The Lasting Influence of the Qian Family: A Legacy of Virtue and Success

The Qian family, a name deeply etched in the annals of Chinese history, surprises many by ranking second in the “Hundred Family Surnames.” This narrative uncovers the profound impact of the Qian family’s virtues and decisions, drawing a line from the ancient Kingdom of Wuyue to today’s distinguished scholars and leaders. Unveiling the historical significance ...

Hermann Rohr

The King Qian Temple.

The Timeless Virtue: How the Power of Morality Shapes Your World

In a world that often seems driven by power and force, a timeless principle continues to inspire and guide humanity: the power of morality. Throughout history, those revered and respected are individuals were of high morality. It’s not the might of armies or the decree of laws that win the hearts and minds of people, ...

Max Lu

Integrity.

The Ancient Wisdom of Marital Karma: Timeless Stories of Virtue and Vice

In a world where the pursuit of personal happiness often overshadows traditional values, the ancients believed that true blessings come from good virtue. The ancients identified five blessings: longevity, wealth, health and peace, good morals, and an excellent end to one’s life. Marriage is absent from this list, suggesting that a content life does not ...

Max Lu

A lotus flower.

Timeless Virtues: The Honesty and Frugality of Prime Minister Sima Guang

Sima Guang (1019-1086), a prime minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, also known by his courtesy name Junshi, was a native of Sushui Township in Xia County (present-day Shanxi Xia County), Shaanxi Province. He was a renowned historian. When Sima Guang was born, his father, Sima Chi, served as the Guangshan County magistrate in Guangzhou. ...

Mikel Davis

Statue of Sima Guang.

The Virtue of Silence: The Tale of a Compassionate Healer

In the annals of Qing Dynasty lore, the story of Wei Lianfang’s father stands out as a beacon of compassion and medical expertise. A physician of great virtue, he treated all who sought his help with unwavering dedication, regardless of their financial status. His generosity knew no bounds; for those too impoverished to afford treatment, ...

Max Lu

Blocks spelling out the word 'silence.'

The Virtue of Repaying Kindness: Confucius Sells His Horse to Repay a Favor

The virtue of repaying kindness has been passed down through the ages. Generations upon generations have been educated about the value of this timeless principle. Untold stories have been told of people who engaged in repaying the kindness extended to them. Such is the story of Confucius and his disciples’ acts of kindness being rewarded ...

Emma Lu

Brown horse with the golden sun at sunset as the background.

Empress Jiang: A Paragon of Virtue and Wisdom in Ancient China

In the annals of Chinese history, the mention of wise and influential empresses invariably brings us to Empress Jiang, the queen who successfully guided King Xuan of Zhou, the 11th monarch of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 B.C.). Her story is not just about advising a king; it’s a narrative of moral strength, strategic counsel, ...

Mikel Davis

Oil painting of pink peonies.

How Virtue Can Bless Future Generations of a Family

A lasting legacy is defined by two things, it’s historic impact and the moral virtue it represents. Humans are forgetful in nature, and in a process of constant self discovery. Legacies are like memories that remind us of our perils, our potentials and of our highest ideals.  Introduction to the lasting legacy of Fan Zhongyan ...

Hermann Rohr

A feng shui compass on a red background, symbolizing the power of harmony with nature and qi.

Changing Destiny Through Virtue: The Legacy of Dou Yanshan

Is it possible for a person to change their destiny? This is an age-old question. A sentence in the ancient Chinese text Three Character Classic mentions: “Dou Yanshan, a model of virtue, taught his five sons well, leaving behind a legacy.” Today, we delve into the transformative story of Dou Yanshan, a man who rewrote his ...

Emma Lu

Illustration of cranes and butterflies in a forest landscape.