Correcting One's Wrongdoings Changes One's Fate (Source: Zhang Cuiying)
In the Ming Dynasty, a man named Zhang Weiyan in Jiangyin, of Jiangsu Province, was a skilled writer. He was quite well-known in his region. In the year of Jiawu, he went on to the court exams but failed. Under the bulletin of the exam results he cursed the judges who scored his exams very low, feeling they did not recognize people who had true knowledge.At that moment, a Taoist passed by and heard him. He smiled and said, “I can tell that your writings must be bad!”
Zhang Weiyan then vented his anger on him, “Why do you laugh at me? You have not read my articles, how do you know that my writings are bad?” The Taoist said, “I heard the key to writing is that one needs to be at peace and maintain a calm heart. You are now cursing the judges. You must be very angry. How can you write a good article if this is what your character is like?” Zhang Weiyan thought what he said was very rational, and then sincerely asked him for help
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Renowned ancient Chinese herbalist Li ShiZhen 1518-1593, who lived in the Qichun County, Hubei Province during the Ming dynasty. (Courtesy Wikipedia Commons)
Welcome to Ancient Tales of Wisdom. Happy New Year to all our avid ATW listeners, it’s great to be back with you. May 2010 grant each of you, wonderful experiences, health, peace and contentment., My name is Grace Mann. Today our tale is one of the many, about famous physician and herbalist, Li Shizhen, titled Fill Your Heart with Compassion.
But before I begin, let’s listen to our Quote of the Day, shared by an audience member from the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2010 global tour performance in Philadelphia. [audio]
And now for our tale; Fill Your Heart with Compassion.
According to Historical Records, Li Shizhen was a famous physician from the Ming Dynasty of ancient China. Li Shizhen loved medical books and was a brilliant physician. He was considered a sage among physicians. In his home town, there was another ignorant and mediocre physician who pretended to know everything. This foolish physician bought lots of medical books to show that he had a supposed wealth of knowledge.
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 Shizhen happened to see it, he got an impulse to loosen 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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The beggar (van Avont). State 2 / Wikimedia Commons
Wisdom is not a given, it is learned, be it in the time of the ancients or that of our present day time-space, as the following tale beautifully reveals. Hello and welcome to another great Ancient Tale of Wisdom, my name is Grace Mann, and today’s tale is entitled: Holes in the Heart.
Once upon a time in days gone by, in order to find the true meaning of life, a young man seeking the Tao travelled far from home. Without stopping, he climbed high mountains, crossed dangerous rivers, and visited numerous places looking for a true master to answer his questions. Day after day, he met and asked many people; however, he did not feel he had gained any enlightenment. Disappointed, he pondered and wondered, but he was still not able to figure out why.
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(photobucket.com)
Welcome again to Ancient Tales of Wisdom, my name is Grace Mann, today’s story is based on a traditional Mongolian tale and it is titled Hailibu, the kind hearted hunter.
On the Mongolian grassland there used to be a kindhearted hunter named Hailibu. After every hunt, he would divide the meat to other villagers and keep only a small portion for himself. His caring for others won him great respect in the village.
One day, while hunting in the woods, Hailibu heard urgent cries from the sky. Looking up, he saw a small creature captured by a voracious vulture. He quickly aimed his arrow at the predator. Hurt by the arrow, the vulture let go of the prey.
Hailibu looked at this strange-looking creature that had a snake-like body, and said, “Poor little thing, go home quickly.” Replied the creature, “Respectable hunter, you have saved my life, for which I am exceedingly grateful. I am a daughter of the dragon king, and I am sure my father will thank you with great reward. He has great many treasures you can take. If none of these treasures would please you, you may ask him for a precious stone he holds in his mouth. Whoever holds this stone in the mouth will be able to understand the languages of all animals.”
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Food is to Assuage Hunger
As the old saying goes, “When hunger strikes, anything will do to fill the stomach.” The following tale gives credence to this statement.
Liu Nanyuan was minister for public works during the Jiajing Era (1522-1566) at the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). He returned to his hometown following retirement. A provincial official who had jurisdiction over this retired minister’s hometown was picky and choosy when it came to food. Minor officials in the area felt intimidated when they expected one of this man’s visits. Retired Mr. Liu Nanyuan told them, “He was once my pupil. I will offer him my counsel.”
