my own interests, included works that look at the interplay between race and gender and sexuality.

I included “trending” writers, but I also wanted to redirect some attention to work and writings that have been in this field for literally decades. This is off the top of my head and written on my phone, plus I doubt anyone will read this. I may return to this in the future.

Essayists & Memoirs:

Eric Liu, Notes of a Native Speaker

Maxine Hong Kingston, The Woman Warrior

Alexander Chee, How to Write an Autobiographical Novel

Cathy Park Hong, Minor Feelings

Jia Tolentino, Trick Mirror

Jay Caspian Kang, The Loneliest Americans

Hua Hsu, Stay True

Playwrights:

David Henry Hwang: Chinglish, Yellow Face, M. Butterfly

Novelists/Authors:

Louis Chu, Eat a Bowl of Tea

Amy Tan, Joy Luck Club

Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinese

Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer

Charles Yu, Interior Chinatown

Elaine Hsieh Chou, Disorientation

Ling Ma, Severance

RF Kuang, Yellow Face

Poets:

Theresa Hak Kyung Chu

Arthur Sze

Justin Chin

Timothy Liu

Cathy Park Huang

Ocean Vuong

Other:

David L. Eng, Racial Castration

[yeahx10]

meow........

[journeytothewestresearch]

What "Bodhisattva" even mean? Are they like a messager or middle man?

They are an enlightened being who foregoes nirvana in order to save countless people from the suffering that keeps man trapped in samsara.

This is the official entry in the Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism (2014):

Bodhisattva (P. bodhisatta; T. byang chub sems dpa’; C. pusa; J. bosatsu; K. posal 菩薩). In Sanskrit, lit. “enlightenment being.” The etymology is uncertain, but the term is typically glossed to mean a “being (SATTVA) intent on achieving enlightenment (BODHI),” viz., a being who has resolved to become a buddha. In the MAINSTREAM BUDDHIST SCHOOLS, the Buddha refers to himself in his many past lifetimes prior to his enlightenment as a bodhisattva; the word is thus generally reserved for the historical Buddha prior to his own enlightenment. In the MAHĀYĀNA traditions, by contrast, a bodhisattva can designate any being who resolves to generate BODHICITTA and follow the vehicle of the bodhisattvas (BODHISATTVAYĀNA) toward the achievement of buddhahood. The Mahāyāna denotation of the term first appears in the AS˙ T˙ ASĀHASRIKĀPRAJÑĀPĀRAMITĀ, considered one of the earliest Mahāyāna sūtras, suggesting that it was already in use in this sense by at least the first century BCE. Schools differ on the precise length and constituent stages of the bodhisattva path (MĀRGA), but generally agree that it encompasses a huge number of lifetimes—according to many presentations, three incalculable eons of time (ASAM˙ KHYEYAKALPA)—during which the bodhisattva develops specific virtues known as perfections (PĀRAMITĀ) and proceeds through a series of stages (BHŪMI). Although all traditions agree that the bodhisattva is motivated by “great compassion” (MAHĀKARUN˙ Ā) to achieve buddhahood as quickly as possible, Western literature often describes the bodhisattva as someone who postpones his enlightenment in order to save all beings from suffering. This description is primarily relevant to the mainstream schools, where an adherent is said to recognize his ability to achieve the enlightenment of an ARHAT more quickly by following the teachings of a buddha, but chooses instead to become a bodhisattva; by choosing this longer course, he perfects himself over many lifetimes in order to achieve the superior enlightenment of a buddha at a point in the far-distant future when the teachings of the preceding buddha have completely disappeared. In the Mahāyāna, the nirvān˙ a of the arhat is disparaged and is regarded as far inferior to buddhahood. Thus, the bodhisattva postpones nothing, instead striving to achieve buddhahood as quickly as possible. In both the mainstream and Mahāyana traditions, the bodhisattva, spending his penultimate lifetime in the TUS˙ ITA heaven, takes his final rebirth in order to become a buddha and restore the dharma to the world. MAITREYA is the bodhisattva who will succeed the dispensation (ŚĀSANA) of the current buddha, GAUTAMA or ŚĀKYAMUNI; he is said to be waiting in the tus˙ ita heaven, until the conditions are right for him to take his final rebirth and become the next buddha in the lineage. In the Mahāyāna tradition, many bodhisattvas are described as having powers that rival or even surpass those of the buddhas themselves, and come to symbolize specific spiritual qualities, such as AVALOKITEŚVARA (the bodhisattva of compassion), MAÑJUŚRĪ (the bodhisattva of wisdom), VAJRAPĀN˙ I (the bodhisattva of power), and SAMANTABHADRA (the bodhisattva of extensive practice). In Western literature, these figures are sometimes referred to as “celestial bodhisattvas.” In Korea, the term posal also designates laywomen residents of monasteries, who assist with the menial chores of cooking, preserving food, doing laundry, etc. These posal are often widows or divorcées, who work for the monastery in exchange for room and board for themselves and their children. The posal will often serve the monastery permanently and end up retiring there as well (Buswell & Lopez, 2014, p. 134).

