Fan Zhongyan’s mother, Mrs. Xie, had a difficult life, experienced much hardship, and tasted many bitter experiences. As a result, she placed great hope in her son. Inspired by the dedication of Mencius’ mother, Mrs. Xie devoted herself to her son’s education. Fan Zhongyan disciplined himself like the famed Chinese philosopher Yan Hui and worked hard to succeed. The stories of ancient scholars who achieved greatness through perseverance were well known to him, thanks to his mother and stepfather. Because of his upbringing, he knew that achieving great things required strict self-discipline, a willingness to endure hardships, and relentless self-improvement.
Fan Zhongyan’s ‘dividing porridge and cutting greens’
During his time at Liquan Temple, Fan Zhongyan was acutely aware of his stepfather’s strained finances. Each time he left home for the temple, his mother would implore him to carry extra rice, partly fearing he might weaken from hunger and partly because she did not want their family to impose on the temple’s hospitality. Despite her persistent concerns, Fan Zhongyan would calmly assure her: “I have enough; do not worry.”
Upon his arrival, Fan Zhongyan initially participated in communal meals, joining the monks at the sound of the mealtime bell. However, from morning to night, he was so absorbed in studying and thinking that he was often oblivious to the bell’s call, causing him to miss meals. Observing his unwavering dedication, the compassionate kitchen monks would bring food to him, an act that left Fan feeling troubled for causing them to be inconvenienced.
Seeking to alleviate this burden, Fan Zhongyan adopted a more self-reliant approach. He set up a small stove, meticulously measuring out rice and water each night to cook porridge, his studies uninterrupted as he tended the simmering pot. By the time the porridge was ready, often well past midnight, he would retire, still clad in his day’s attire.
Come morning, the once-hot porridge had transformed into a solid mass. Fan Zhongyan, with the precision of a scholar, would carve a cross into the porridge, neatly dividing it into four portions — two for the morning and two for the evening. His sustenance wasn’t only limited to porridge; the surrounding mountains generously offered wild leeks, onions, garlic, celery, and an array of edible greens. These he would gather during his scholarly retreats in the mountain caves, later dicing them finely and seasoning them with a pinch of salt to accompany his meals.
This austere yet ingenious lifestyle, which Fan Zhongyan dubbed “dividing porridge and cutting greens,” epitomized the essence of monastic frugality and self-discipline. As Fan Zhongyan’s glorious achievements on the historical stage of the Northern Song Dynasty were displayed, “dividing porridge and cutting greens” became a specific idiom referring to Fan Zhongyan’s diligent study in his youth.
The gold-digging scholar
One day, nestled within the serenity of his cave, Fan Zhongyan’s studies were abruptly interrupted by an unusual commotion. Two mice, one white and one golden, found their way into his modest cooking pot, their squeaks echoing off the stone walls. With a gentle hand, Fan Zhongyan ushered the unexpected visitors out, their scampering leading him to a thicket of brambles outside the cave.
Curiosity piqued, Fan Zhongyan followed them to a pair of small holes nestled at the base of a thorny bush, each emitting a faint glow. The eastern hole shimmered with a soft golden light, while its western counterpart radiated a silvery sheen. Astonished by this discovery, he fetched a rusty iron shovel and began to excavate the earth around the golden glow.
As the soil gave way, he uncovered an ancient cellar, its depths brimming with glinting gold, a hidden treasure untouched by time. Yet with a heart unmoved by wealth, Fan Zhongyan carefully reburied the gold, leaving the earth’s secret undisturbed. Turning his attention to the silver light, he unearthed a similar trove filled with gleaming silver. But again, he carefully reburied the treasure, returning to the cave to continue studying by lamp light.
Years later, when a devastating fire tore through Liquan Temple, the abbot could not stand to see it destroyed on his watch. He sought out Fan Zhongyan, now a respected figure far from his humble beginnings, to ask for aid. Despite the dire need, Fan Zhongyan’s response was measured, offering not riches, but wisdom and two bags of high-quality tea. He revealed the secret of the gold and silver through a cryptic poem, a riddle woven in verse. Once they solved the riddle, the monks found the buried treasure that Fan Zhongyan had discovered years earlier during his studies in the cave.
This act of subtle generosity, veiled in the elegance of poetry, not only salvaged the temple from ruin, but also cemented Fan Zhongyan’s legacy as a man of profound integrity and humility.
Legacy of diligence and resilience
Fan Zhongyan’s three years of rigorous study at Liquan Temple played a significant role in his life. It laid a solid foundation of knowledge and instilled in him a spirit of endurance and a strong will to overcome challenges. His story remains a powerful example of diligence and resilience in pursuing knowledge and personal growth.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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