Liu visited this choosy provincial official at his home and commented, “I would have liked to organize a banquet for you, but this might in all likelihood take too much of your valuable time and interfere with your business affairs. To make things easy, why not come to my house for dinner? My wife is out of town and we have no one who could prepare anything special for you. What do you think of a simple meal?” Protocol prevented the provincial official from declining the invitation, because Liu had, after all, been his teacher.
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A Story of Love and Time
A Story of Love and Time
Once upon a time, there was a small island where many beings lived. Happiness, Sorrow, Knowledge, and Love, along with other Emotions, lived on this island.
One day, the Emotions learned the island was about to sink. Everyone then prepared to leave the island, except Love.
Love insisted that she would stay until the very last minute.
A few days later, when the island was about to sink, Love thought of asking for help. At that time, she saw Wealth passing by in a big ship.
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'Student Rules' the edited version of 'Teachings for Enlightening Children.' (zhengjian.org)
Hello and welcome, my name is Grace Mann, today’s Ancient Tale of Wisdom, is the final of the 3 part series – ‘Teachings for Enlightening Children.‘
Teachings for Enlightening Children (Xun Meng Wen) was one of the Chinese classic texts for educating children on observing etiquette and rules and cultivating benevolence in society. It was originally written by an intellectual named Mr. Li Yuxiu (1662¡V1722) during Emperor Kang Xi’s (1654-1722) reign in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). It was then edited by Mr. Jia Cunren in the Qing Dynasty, who changed the title to Student Rules. Arranged in simple three-character verses, these teachings detail the rules in a variety of settings and is the second most influential text for children; with the most influential being Three Character Classic (1)) Teachings for Enlightening Children, which teaches filial piety, respect, cautiousness, honesty, forbearance, and tolerance, etc.
China was once called “The Nation of Etiquette and Morality.” Though, during the great Cultural Revolution, all spiritual and moral teachings were trampled and desecrated, thus, the beautiful Chinese traditional etiquette and morality has suffered tremendously. In today’s China, adults have little knowledge of the morals that even little children knew in ancient times.
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'Student Rules' the edited version of 'Teachings for Enlightening Children.' (zhengjian.org)
Welcome to Ancient Tales of Wisdom, my name is Grace Mann and today I bring you the second of the 3 part series from ‘Teachings for Enlightening Children.’
Teachings for Enlightening Children (Xun Meng Wen) was one of the Chinese classic texts for educating children on observing etiquette and rules and cultivating benevolence in society. It was originally written by an intellectual named Mr. Li Yuxiu (1662¡V1722) during Emperor Kang Xi’s (1654-1722) reign in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). It was then edited by Mr. Jia Cunren in the Qing Dynasty, who changed the title to Student Rules. Arranged in simple three-character verses, these teachings detail the rules in a variety of settings and is the second most influential text for children; with the most influential being Three Character Classic (1)) Teachings for Enlightening Children , which teaches filial piety and respect, cautiousness, honesty, forbearance, and tolerance, etc.
China was once called “The Nation of Etiquette and Morality.” Though, during the great Cultural Revolution, all spiritual and moral teachings were trampled and desecrated, thus, the beautiful Chinese traditional etiquette and morality has suffered tremendously. In today’s China, adults have little knowledge of the morals that even little children knew in ancient times.
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'Student Rules,' the edited version of 'Teachings for Enlightening Children.' (zhengjian.org)
Hello and welcome, my name is Grace Mann and today in Ancient Tales of Wisdom it is my privilege to share with you the first of a 3 part series – Teachings for Enlightening Children.
Teachings for Enlightening Children (Xun Meng Wen) was one of the Chinese classic texts for educating children on observing etiquette and rules and cultivating benevolence in society. It was originally written by an intellectual named Mr. Li Yuxiu (1662¡V1722) during Emperor Kang Xi’s (1654-1722) reign in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). It was then edited by Mr. Jia Cunren in the Qing Dynasty, who changed the title to Student Rules. Arranged in simple three-character verses, these teachings detail the rules in a variety of settings and is the second most influential text for children; with the most influential being Three Character Classic (1) Teachings for Enlightening Children , which teaches filial piety and respect, cautiousness, honesty, forbearance, and tolerance, etc.
