The fengshui master then donated money to the mountain people to build a little bridge nearby, and called it Kind Person's Bridge. (Courtesy Andy Siitonen/Flickr)

Stories worth gold ! Ancient Tales of Wisdom epitomizes harmony in audio, with narrated stories of courage and nobility, honour, spirituality and benevolence. Ancient Tales of Wisdom brings our world cultures into the stream of our imaginations. Living inside each story is an insight into the timeless understandings of what is truly right and what is truly wrong, and an invigoration in our hearts toward goodness and purity of being.

Our narrative today tells of how what initially appeared to be an inconsiderate action, was in fact a simple kindly consideration. This story, as with all stories of essence, acquaints us with the fact that when a person’s nature is selfless and spontaneous, in thoughts, words, and actions, rewards will surely abound.  It also reflects how the demeanour of a good person can be the catalyst for change in another. Please enjoy another treasure from the SOH Network. We will soon have our Ancient Tales of Wisdom Gold Pass ready. This will be a subscription website in which subscribers will receive three new narrated pieces of Gold per week. We will keep you updated as it gets closer and closer.

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Chinese coins had holes in them so as they could be threaded on strings to be carried. (Courtesy Wikipedia Commons)

Stories worth gold ! Ancient Tales of Wisdom epitomizes harmony in audio, with narrated stories of courage and nobility, honour, spirituality and benevolence. Ancient Tales of Wisdom brings our world cultures into the stream of our imaginations. Living inside each story is an insight into the timeless understandings of what is truly right and what is truly wrong, and an invigoration in our hearts toward goodness and purity of being.

Today’s story speaks of a poor scholar’s loyalty to his family and his desperation to provide for them.  So too, it tells of how an improper action was the catalyst that changed his heart and mind. The storyline goes on to reveal that the scholar’s enlightening moment granted him the traits of humility, honesty and respect, for which in due course he gained heaven’s reward.  Please enjoy yet another treasure from the SOH Network. We will soon have our Ancient Tales of Wisdom Gold Pass ready. This will be a subscription website in which subscribers will receive three new narrated pieces of Gold per week. We will keep you updated as it gets closer and closer.

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Xingling’s father and brother sent him to watch over the grain fields , and while he was there, a cow came and started to eat the grain. Although he saw it, Xingling didn't drive the cow away. (Courtesy cwwycoff1.Flickr)

Stories worth gold ! Ancient tales of wisdom epitomizes harmony in audio, with narrated stories of courage and nobility, honour, spirituality and benevolence. Ancient Tales of Wisdom brings our world cultures into the stream of our imaginations. Living inside each story is an insight into the timeless understandings of what is truly right and what is truly wrong, and an invigoration in our hearts toward goodness and purity of being.

Our storyline today again digs deeply into the wisdom of one’s heart and mind nature.  Its content makes known how important it is to remain open to and mindful of, all people and things that cross one’s path. So too, this story has the potential to remind you and I to be aware of being non-judgemental  and remaining compassionate and  tolerant of what appears to be a reality from our own perceptions, though in fact, may not necessarily be the actual truth, of what stands before us. Please enjoy yet another piece of gold from the SOH Network. We will soon have our Ancient Tales of Wisdom Gold Pass ready. This will be a subscription website in which subscribers will receive three new narrated pieces of Gold per week. We will keep you updated as it gets closer.

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After Maha Kasyapa left home, he painstakingly looked for a master until he met Buddha Sakyamuni. Drawn to and inspired by ....(Buddist image resources - www.e-sangha.com/alphone/sakya/sakya.html.)

Stories worth gold ! Ancient tales of wisdom epitomizes harmony in audio, with narrated stories of courage and nobility, honour, spirituality and benevolence. Ancient Tales of Wisdom brings our world cultures into the stream of our imaginations. Living inside each story is an insight into the timeless understandings of what is truly right and what is truly wrong, and an invigoration in our hearts toward goodness and purity of being.