Also check out the Wikipedia article:

Source:

Buswell, R. E., & Lopez, D. S. (2014). The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

[ink-stained-clouds]

A studyblr (re)introduction

It's hard to believe, but I started this blog in high school and I just graduated college. Since then, a lot has changed so I thought it might be time for an updated introduction

✨ The Basics ✨

Name: Inky (not really, but my legal name is very uncommon)

Pronouns: she/her

Program of study: PhD in Sociology (I'll be starting in August!)

Academic interests: political extremism, online interaction, identity, sociological and psychological theories of identity and group processes

Non-academic interests: reading (these days mostly mysteries/thrillers, AsAm lit, occasionally fantasy), cooking, and painting

A little more about me :)

As far as academics go, I've mostly done qualitative research but am starting to learn STATA and how to scrape data from social media sources. In the future, I want to work in research and I'd love to teach but the academic job market sure is icky so we will see lmao

Outside of academics, I used to be a lot more creative than I am these days but I am slowly trying to change that. I took up painting this year and am trying to get back into creative writing. I come from a big city and currently live in a much smaller area so I also like finding new places to go/things to do in my area like local fairs and mom and pop antique shops to explore

You can also find me here, on the book/studygram my friends roped me into (and that I have come to enjoy making silly little videos for)

If you're new to my blog hi, hello :) it's nice to meet you. on this blog you will find your average study content with some anti-grind culture seasoning (we are not about working ourselves to death here, folks). outside of academic content, you may also find yourself subjected to my study break tag, political posts, and my occasional musings (under inky speaks)

Come fall, you'll start hearing about my adventures in grad school. I am also slowly learning to manage my chronic health problems on top to school/work and those experiences may make it into the mix too

I am always looking for new blogs to follow, especially if you're a fellow social science person or a gradblr so please don't hesitate to say hi!

- Inky

[dayapandey]

Things to Do in Malaysia at Night: A Guide to Nocturnal Adventures

Malaysia is a country that comes alive at night, offering a range of activities and experiences that are perfect for night owls and travelers looking to explore the local culture after the sun sets. Whether you’re in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, the cultural hub of Penang, or the serene beaches of Langkawi, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Malaysia at night, and if you're planning a short trip, 4 Days 3 Nights Malaysia Tour Packages are a great way to fit these nocturnal activities into your itinerary.

1. Night Markets: A Feast for the Senses

One of the most authentic ways to experience Malaysia at night is by visiting the local night markets, known as "pasar malam." These markets are vibrant, bustling places where you can find everything from street food to clothing and handicrafts.

Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur: Located in the heart of Chinatown, Petaling Street transforms into a lively night market after sunset. You can shop for souvenirs, try local snacks like apam balik (crispy pancakes), and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Haggling is part of the fun here, so don’t be shy to bargain for a good deal.

Jonker Street, Malacca: If you’re visiting Malacca, the Jonker Street Night Market is a must-see. Open on weekend evenings, this market is famous for its eclectic mix of antiques, handicrafts, and delicious Nyonya cuisine. The lively street performances and cultural displays add to the market’s charm.

Gurney Drive, Penang: Penang is renowned for its food, and Gurney Drive is the place to be at night. This food paradise offers a wide range of Penang street food, including char kway teow, asam laksa, and rojak. The sea breeze and lively atmosphere make it a great place to enjoy a late dinner.