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The characteristic "Zhen Shan Ren" ("Truthfulness Compassion Forbearance"), is the highest Buddha Fa of the universe.
Welcome to Ancient Tales of Wisdom, my name is Grace Mann. Today I have two short interrelated tales to share with you: Forbearance Influences the Domineering Person to Become Benevolent and A Brief Discussion on the Chinese Character “Ren” (忍, Forbearance/Tolerance)
Forbearance Influences the Domineering Person to Become Benevolent
Zhang Jin was born in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). He married a Ms. Liu from a rich family. Zhang Jin’s mother was extremely bossy and envious. Three of her previous daughters-in-law had left since they could not tolerate her ill-treatment. Liu was the fourth daughter-in-law. After she moved in with Zhang’s family, her mother-in-law liked her very much. Many people were surprised.
They asked Ms. Liu why her mother-in-law liked her. She answered, “It is just due to obedience. I comply with all her instructions and am not moved by her provocations. Even for matters that do not accord to etiquette or tasks that are considered inappropriate for women to do, I do not shirk them. Afterwards, I seek an opportunity to calmly explain whether it was right or wrong. Quite often my mother-in-law listens to me.”
Ms. Liu waited on her mother-in-law for three years, and in doing so, her mother-in-law mother became benevolent. From then on, the mother never ill-treated her daughter-in-law again.
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Confucius said, "A gentleman is cautious with his words...."
Hello again, my name is Grace Mann, and it is my privilege to bring you another great Ancient Tale of Wisdom – A Gentleman Is Strict with Himself and Tolerant of Others.
In traditional Chinese Culture, being strict with oneself and tolerant of others is one of the principles a gentleman uses to discipline himself and treat others in society. This is a manifestation of a gentleman’s virtue. Being strict with one-self is a noble character trait, encompassing both behaving righteously and improving oneself. Being tolerant of others means having a demeanor of generosity and forgiveness. This includes several components:
Introspection
This means examining one’s thoughts, words and actions according to moral standards. Confucius once said, “A gentleman examines himself while a villain is demanding of others.” One important difference between a gentleman and villain is whether he can examine himself when issues arise.
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Heaven Will Help the Virtuous by Melina Chan
Hong Mai was a well-known writer in China’s Song Dynasty. He once recorded a story about Huang Cong. In the story, Huang did good deeds and was thus protected from trouble.
In the year 1119, during the time of Emperor Huizong, Huang Cong was appointed as the head of Minqing County in what today is Fujian Province. He worshiped gods during his daily life. Although a vegetarian himself, every day he bought a serving of meat for his mother. He was a righteous person with dignity, and was not afraid of power. He did not accept gifts from lower officers, nor did he bribe higher officers to please them. Corrupt officers thus hated him.
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A Falun Dafa practitioner studies Zhuan Falun,the main text of Falun Dafa
Hello again, welcome to Ancient Tales of Wisdom. My name is Grace Mann and today’s very apt wise words of ancient times is: Learning Requires Consistency and Perseverance
In ancient times, people emphasized practice when learning and promoted tireless effort, with a stress on being diligent and consistent. They did not encourage studying hard for one day and slacking off for the next ten days. In other words, they believed that one needs to be strict with oneself and not slack off. When one makes his/her best effort, he/she will achieve the goal. It is just like the old saying “read the book one hundred times, and you will naturally understand its meaning.” The following are two stories about ancient people’s approach to studying.
During the Dong Jin Dynasty, the famous poet Tao Yuanming was a noble and knowledgeable scholar. A young man asked him, “I admire you because you are so knowledgeable. Would you tell me the best way to learn?” Tao Yuanming said, “There is no best way. If you work hard, you will make progress. And if you slack off, you will lag behind.” He took the young man by the hand and guided him to a field. He pointed at a small sprout and said, “Look carefully, can you see that it is growing?” The young man stared at it for a long time and said, “I did not see it grow.” Tao Yuanming asked, “Really? Then how could a little sprout become so tall later on?” He continued, “In fact, it is growing every moment. However, we cannot see it with our eyes. It is the same principle for learning. Our knowledge accumulates little by little. Sometimes we don’t even know it. But if you consistently do it, you will make great progress.”
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