Our story today reveals how when one can stay steadfast to the wisdom of his and her hearts inner-knowing amidst all tests and hindrances, rewards will abound. This storyline also makes clear, that a life lived with conscious diligence and dignity, respect and kindness, will be granted heavens honours within the course of one’s destined life’s journey. Please enjoy yet another treasure from the SOH Network. We will soon have our Ancient Tales of Wisdom Gold Pass ready. This will be a subscription website in which subscribers will receive three new narrated pieces of Gold per week. We will keep you updated as it gets closer and closer.

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From the Slum-Long Poem to Emperor Zhenzong. (23 December 968–23 March 1022) (Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

Hello and welcome, this is Grace Mann from the SOH Network the home of Ancient Tales of Wisdom. Today’ story, titled “People are urged to Follow Their Fate” tells of how respecting the will of heaven, selflessly doing good deeds, and having a kind, steadfast and humble heart, will, in way and timing lead to good fortune, a great life and a destined future.

In divine culture, it is believed that a person’s fate is determined by heaven, and that a person needs to respect heaven and accept his or her own fate. Only if a person does good deeds and accumulates virtue, will he or she be rewarded with a good life. The famous official Lu Mengzheng was an honest and tolerant person. He dared to say what was on his mind, was tolerant of challengers, and had a broad understanding. In ancient times, he served as prime minister through three generations. He wrote an article entitled Slum Long-Poem that described many prominent instances and circumstances in history, in an effort to tell people that everything is determined by heaven.  He said that all one should do, was to do his best and follow the will of heaven. To be accepting of and harmonizing with the natural course of things, because fighting against everything or anyone to gain self interest cannot change anything. Lu Mengzheng used his long- poem to teach the then, young and arrogant prince. After reading the poem, the prince consciously righted his behaviour and became kind and humble. Then in time, this young prince later became Emperor Zhenzong.

Our story now follows on with a translation of Lu Mengzheng’s Slum Long-Poem:

“The blue sky can suddenly turn stormy, and a person’s luck can change abruptly. Even with hundreds of legs, a centipede cannot overrun a snake. With a pair of powerful wings, a rooster cannot out-fly a duck. A horse can run a thousand miles, but it has to be guided by its rider. A person who has mile-high ambition, but is without good luck, will not achieve anything.  A person should not renounce his morals for riches, and stay steadfast if he is poor. Confucius wrote wonderful articles, but that didn’t stop him from being stranded in Chen Country. Jiang Taigong who was the founding official for Zhou Dynasty had wonderful talent, though he fished idly at the Wei River. Yan Yuan, a model student of Confucius  had great integrity, although his life was short-lived. But, Dao Tuo was a scumbag bandit in Confucius’s time was a scumbag, lived a long life. Even though Emperor Yao was a great leader, he raised an unworthy son. Gusou was unintelligent and stubborn, but his son was famous, because he had respect for his elders. It was only when Zhang Liang met Xiaohe that he became a mayor; otherwise, he would have remained an ordinary citizen. Though Yanzi  was less than five feet tall, he became the prime minister of Qi Country . – and – while residing in a hut on a farm, Kong Ming became the chief of staff for Shuhan.

“Despite his almighty power, the King of Chu still committed suicide at the Wu River. Even though the King of Han was a weak person, he conquered the whole country. Li Guang was so powerful that he shot and killed tigers with a bow and arrow, though he was never granted title during his life. Feng Tang was a prominent person under the Hanwen Emperor who had an amazing talent, but timing was never right, so he never had the opportunity to demonstrate this talent. Han Xin was so poor that he could not afford three meals a day before his luck arrived, though in his destined timing he became a high ranking official, till fate again stepped in when his life ended abruptly.

