ancestor worship, ancient wisdom, beijing, chinese culture, chinese literature, chinese tradition, christianity, cultural bridge, cultural integration, lin yutang, philosophy, practical living, traditional values, western influence
Chinese literature, already captivating in its own right, takes on a new dimension when interpreted by Lin Yutang. His magnum opus, the novel Beijing Memories, narrates an authentic Chinese story in impeccable English. Notably, his English biographies on Empress Wu Zetian and Su Dongpo are equally celebrated. His books My Country and My People and ...
In the late 19th century, in the town of Banzi in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, there was a notable figure named Lin Zhicheng. A priest by vocation, Lin was often seen ascending to the top of the church. There, he would raise the cross a little higher using steel bars imported from the U.S. Or, at ...
In the early 1990s, a true story unfolded, revealing the strange illness that plagued senior official Mr. Zhang. His condition remained undiagnosed despite seeking medical help for years, and his health deteriorated. It wasn’t until a renowned spiritual master entered the picture that the truth behind his illness was uncovered. This article explores the fascinating ...
Eastern tales, whether from China or Japan, often share deep wisdom through simple stories. These timeless lessons still resonate today. Here are two tales that highlight the value of wisdom and tact. The Zen Master’s reply Along a street lined with cherry blossom trees in Japan, opposite a temple, there was a flower shop. One ...
In the profound teachings of the “I Ching,” balance in life is emphasized as essential. It suggests that when we assume roles or positions beyond our capabilities, be it in terms of virtue, wisdom, or strength, success becomes an elusive goal. This notion of imbalance serves as a timeless reminder of three of life’s greatest ...
Throughout China’s vast folklore, there are five dreams that have become household tales. These legendary narratives, passed down from ancient times, offer profound insights into the realities of life. The dream of yellow millet During the Tang Dynasty, there was a sage named Lü Weng. In his travels, he came across a young man named ...
In the past decade or so, different disasters have been occurring in mainland China one after another, and with increasing frequency. The wrath and warnings of Heaven are signaled by the recent floods, earthquakes, blood-red sky, and strange natural phenomena that have happened in northern and northeastern China. Why is it put this way? It’s ...
Is fortune-telling accurate? This question has sparked different opinions for ages. Why do some fortune-tellers get their predictions right, while others miss the mark? What are the factors that determine the accuracy of fortune-telling? The following tale might just enlighten you. Xue Er’s fortune During the Qing Dynasty, there was a famous face reader in ...
During the Tang Dynasty, Wei Xian was appointed the Governor and Inspector of Runzhou and the Chief Censor of Jiangdong Circuit. Considering himself to be of a prestigious and well-known noble family, he began searching for a suitable son-in-law for his daughter. However, after observing several prominent candidates, he found them unsuitable and without integrity, ...
Modern-day lie detectors were non-existent in ancient China. So what were the techniques used to detect lying during trials back then? The following are some clever examples of exposing who was lying. Comparing the whistleblower’s letters to obtain the truth During the Tang Dynasty (566-635), Li Jing served as an inspector in Qizhou. Someone had ...