Art and Culture
Art | Music | Poetry | Literature | Culture | New Science | Ancient Cultivation Stories
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Painting: Fulfilling Vows
2006-01-30
There are practitioners of spiritual practice of Falun Gong in over 60 countries around the world. Its practitioners represent every ethnic group and every walk of life. Although Falun Gong originated in China, the search for truth and enlightenment is universal. -
The Profound Chinese Language (Episode 6): Human
2006-01-29
While it might be a challenge to paint a complete portrait of a human being, the ancient Chinese people used only two simple strokes in the Chinese character for “human being.” Human beings are the most complicated creatures on earth, but the character for “human being” is the easiest to write in Chinese. It is both pretty to look at and easy to write. The profound Chinese written language has never ceased to amaze me. This is an excellent illustration of an essential characteristic of the Chinese culture --- using the most simple, elegant solution to solve the most complicated problem. -
Fun with Yuan Dynasty Songs: “An Autumn Reflection” in the Song Format of “Heavenly Pure Sand”
2006-01-28Ma Zhiyuan’s songs were mostly about divine beings or Taoist cultivators. Hence, he was given a nickname, “Immortal Ma.” He had a very straightforward, carefree and laid-back style. His individual songs were better known than his song suite. Over 100 of his individual songs, as well as 22 song suites, were preserved. Among his song suites, “An Autumn Reflection” suite in the Song Format of “Night Boat” is revered as the best out of a million. -
The Profound Chinese Language (Episode 5): Rat
2006-01-27The Chinese character for rat in oracle-bone scriptures resembled the shape of a rat a lot. It included a pointed mouth and lowered head, which resembled a rat savouring stolen food. The character for rat in ancient Chinese inscriptions on bronze included a head in order to accentuate the four large incisors. Since the incisors are forever growing, rats have to gnaw for life. -
Learn Humbly
2006-01-26Mr. Ouyang Xiu (1007-1072) was a famous scholar in the Bei Song Dynasty (960-1127). Although he was very outstanding in literature and had a high ranking position, he was very humble about learning from others. His famous article Zuiwongting (Toast Pavilion) is a very short and beautiful piece that people praise and read aloud to this day. That article was edited according to a logger's suggestion. -
Poem: When the Lotus Breaks the Frost
2006-01-25I shall not stay my hand,Till I’ve torn down its red wallLest I betray the memoryOf those I’ve seen fall But I know as sure as I knowThat I draw my own breathThat who stands against this True LightShall be on the knell of his death -
Poem: A Daring Lead
2006-01-24A daring lead in a grand play,He walks the earth like you or meWould on any regular day,No miracles to plainly see. -
The Profound Chinese Language (Episode 4): Bird
2006-01-23There are many different species of birds. Hence, there are many variations of characters for bird in the ancient Chinese oracle-bone scriptures. One variation showed a bird looking down for food. Another variation showed a bird looking up to the sky. Yet another variation showed a bird standing quietly. Each variation had beautiful lines. -
Fun with Tang Dynasty Poetry: “When I Was Wealthy”
2006-01-22Wang Fanzhi’s poems were widely spread at the beginning of the Tang Dynasty. However, some old-school littérateurs scorned its simple, colloquial language and regarded him as a “country bumpkin.” As a result, his poems later became extinct. A good portion of his preserved poems preached morality and condemned viciousness. Some of them are valuable works of art for they read like satires mocking the lack of humanity in the society. This poem is one of them. -
Stories from Ancient China: Heaven Helps a Man to Succeed in the Imperial Examination Because He Defied Lust
2006-01-21He could find neither the house nor the elderly lady who had given him half of the couplet. In fact, the elderly lady was transformed from Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the Goddess of Mercy. Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara saw Ping Chengxiu’s noble character the fact that he did not indulge in lust and thus helped him to place first at the imperial civil service examination. -
Stories from Ancient China: A Story about Taoist Zhai Ganyou
2006-01-20He once shouted out loud in a busy market in Kuizhou, “Tonight eight men will come here. Watch out!” No one understood what he meant. That night a large fire burned down several hundred households. It was not until then that people realized “eight men” referred to the Chinese character “fire.” The Chinese character for fire, when taken apart, resembles two characters, eight and man. -
Poem: The Inn Keeper's Book, The Book of the Wheel
2006-01-19Though making found coiled, 10,000 snakes lying,And tied to them as he was, could not break the bonds tyingExcept he discovered, there shined a light up aboveThe gracious Inn Keeper, descending, shape of a dove. -
Stories from Ancient China: Xing Wenwei Restricts the Prince's Diet
2006-01-18"...The reason His Majesty hired virtuous court officials for Your Highness is to help Your Highness improve your morality and virtue. Lately, Your Highness refused to meet with court officials, but still meets with ladies in the East Palace. If Your Highness continues to do this, how will you ever enhance your wisdom and morality? Since the royal court historian is currently unavailable, I as manager of your diet, must reduce it as a warning. I am willing to risk my life, but I must follow the Dadai Book of Rites!" -
Stories from Ancient China: Honesty, Revering Heaven and Taking Only That Which Is Yours
2006-01-17Meanwhile, there was a rich man called Wang Zhong. He told Gongsun Mu, "You can achieve great things if you had money. I would like to give you a million coins to start a business. What do you think?" Gongsun Mu studied Hetu, Luoshu, and other books on cultivation. He understood the laws of heaven and predestination. He said, "Your kindness is deeply appreciated! Being rich or poor is for heaven to decide. I can have it only if it is in my life. I cannot take it from you!" -
The Profound Chinese Language (Episode 3): Turtle
2006-01-16This soldier was also driven into the river. When he was about to drown, he felt that his feet had touched a giant rock. He looked down and saw that the giant rock under his feet was actually the white turtle that he had rescued and released years ago. The white turtle carried the soldier to the other side of the river. It then nodded repeatedly toward the solider to thank him and then returned to the river. This is the famous historical story of the white turtle repaying its rescuer.
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