“Some people are poor for a long time and then become rich. There are those who are weak when young, though strong when old. There were many educated and intelligent people in ancient times, who tried to pass the required examinations throughout their lives, but failed. Yet, there was people with little knowledge, who passed these examinations with ease. Beautiful girls in the emperor’s court became prostitutes in their adverse times, whilst prostitutes were married to noble people during their times of good luck. Young and pretty girls sometimes married unsightly, old men. Handsome men sometimes married unattractive women. And there was also times when a gentleman served under a commoner.

The Slum Long-Poem continues in saying: “One needs to maintain upright behaviour when one is poor, just as one should respect others when he or she is distressed. A human being of good worth will not be bothered by a poor life. So too a humble person is always humble, even if he suddenly becomes rich.  Whilst a dragon, before its timing will swim along with the fish and turtles in a river, When fate appears not to be in your favour, you should be patient and quietly do your duty without untoward thoughts.  As long as you maintain your integrity and dignity, things will turn around.

“When the timing is not right for heaven, the sun and the moon will lose their radiance. When the timing is not right for the earth, the plants will not grow. So too, when the timing is not right for the ocean, the waters will be turbulent – and – when the timing is not right for a person, he may have misfortune and be down on his luck. People’s fate is all predetermined, and revealed within the enfolding of their life’s journey.

Lu Mengzheng also reveals in this Slum Long-Peom “I used to live in Luoyang City. I was so poor that I relied on the monks for food and slept in a slum. I did not have enough clothes to keep me warm and was always starving. No one liked me, and they all looked at me as if I were an outcast. Now, I serve in the emperor’s court as the highest official. I am above everyone in the country except for the emperor himself. I am authorised to punish any official, and I can order a citizen’s immediate death. I have tons of beautiful silks, nice clothes and my food is all delicacies. When I go out, warriors drive my carriage. When I am inside, beautiful girls serve me fine drinks and everyone holds in high regard. This is not because I am so capable, but that of my destiny.

“A person should not exchange all of his luck for riches, nor should he be worried so much about poverty. Because heaven and the earth are cyclical, and what goes around comes around.”

Thank you for the privilege of being able to share another classic storyline with you from days long gone by.  I’ll be back with you again real soon on Ancient Tales of Wisdom.

Until then, laugh lots, be happy and let’s each take the time to accept and learn the lessons of our destined journey.

Clearharmony

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”I agree with Hiada inheriting all of the assets of my father. I only propose that Hiada become my wife." Hiada thought briefly “……, I accept all the assets from the older generation, including his son.” (Courtesy Loelle/Flickr)

SOH, the home of Ancient Tales of Wisdom, brings stories that enrich the deepest and original centre of our being. This beautiful heart-touching story, also fulfils this quest. It encompasses the principles of honesty, kindness, strength of character and much more. It also reveals how the virtues of truthfulness and compassion, sincerity and integrity can open the widest door and bring forth life-long rewards, to both the rich and poor alike.

Hello again, this is Grace Mann, from the SOH Radio Network. In Ancient Tales of Wisdom, today I have a beautiful and heart warming story to share with you. So, for now, sit back relax and enjoy “The Will of a Millionaire.”

Many years ago on a bitterly cold winter night in Washington, D.C., a prominent businessman’s wife accidentally dropped her purse in a hospital. The businessman was extremely concerned when his wife returned home and told him, and immediately returned to the hospital in the hope of finding it.  The reason for his anxiousness was because the purse not only contained $100,000 in cash, but also a very confidential marketing document.

As the businessman hurried into the hospital, in the distance, he saw a very gaunt young girl squatting down in the hallway, trembling from the cold. He instantly stopped and walked toward the girl, as he got closer, could see the purse she was holding was identical to that of his wife’s.

He spoke quietly and gently with the young girl who told him her name was Hiada and that she’d brought her sick mother to the hospital earlier to see the doctors. It was obvious that both mother and daughter were very poor and totally dependent on each other. Hiada went on to tell the businessman that they’d sold everything worth selling and had gathered enough money for her mother to stay in the hospital for just one night.

