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Stories from Ancient China: No Argument, No Resentment, Be Known For Virtue

2007-04-27

Many people cannot stand for these kinds of things. Shaozi gave away his own interests to others without argument or resentment. It was not cowardly behaviour, but the result of his forbearance and broad mind. Only a person with moral integrity and knowledge behaves in such a manner. The story spread in the royal court and in society. History has recorded that Shaozi was known for his virtue. Three governments offered him positions, but he refused.

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Ancient Cultivation Stories: The Female Pheasant

2007-04-26

During the reign of Emperor Wenzuan of the Qi dyansty, Sengan cultivated on Wangwu Mountain and had two dozen disciples following him. When he began to teach the Nirvana Sutra, a female pheasant would crawl over to the side of a seat to listen. When the monks were having a meal, it would go out to search for food. No matter whether it was day or night, it would come to listen to the dharma. But, strangely, the pheasant stopped coming before Sengan finished volume three of the sutra. Everyone thought it was odd.

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Poem: Behind the Veil

2007-04-25

Look behind the liesChina’s deceptive disguisebehind it’s pursuit for trade.See beyond it’s wallsa ‘party’s’ last callbeyond it’s every masquerade.

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Stories from Ancient China: A Treacherous Imperial Court Official Condemned by History

2007-04-24

At the time, Yue Fei was on his way to victory in fighting the invading Jin troops in the north. Yue's army had a slogan: "Do not take people's house even if the soldiers are freezing; do not loot even if the soldiers are starving." The people respected them for this.

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Poem: Spectacular

2007-04-23

In a sea of coloura tale of historywhere Heaven and Earth rejoicefrom dragon's to deitiesweaving music and songthe splendour of instrument and voice.

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Stories from Ancient China: Tolerating Misjudgments and Governing Benevolently Generates Blessings

2007-04-22

Mao started as an officer in the Prime Minister's office. One day, a stranger stopped Mao's horse-drawn cart and claimed that the horse belonged to him. Mao asked, “How long ago did you lose your horse?” The man said, “More than a month ago.” Mao had owned this horse for several years. He knew the man had made a mistake, but he turned the horse over to the man without a word. Mao pulled the cart himself and said, “If it's not yours, please return it to the Prime Minister's office.”

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Stories from Ancient China: Gods See to It That the Good Avoid Disasters

2007-04-21

The voices said: “Several hundred people should die on the bridge this year. They are wicked, dissolute, or unfilial persons. Now check the names according to the death list. For those who are on the list but have not yet come, quickly urge them to come; for those not on the list, tell them to leave.” Many voices replied in the sky: “Yes! We will follow your orders!” Hearing those voices, the local residents were startled and terrified, they dared not speak.

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Ancient Cultivation Stories: Bodhidharma

2007-04-20

Bodhidharma was born in a Brahman family in the southern India. He was cheerful, wise, and had a rather high enlightenment quality. He focused all his energy on studying in the Mahayana or "Great Vehicle" school.

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Stories from Ancient China: When One is Righteous, Others Will Follow

2007-04-19

Li Guang was a general in the Han Dynasty of ancient China. He was born in Chengji, Longxi County (which is now part of Gansu Province). General Li was outstanding both in his combat ability and creative talent. He fought Xiongnu more than seventy times and accomplished remarkable feats. The Xiongnu called him, the "Flying General of the Han Dynasty" and dared not invade the central plains because of him.

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Poem: A Child Cries

2007-04-18

Everydaya child criesinnocence out in the coldeverydaya mother criesanother life lostfrom truth untold.

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Stories from Ancient China: The Thunder Deity

2007-04-17

Taoist Zheng performed his regular routine: he chanted incantations, drew some symbols, and then held a sword and declared something loudly. After a while, accompanied by cold winds and splashes of rain, a deity wearing a tall hat and carrying a heavenly axe in hand appeared. The deity said, "I am the Thunder Deity, I come to Master Zheng's summon. Please tell me what I should do."

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Ancient Cultivation Stories: The Cultivator Huiyuan

2007-04-16

Unfortunately, just then General Shi Hu was killed and the Central Plains were in political upheaval. Roads leading to the southern regions of the country were so impassable that he could only wait patiently. Later, when he found out that Shi Daoan, an eminent monk, was spreading Buddhist dharma in the Taixing Mountains, he went there to listen to the dharma, where he reached enlightenment. Together with his younger brother, Huichi, they became monks.

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Poem: Falling

2007-04-15

From tears falling to oceanshearts poisoned under paled skiesa ‘party’s’ reign ever closer to its endtruth finding light beyond shadow and lies.

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Poem: Justice

2007-04-14

Let the truth be tolda new chapter unfoldlet China’s every wall come down.

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Stories from Ancient China: Gratefully Accepting Suggestions and Criticism

2007-04-13

Zisi replied, "If a king thinks that he's perfect, then no one dares to voice their opinions. Even if the king does the right thing without listening to other peoples' opinions, it still is the same as his having rejected others' opinions. Not to mention that currently the ministers all echo a wrong opinion and encourage this bad mentality. Instead of judging whether something is right or wrong, the king enjoys being praised by others. He is being irrational...."

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