2. Kuala Lumpur’s Nightlife: From Rooftop Bars to Nightclubs

Kuala Lumpur is a city that never sleeps, offering a variety of nightlife options, from chic rooftop bars to vibrant nightclubs.

Rooftop Bars: For stunning views of the city’s skyline, head to one of Kuala Lumpur’s many rooftop bars. SkyBar at Traders Hotel offers a perfect view of the Petronas Twin Towers, while Heli Lounge Bar is a converted helipad that provides a unique, open-air experience. Enjoy a cocktail while taking in the panoramic views of the city lit up at night.

Changkat Bukit Bintang: If you’re in the mood for some lively entertainment, Changkat Bukit Bintang is the place to go. This street is lined with bars, pubs, and clubs, offering everything from live music to DJ sets. Whether you want to dance the night away or relax with a drink, you’ll find something to suit your taste here.

Zouk Club: For a more intense nightclub experience, visit Zouk Club, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous nightclubs. With multiple rooms playing different genres of music, from house to hip-hop, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

3. Night Safari and Nature Walks

For those who love nature, Malaysia offers some unique nocturnal experiences that allow you to explore its diverse wildlife and ecosystems after dark.

Night Safari at Zoo Negara, Kuala Lumpur: Zoo Negara offers a Night Safari experience where you can see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. The zoo is home to a variety of species, including tigers, elephants, and exotic birds. The guided tour provides an educational experience as well, making it a great activity for families.

Firefly Watching in Kuala Selangor: A magical experience awaits you at Kuala Selangor, just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur. Here, you can take a boat ride along the Selangor River to see thousands of fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees. The sight of these tiny creatures glowing in the dark is truly enchanting and a must-do if you’re in the area.

Penang Hill Moonlight Walk: If you’re in Penang, consider joining a moonlight walk on Penang Hill. These guided walks take you through the cool, misty forests, offering a chance to see nocturnal wildlife and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the night. The views of George Town’s lights from the hilltop are simply breathtaking.

4. Evening Cultural Shows and Performances

Immerse yourself in Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage by attending an evening show or performance. These events showcase traditional music, dance, and theater, providing insight into the country’s diverse cultures.

MUD: Our Story of Kuala Lumpur: This theatrical performance tells the story of Kuala Lumpur’s early days, highlighting the city’s multicultural roots. It’s a family-friendly show that combines music, dance, and drama, offering a fun and educational evening out.

Cultural Show at Saloma Bistro, Kuala Lumpur: Located near the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Saloma Bistro offers a traditional Malaysian dinner accompanied by a cultural show. The performance features a variety of traditional dances from different ethnic groups, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian.

George Town’s Traditional Music Performances: In Penang, the Esplanade and various cultural centers often host traditional music performances in the evenings. From Chinese opera to Malay gamelan music, these shows provide a window into Penang’s rich cultural tapestry.

5. Enjoy a Night Cruise

For a more relaxed evening, consider taking a night cruise. Whether you’re in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Langkawi, night cruises offer a unique perspective of Malaysia’s cities and landscapes.

Putrajaya Lake Cruise: Just outside Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya is known for its stunning architecture and man-made lakes. A night cruise on Putrajaya Lake allows you to see landmarks like the Putra Mosque and Putrajaya Bridge beautifully illuminated.

Melaka River Cruise: In Malacca, the Melaka River Cruise offers a serene and scenic experience as you glide past historical buildings and bridges. The cruise is especially beautiful at night when the city’s lights reflect off the water.

Langkawi Sunset Dinner Cruise: If you’re in Langkawi, a sunset dinner cruise is the perfect way to end the day. Enjoy a delicious meal as you sail around the islands, with the setting sun providing a stunning backdrop.

Conclusion

Malaysia offers a wide array of activities that come alive after dark, from bustling night markets and vibrant nightlife to serene nature walks and cultural performances. Whether you’re exploring the cityscapes of Kuala Lumpur or the cultural heritage of Penang, the country has something for everyone. With 4 Days 3 Nights Malaysia Tour Packages, you can easily fit these nocturnal adventures into your itinerary, ensuring you experience the best of Malaysia, day and night.