Young Hiada continued to openly share her and her mum’s dilemma with the businessman, telling him how she had been helplessly pacing back and forth in the hospital hallway praying for God’s blessing, hoping to meet a kind-hearted person who would in some way be able help save her sick mother. Then Hiada told the businessman, that as she was pacing, through the glass wall, she saw a woman drop her purse without noticing when hurrying down the hospital stairs and out the door. Hiada went on to say, I was the only person in the hallway at that time so I quickly hurried to get her purse from the stairwell and then rushed out the door to try and find the lady, but by the time I got outside she was nowhere to be found.  So, with that I returned to my mum’s hospital room. I opened the purse, and both my mother and I looked at each other in amazement at what we saw. I believed my prayers had been answered, and we both knew that the money in the purse could without doubt help with her illness. However, after our brief thoughts, my mother insisted I return to the hallway and wait for the person who would come back looking for the purse.

With that, Hiada looked at the business man and quietly said ‘this purse belongs to your wife doesn’t it!’ By this time, the businessman and Hiada had developed a special bond.

Despite the businessman’s greatest efforts to help both Hiada and her mother for their noble deed, Hiada’s mother insistently refused all offers.

Because her was passing imminent, Hiada’s mother also insisted that it was time for her daughter to find her own way in life without her.

The businessman then left.  Though he stayed in touch with the lonely Hiada after her mother’s passing, and in due course he and his wife graciously took her in.

The honest actions of Hiada and her mother, not only helped the businessman get his $100,000 cash back, but also, the returned marketing document went on to make his business very successful, granting him millionaire status.

During the years that followed, the businessman’s wife passed away and Hiada completed her college education.  She then helped the millionaire take care of the business. Although the he never appointed her to any actual position, over time, his wisdom and experience exerted great influence on her, making her a mature and influential businesswoman.

In his later years the millionaire businessman, would ask Hiada’s opinion on many issues. Then when he was about to leave the world, he left the following will, at it said;

“Before I got to know Hiada and her mother I already had lots of money, but when I stood in front of the mother and girl who found this giant amount of money when in sickness and poverty, yet did not put it into their own pocket, I realised that they were the richest. They had safeguarded the highest standard as humans and this was what I lacked as a businessman. My money mostly came through tricks and fighting with others. It was they who made me understand- that the most important possession in life is one’s moral conduct. I took Hiada in, neither for the sake of returning the grace nor out of sympathy. Instead, it was because I found her to be the epitome of a human being.

With Hiada beside me, I would remember clearly at all times what I should and shouldn’t do, what money I should make and how I should make it. This is the fundamental reason for my business becoming even more prosperous and my becoming a millionaire. After my death, my millions of dollars worth of assets are all left to Hiada to inherit. I do this not for my business to be more successful or prosperous. I deeply believe that my smart son will understand his father’s careful thoughts.”

When the millionaire’s son who lived far away came back for his father’s funeral, he carefully read his father’s will and immediately signed the asset inheritance agreement without any hesitation. He also wrote an avowal that stated “I agree with Hiada inheriting all of the assets of my father. I only propose that Hiada become my wife.”

Upon learning of the millionaire’s son having signed the agreement and the son’s proposal, Hiada thought briefly and counter signed the agreement and added the statement “I accept all the assets from the older generation, including his son.”

I trust you enjoyed today’s story line as much as I have.

Stay tuned to the home of Ancient Tales of Wisdom for more wonderful stories that share great wisdom, warm your heart, and bring a smile to your face.

I’ll be with you again soon,  in the meantime, laugh lots, be happy and always bear in mind, I am the richest when I safeguard my morality.

PureInsight

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At that moment, one famous artist disappeared from the world, while two happy artists with their hearts well-connected, worked harmoniously, to bring joy and beauty to all corners of the world. (Image courtesy Wikipedia Commons)

SOH’s Ancient Tales of Wisdom brings stories that enrich the core of our essential nature.  Today’s storyline reveals of how a life lived with conscious kindness and humility always wins the prize, be it in seen and unseen, or told and untold ways.

