Ancient Cultivation Stories

The Vital Force of the Plum Flower and the Spirit of Jade

2008-06-01

In the freezing winter, the plum blossom, which has been praised by people throughout history, foretells the coming of spring. It is elegant, pure, and charming. The far-reaching scent is pleasant, lofty, and respected. Its perseverance and vital force amidst rain and snow also motivate people to strive forward. The plum blossom is the most beautiful in winter, which gives people hope for the wonderfulness of spring.

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Stories from History: Qu Tutong's Well-Intentioned Advice

2008-05-10

Qu Tutong said to the emperor: "It is a matter of life and death. If they are executed, they will not come to life again. Your highness's kindness has spread over the whole world. Do you really mean to kill all fifteen hundred people just for these livestock?"

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Stories from Ancient China: Human Hearts Are as Clear as a Mirror

2008-02-28

The mirror had a special function. When one looked at the mirror from the front, it reflected the image upside down. If the person rubbed his hand over the chest, then the internal organs of the person could also be clearly seen. More interestingly, it could also distinguish the loyal from the disloyal ministers in the imperial court, as well as foretell the rise and fall of a state... indeed it was a state treasure.

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Ancient Cultivation Stories: Princess Zhangzhao

2008-02-21

Though the emperor took good care of her, she was very diligent in her practise and was not arrogant being a royal relative. Besides meditating, she often went to the mountain to collect herbs and treated patients. From the time she became a nun in the Mount Mian area, when there was a drought she burned incense and prayed for rain. It has been said that her prayers were always answered, bringing great delight to the surrounding residents. The princess was given a nickname "Living Guanyin (Bodhisattva)."

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Stories from Ancient China: Refraining from Lust, Di Renjie Achieved a Great Career

2008-01-29

Di Renjie said: "The old monk told me that from my looks I would be a highly placed eminent official and would become well known in the future. But I must always remember to forbid myself lust! Since the old monk pointed it out to me, how could I trade my future for a moment of desire?"

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Stories from Ancient China: Governing a Country with Virtue and Appointing Officials Based on Sagacity

2008-01-21

"Governing a country with virtue and appointing officials based on sagacity" builds a foundation to govern a country well and bring peace to the world. This saying comes from China's age-old and profound culture, which is said to have been imparted by the gods. It is a virtue that should forever be remembered and passed on.

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Stories from Ancient China: A Virtuous Doctor

2007-12-20

The doctor was left in quite a dilemma. His choice was between saving a stranger and paying a ransom to save his son's life. He pondered for a moment and decided that it was his duty to save the person. He therefore went off to treat the patient who in turn was saved. When he returned home, exhausted, both physically and mentally, he was stupefied to find that his son was playing as if nothing had happened.

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Stories from Ancient China: Some Things in Life are Worth More Gold

2007-12-15

The woodsman threw his sickle to the ground, raised his eyebrows, and said angrily, "You are a noble, but why do you treat other people as if they are beneath you? You have a grand and heroic appearance, but why do you speak so rudely? I would rather wear feather-down in hot May while chopping firewood. Why should I pick up gold that someone else has lost?"

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Stories from Ancient China: Confucius on the Benefits of Studying

2007-11-16

Zilu said, "The bamboo grown in the southern mountains is straight as can be without any human intervention. If one makes arrows by cutting this type of bamboo into smaller pieces, the arrow can pierce the skin of a rhino. Why should one [with great inborn quality] need to study?" Confucius answered, "Isn't it true that the arrow can penetrate even deeper if one mounts feathers at the tail and sharpens its head?" Zilu bowed to show his respect and said, "I sincerely accept your teaching."

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Stories from Ancient China: Xiang Xiong Stands Firm for What is Right

2007-11-13

Since they were already dead, the orders of your Majesty have been implemented. I buried them due to my moral sense. This shows the world that it is a principle that one has to repay generosity. Wouldn't such a principle make it easier to rule the country? Isn't it a good thing to do? Or would your Majesty like me to feel guilty about the dead and live mindlessly?" The emperor was pleased with what Zhong Hui said and so treated him with a banquet and then let him go.

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Stories from Ancient China: Two Artists

2007-10-19

Master Zhang said, "You have won the five-year contest. Your paintings are invaluable and cannot be bought with money, whereas my paintings can. Your paintings can bring changes to countless people but my paintings are nothing but a part of rich people's decorations. I think that I deserve to lose and you have allowed me understand the true value of art. Let me learn from you! Let's work together and create more beauty for the world!"

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Stories from Ancient China: Fill Your Heart with Compassion

2007-10-18

One year, after the rainy season, this physician told his servants to put his collection of medical books in the courtyard to dry. He paced back and forth like a peacock displaying himself. When Li Zhishen happened to see it, he got such an impulse that he loosened his clothing and lay next to the book racks. The physician saw that Li had his chest and belly exposed to the sun and asked, "Hey, what are you doing here?"

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Ancient Cultivation Stories: Wei Boyang Tests his Disciples

2007-10-16

The other two disciples said, "We have made the dan because we want to live a long life. Since taking the dan will kill us, we can skip that and continue to live for a few more decades." Therefore, the two of them went down the mountain and started to prepare the funeral arrangements.

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Stories from Ancient China: The Old Master's Advice

2007-10-14

The young disciple was quite capable and continued to enlarge the temple. He thought that after the temple was completed, he would follow the old master's instructions and save more poor people. After the temple was finished and looked quite presentable, he thought, "Perhaps, I should wait for the temple to get bigger and better before I help those poor people."

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Chinese Fable: The Beggar's Handkerchief

2007-10-09

When the hostess saw the ugly servant, she was so shocked that she was speechless. The female servant felt very strange and asked the hostess: "Is there something on my face?" She wiped her face again using the handkerchief. The hostess was even more shocked and shouted, "What kind of handkerchief is this?" Upon hearing the hostesses shouting people flooded into the room. Everyone was shocked.

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