Mount Ararat focus of the searches for Noah's Ark. Augustin Calmet wrote in his 1722 biblical dictionary, "It is affirmed, but without proof, that there are still remains of Noah's ark on the top of this mountain; but M. de Tournefort, who visited this spot, has assured us there was nothing like it; that the top of mount Ararat is inaccessible, both by reason of its great height, and of the snow which perpetually covers it." Archaeological expeditions, sometimes supported by evangelical and millenarian churches, have been conducted since the 19th century in search of the ark. According to a 1974 book
Way of the Gods according to the Confucian Tradition is worked on in a long process of "cultivating the Way" (Tao), that is the right mode of living through the basic virtues of benevolence ("ren"), righteousness ("yi"), propriety ("li"), and filial piety ("xiao"). Realising the virtues one reaches the state of continuous sincerity ("cheng") and peace and purity of mind ("jing"), proceeding successfully in the cultivation of one's inner numinous nature ("lingxing"). The cultivation of the Way is conceptualised as a path of learning. The symbol of the phoenix represents spiritual renewal of the disciple and the social community. The tradition of the phoenix halls started in 1853 when