Welcome to the SOH Radio Network, the home of Ancient Tales of Wisdom. Hello again, this is Grace Mann. Today’s story from Ancient China is simply titled: Two Artists.

There was once an old artist who had two equally diligent and gifted students. He taught them everything he knew and, eventually, they became quite famous. They were Master Zhang and Master Ding.

After their teacher passed away, Master Zhang and Master Ding both wanted to explore their artistic futures. Before they parted, Master Zhang said, “Our teacher used to say that you and I are equal in our abilities. Why don’t we each bring our best piece back here after five years? Then we can take a look and decide who is better.”

Master Ding said with a smile, “Of course, that sounds fine.”

After they said good-bye, Master Zhang travelled all over the world, saw the best scenery, and learned from various cultures. His paintings were created one after the other. His popularity was rising and so was the price of his paintings. Master Zhang was really enjoying his accomplishments. He thought, “It is not quite five years, but I have advanced so quickly. In fact, I think my improvements are nothing short of miraculous. On the contrary, no one has yet to mention Master Ding. I am sure that I can easily win this contest.”

When the five year mark arrived, Master Zhang was quite confident and took his best painting to where they were supposed to meet. Master Ding was already there and he welcomed Master Zhang with a big smile and empty hands.

Master Zhang was not happy.  He said “we agreed to bring our best paintings and you come empty-handed. How are we going to make a comparison?”

Master Ding looked at his gray-haired classmate and said, “Dear friend, it is not that I wanted to come empty-handed, it is because I simply didn’t have a picture to bring with me.”

Master Zhang thought, “I bet this is an excuse and that he is just afraid of losing the competition.”  So he asked Master Ding why he didn’t have a painting with him.

Master Ding replied, “Even though I could not bring my paintings, I can show them to you.”

With that, Master Zhang followed along with Master Ding, and they walked all over town. Master Zhang was very surprised to find all of Master Ding’s paintings hanging throughout the various buildings in the town. Every picture was better than the previous one.

The little town was cosy and quaint and filled with an artistic atmosphere. Originally, everyone in the town was not well-educated, though now they were well refined in their manners and temperament. The way they carried themselves was just like they were depicted in the paintings.

Everybody always respectfully acknowledged Master Ding. Seeing this, Master Zhang was a little jealous and asked, “Did they hire you to do all these paintings? You must have a fortune by now!”

Master Ding smiled and said, “When we went our separate ways 5 years ago, I thought how much hard work it was for our teacher to teach us.  So, I decided to give something back to the people in this town. After I finished my first picture, they were very courteous toward my paintings and were moved by the beauty of my work. They then invited me to stay here and continue to paint.

At first, they were afraid I would charge them a lot of money, but I told them that I would do it for free, and my only request was that they provide me with my daily meals.

Master Zhang was astonished to hear that Master Ding painted for free, “How come you are so foolish? You could earn a lot of money!”

With tears in his eyes Master Ding said, “Actually, these people helped me immensely. To begin with my skill was not that good, and initially, when they saw my work, they didn’t know how to pay me compliments, though they were always very kind and sincere. With such encouragement, my paintings gradually became better and better. How could I ask anything more for my work?”

Master Zhang felt ashamed after hearing this. In his mind, the value of a piece of art was determined by its price. His thought was, the higher the price, the more valuable the artwork.

Then Master Zhang said, “Master Ding 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 peoples’ decorations. I think that I deserve to lose – and you have allowed me to understand the true value of art. Let me learn from you! Let’s work together and create more beauty for the world!”

They then hugged each other and wept.  Master Ding was then no longer lonely in his creative world with Master Zhang by his side. At that moment, one famous artist disappeared from the world, while two happy artists with their hearts well-connected, worked harmoniously, to bring joy and beauty to all corners of the world.

Thank you for joining us again on Ancient Tales of Wisdom. Stay tuned to the SOH Radio Network for more of these heart warming tales.

