Harmony: A Precious Element in Traditional Chinese Culture

In the long history of Chinese civilization, harmony has always been a highly valued virtue. Chinese people have always put an emphasis on harmony. It encompasses the fundamental principles of nature, society, and humanity. It is also a prerequisite for cultivating one’s morality, protecting one’s family, governing one’s nation, and stabilizing the world. Harmony is ...

Armin Auctor

A bird sitting on a branch.

Empress Yin Lihua of the Eastern Han Dynasty

Yin Lihua from Nanyang (A.D. 5-64) was the empress of the Eastern Han Dynasty. She was a descendant of Guan Zhong, famed prime minister of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period. As graceful as a cloud, as gentle as a melody, ancient Chinese noblewomen were like water — nurturing to all ...

Emma Lu

A Fascinating Overview of Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism

Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism are the three pillars of Chinese philosophy and have influenced all thinking and actions in China since their inception. Confucianism Confucianism is represented by Confucius (founder, 551-479 B.C.), Mencius, and Xunzi. Literary works include The Analects, the Mencius, and the Xunzi. It is the first important philosophy from the Warring States ...

Max Lu

A statue of Conficius.

We Are in the Midst of an Ethical Crisis

It seems we are now in the midst of an ethical crisis. Ethics is the discipline relating to right and wrong. This discipline constitutes moral obligations, moral principles and values, and moral character. Ethics and morality are synonymous terms, meaning “customs” in their original Greek and Latin languages. The Greek term “ethics,” however, also implies ...

Jack Roberts

Book of ethics by Aristotle, translated by J.A.K. Thomson, black cover with gold embossing.

Chinese Face Reading: How Ear Shape Determines Personality

In Chinese physiognomy, also known as “Chinese face reading,” ear shape determines personality. If you have good-looking ears, it usually indicates that you are intelligent, will live a long life, are wealthy, and are of a high status. Let’s examine the unique characteristics associated with the appearance of your ears. Ear shape determines personality Hard, ...

Emma Lu

older womans face smiling this photo is black and white and shot from the side so we see her ears

How Confucius Influenced Chinese Concepts of Morals and Ethics

As William Blakney stated about Confucius in his 1955 translation of the Tao Te Ching: “It is no accident that China’s great moral innovator Confucius was a gregarious man who haunted capital cities, accompanied by disciples, pleading for a chance to set things right. Nor is it an accident that an important and original expression ...

Nspirement Staff

A statue of Confucius.

The Legend of the Wooden Fish in Buddhism

When did the wooden fish start being used in Chinese Buddhism? Why was it made into the shape of a fish, and what is the meaning of it? Although there are a number of legends about the wooden fish, this legend of the wooden fish from Chinese Buddhism relates one of the answers. One legend ...

Yao

A fish carved out of wood.

Why Chinese Women Wear Jade Bracelets

Chinese women love their jade bracelets, and they always look stunning wearing them. The simple elegance of a green jade bracelet seems to perfectly match Asian features and skin tones. Jade bracelets can be dressed up or down easily. To dress down: add leather, earthy tones, and casual dress. To dress up: wear with gold, ...

Nspirement Staff

An Asian woman holding a jade bracelet and necklace.