Yuan Gong, a remarkable figure from the Ming Dynasty, authored the extraordinary book on physiognomy, Liu Zhuang’s Methods of Physiognomy. His technique primarily involved observing a person’s complexion to predict their future. Yuan Gong, also known by his courtesy name Tingyu, hailed from Yin County (now Ningbo). He was known as the Scholar of Liu ...
One day during Yu Zhongwen’s youth, there was a case where the Ren and Du families in the village reported that each of them had lost a cow. Both families searched extensively, but could still not find their cows. Finally, with the help of others, a cow was found. Both families claimed the cow belonged ...
Throughout history, mothers have played a profound role in shaping cultures and values. In ancient China, the phrase “when you drink water, think of its source” illustrates the deep appreciation for one’s origins and the foundational role of mothers. This article, the first in a three-part series, explores the lives of some of the most ...
The concept of moral retribution is fundamental in traditional Chinese culture. The saying “People act, Heaven watches” implies that every choice between good and evil shapes your future. Regardless of modern belief, this principle continues to influence actions and events. The Song Dynasty scholar Hong Mai documented various actual events of karmic retribution in his ...
Pan Liao Quan (812-861) was a revered monk during the Tang Dynasty, whose life was marked by spiritual phenomena from the very beginning. Born in Sha County, Fujian Province, to Pan Dezhang and a mother surnamed Qiu, his early life already hinted at his future monastic significance. The unyielding fist A notable event occurred right ...
In the tumultuous times of the Qing Dynasty, a man named Fang Guancheng (1696-1768) from Tongcheng experienced a life filled with both fortuitous encounters and narrow escapes from peril. His early years were marked by adversity when his father was forcibly conscripted into the army due to involvement with a distinguished author whose works sparked ...
Goodness and tolerance are virtues that often bring unexpected rewards. The tale that follows of a virtuous wife showcases how acts of kindness and patience in difficult situations can lead to positive outcomes, reinforcing the idea that virtue is its own reward. A virtuous wife’s tolerance Once, there was a poor scholar who sustained his ...
During the Song Dynasty, a story unfolded that would echo through the ages, a tale of cunning, bravery, and the unexpected heroism of the mad monk Ji Gong. Though centuries old, this narrative carries a timeless message that resonates even with the modern world, particularly when we consider the dangers and deceptions that lurk in ...
In the bustling town of Jiaxing, there lived a scholar named Zhu, who was originally from Huizhou. Gifted and eager to study from a young age, Zhu faced the unfortunate demise of his parents when he was just in his early teens. This calamity forced him to abandon his education, but not his acts of ...
In a world where the line between good and evil can be as thin as a single thought, the story of Wei Yu, an eccentric figure from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China era, stands as a testament to the profound impact a single moment of kindness can have on one’s ...