I’ll be with you again real soon, until then, laugh lots, be happy and let humility be a noble guide – in our daily lives.

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The Temple of Heaven, literally known as the Altar of Heaven, is a complex of Taoist buildings situated in the southeastern region of Beijing.(Courtesy Ivan Walsh/Flickr)

Throughout ancient Chinese history, Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism has aligned all things between the heavens, the earth and human beings. Our narrative today discusses how Chinese architects consciously and respectfully harmonized their buildings with the environment – and mankind with their world and the heavens.

This is Grace Mann.  Today in Ancient Tales of Wisdom, our storyline is a little different, and it tells of ancient China’s architecture and its correlation and harmony between the heavens and earth.  It is entitled Chinese Architecture, a Miniature of the Cosmos.

Modern architecture juts into the sky, declaring its dominance over us mere humans. It doesn’t connect us with the heavens; and it’s as though it challenge heavens for supremacy.

Over thousands of years, the Chinese people have developed their own architectural style. Based on the tenets of Taoism and Buddhism, they reflect Chinese understandings that the heavens, the earth and human beings are intimately and innately connected.

Japan, Korea and much of Asia has also followed the Chinese approach in their architectural structures.

Harmony between Heaven and Earth

In “I Ching—the Book of Changes” and other writings it says that ancient peoples acted according to the laws of heaven, earth, nature and the time of year. Taoist philosophy was based on the central element, that which gives birth to the heavens, the earth and humans.

So too, Confucianism ascribed to the principle of harmony between heaven and earth. The Ancients knew that nature is the big cosmos and a human being is a small one. Because it is a miniature of nature, a human being must live and act within the laws of nature’s cosmos.

This traditional belief enveloped all areas of Chinese life, including architecture. More than location and its practical use, a building had to harmonize with nature both inside and out.

Chinese architects designed elements of the cosmos into every structure. From primitive caves and simple buildings – to complex construction, one finds the elements of the cosmos consistently embedded in Chinese architecture. In a very real way, Chinese architecture portrays a miniature of the cosmos.

Points of the compass

All Chinese architecture started with points on the compass—north, south, east and west.  An Architect used charts that astrologers specifically prepared beforehand. Unlike today’s maps, the south was at the top, north was on the bottom, west on the right and east on the left.

Based on China’s location in the Northern Hemisphere, the Chinese people believed a pleasant climate, warmer winters and summer breezes of southern regions—came from heaven. So South became the point of reference for all building.

The architects insulated buildings on the north, west and east and opened it to the south.  This prevented other weather currents, such as northern winds or other adverse weather conditions, to affect the temperature in the home.

To protect against weather disasters, four mythical creatures were placed on the rooftops of houses, as protector spirits of the four cardinal points. The black Wen, a fictitious animal, was placed in the North. In the South was the cinnabar canary, in the West the white tiger and in the East the green dragon.

Roofing tiles

Around 3,000 years ago, the first roof tiles were made of clay. Later Ylang-Ylang grass and a clay-and-stone mixture covered the roofs of homes. Roofs soon after were enhanced with glazes and glosses of various hues.

Roof tiles were held together by nails and often adorned with animal or plant motifs, meant to protect against natural catastrophes.

Specific designs were reserved for the emperor’s housing, such as splendid yellow roof tiles, which can still be seen today on the buildings in the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the roof tiles on Beijing’s Temple of Heaven are blue.

Wood—the primary construction material

Wood was the primary construction material used by Chinese architects. It could be easily obtained from the many forests in China, and it was not difficult to get rid of.  Wood was preferred as natural construction material, because it gave off a fragrant and pleasant odour in the interior of buildings, while the natural grain and lustre of the earth, like clay, brought a natural living atmosphere into the buildings. For architects, wood was a living building material, which breathed, absorbed and repelled moisture. Though, it did have its drawbacks as houses easily caught fire.

Framing

Chinese architects preferred constructing buildings by first erecting a frame, as it brought a number of advantages to both the builder and the building. They believed that in contrast to a solid structure, a frame building had beams and pillars to carry weight at certain pressure points – and that this construction method allowed wide and open rooms.

Throughout the ages, the ancient Chinese architects consciously and respectfully harmonized their buildings with the environment – and human beings with their world and the heavens.

Thanks for being with us again on Ancient Tales of Wisdom, here on the SOH Radio Network.

I’ll be with you again real soon – and from this day forward, may we all find our personal harmony amidst the heavens and the earth.

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The food I ate from the board was actually very rare ginseng…those who ate it, may have reached a high realm…and because you guys didn’t eat it, you may well have missed your destiny! (Courtesy Wikipedia Commons)

Ancient Tales of Wisdom today reveals how encounters of any kind, can never really be perceived as being by chance, regardless of how or when they may be presented to us.  This story tells us how it pays to  remain conscious at all times and not allow those initial thoughts and perceptions we sometimes have, to lead us away from, and maybe miss, what could have been one of our destined opportunities.

Welcome back to the SOH Radio Network, the home of Ancient Tales of Wisdom. Hello everyone, I’m Grace Mann, it’s great to be back with you again.  Today’s tale is adapted from the writing ‘An Account of Meeting with Deities’ and it is entitled: Missing the Opportunity.

The Ten Friends of Weiyang were ten people who were wealthy and content with what they had. They weren’t interested in pursuing government positions neither were they greedy about their money. One thing that they liked to do was to get together and talk about metaphysics and Taoism. The ten friends were like brothers and were extremely close, so they often took turns hosting dinner parties.

One day an old man showed up uninvited at one of their parties. He wore rags and was painfully thin. The ten friends were in a good mood and they felt empathy for the old man. So they allowed him to remain and shared their feast with him. After the old man finished his dinner, he left.

A few days later, the old man appeared again. He told the ten friends, “I am a poor man. I feel honoured because you allowed me to join your dinner party and nobody was rude to me. You have finished one round of hosting dinner parties already, now it is my turn, and I will try my best to host one, in order to show my respect for you. Let us set a date and I hope you all can attend.”

The ten friends agreed to attend the old man’s dinner party. On the agreed date, the old man came to get the ten friends early in the morning. He led them to an area east of the city. Even though the friends felt that they hadn’t been walking for a long time, they had trekked quite a long distance.  Upon arriving at their destination, they saw three leaning huts that appeared so unstable that it seemed that they would not survive a gust of wind. The old man invited them to go inside. When the ten friends went inside the hut, the saw a  few grubby and unsightly beggars in rags with uncombed, long hair were inside the hut. When the old man entered the hut, the beggars stood up and waited for instructions from him. The old man told them to clean the hut, lay down some firewood on the ground, and lay out a straw mat. Then he asked the ten friends to sit down.

It was getting late and everyone was feeling quite hungry. After a while, some of the beggars brought vinegar, salt and bamboo chop sticks to the guests. Then a few beggars carried a big board that was about 5 to 6 feet long and put it in the middle of the straw mat. The board was covered with a piece of oilcloth on top. The ten friends looked at each other and assumed that they would finally get some food to eat. When the old man removed the cover, the food on the board was steaming and it took a little time for the steam to subside.  The old man then asked his guests to help themselves. The ten friends looked at each other aghast, because of what they thought they were seeing. They were shocked at the shape of the food pieces, which looked like forms of a foetus. With this, some of the friends pretended they weren’t hungry and the others left the hut in anger. Nobody wanted to eat the old man’s food.

Without any response to the ten friends’ reactions, the old man started to eat. After he finished his share, he told the rest of the beggars to finish off the remaining food. After all the food was eaten, the old man turned to the ten friends and said, “The foodstuff I ate a moment ago was actually ginseng that was more than 1,000 years old. It is very rare, and I wanted to share with you all because you fellows treated me well. The fact is – Those who ate the ginseng could possibly reach a high realm and become a deity. You guys didn’t eat it, and because you didn’t eat it, you may well have missed your destiny!” The ten friends looked at each other in shock and they deeply regretted what they had done, and that it had cost them a missed opportunity.

Soon after this encounter, all the beggars who had eaten the ginseng were transformed into golden boys and jade girls. They held banners and umbrellas for the old man, and with the old man flew up to the sky, and the ten friends never saw their beggar friend again.

It has once more been my privilege to share yet another tale from days gone by with you all.  Stay tuned to the SOH Radio Network for the next episode of Ancient Tales of Wisdom.

Until then laugh lots, be happy and may we all be conscious of not missing any of our destined opportunities.

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The Chu people were very confused as to why their melons would grow so well - despite their lack of work. (Courtesy kumon/fkr)

Early culture from all lands embodies a wealth of rich folk-lores.  Again, today’s  simple but reflective idiom on Ancient Tales of Wisdom tells of a classic example  as to how simple acts of kindness, and  good deeds  given from a noble and righteous  heart will in way and time, always reward the selfless giver.

Greetings to you all, and welcome to today’s Ancient Tales of Wisdom. Hi, this is Grace Mann back with you to share more great words from the wise. Today story is about the happening that gave rise to the Ancient Chinese idiom entitled: “Irrigating the Neighbouring States Melon Fields.”

Song Jiu was a magistrate of Bian County near the border of the Liang State before he became a high-ranking official. On the other side of the border was the Chu State. Both states grew melons, and the border patrols would check out each other’s melon harvests. The Liang State’s people were very diligent in farming and irrigated the melon fields frequently; therefore, their melons grew well. The Chu State’s people often dodged work and neglected tending and irrigating their melon fields. Consequently, their melons grew poorly.

The magistrate of the border county in the Chu State became jealous and irritated when he saw the disparity between the two states’ melons. Influenced by the magistrate, people in his county became jealous and angry with the people of the Liang State. One night a group from  the Chu State sneaked into the Liang State’s melon fields and destroyed some of their melons. The next day when the Liang people saw the state of their melon field, they reported it to the Master of Arms and expressed their wish to retaliate. The Master of Arms reported to magistrate Song Jiu and asked for his approval to reciprocate. Song Jiu replied, “Evil will only beget evil. If you should retaliate against their crimes, you would only make things worse. If my son had a melon field, I’d ask him to irrigate the Chu people’s melon fields at night – and keep his good deed in secret.”

From then on the Liang people followed Song Jui’s words and irrigated the Chu people’s melon fields secretly at night. Sometimes the Chu people would irrigate their melon fields in the day as well, not knowing -they had also been irrigated the night before.  As a result, the melons in the Chu fields grew bigger and better.. The Chu people were very confused as to why their melons would grow so well –  despite their lack of work, so they  began to secretly investigate the issue and discovered it was because the Liang people had been secretly irrigating their melon fields for them nightly. When the magistrate of the Chu State heard this, he was very happy about what their people had discovered and reported it to the King of the Chu State. The King of Chu felt extremely ashamed of his peoples’ actions and told the magistrate, “How could you allow your people to destroy the Liang State’s melon fields? It is obvious that the Liang people are more kind and have a bigger heart than the Chu people.”

Because of the Liang State peoples’ noble deed, The King of Chu sent a lot of money to the Liang State to thank them for their gracious help.  He also expressed his wish to establish friendship between the two states. The two states thus formed a friendly alliance because of Song Jiu’s wisdom.

It is said that it was this Ancient Chinese story that initiated the idiom, “irrigating the neighbouring state’s melon fields,” which in today’s terms means ‘it is not worth fighting over trivial matters.’

It’s been great to be with you again on Ancient Tales of Wisdom.  Stay tuned to the SOH Radio Network to savour the wisdom of old.

Till next time, laugh lots, be happy and may we all remember that ‘it is not worth fighting over trivial matters.’

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