Chinese Culture, Featured

Karma and Consequences: Tales of Moral Retribution in Traditional Chinese Culture

The concept of moral retribution is fundamental in traditional Chinese culture. The saying “People act, Heaven watches” implies that every choice between good and evil shapes your future. Regardless of modern belief, this principle continues to influence actions and events. The Song Dynasty scholar Hong Mai documented various actual events of karmic retribution in his ...

Mikel Davis

Rock painted with the Yin-Yang symbol sits on a beach.

Eminent Monk of the Tang Dynasty: The Life and Miracles of Pan Liao Quan

Pan Liao Quan (812-861) was a revered monk during the Tang Dynasty, whose life was marked by spiritual phenomena from the very beginning. Born in Sha County, Fujian Province, to Pan Dezhang and a mother surnamed Qiu, his early life already hinted at his future monastic significance. The unyielding fist A notable event occurred right ...

Emma Lu

Asian monk walking through grass toward a giant Buddha statue.

Earthquake Preparedness: Your Guide to Survival and Resilience

Earthquakes often strike without warning. Even with advance alerts, predictions can only estimate the potential impact, leaving people vulnerable to unexpected injuries. How can you protect yourself when an earthquake hits? What should you do to survive after it occurs? And what preparations can be made in advance to avoid being caught off guard? When ...

Max Lu

Two partially collapsed buildings after two major earthquakes hit Nepal on April 25 and May 12, 2015.

The Amazing Qigu Lagoon in Tainan, Taiwan

Historically known as “Guo Sheng Harbor (國聖港),” Qigu Lagoon (七股潟湖) is referred to as Naihaizai in Chinese (Inland Sea 內海仔) or Lāi-hái-á (潟湖) in Taiwanese. It is an enchanting natural gem nestled in the scenic expanse of Taijiang National Park in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City. It is renowned for its ecological significance and serene beauty, ...

Billy Shyu

The Amazing Qigu Lagoon in Tainan, Taiwan.

The Cruel Fate of Peking Opera Master Zhou Xinfang (Part 2)

Rescued by their mother, Qiu Lilian, the children fled China at a young age and achieved great success abroad. Tragically, both their mother and father, Zhou Xinfang, met a cruel fate at the hands of the Cultural Revolution. Fourth daughter: Cai Ci — her mother Qiu Lilian secretly arranged her escape She was unaware of ...

Michael Segarty

Zhou Xinfang and his wife Qiu Lilian.

Fate and Fortune: Fang Guancheng’s Guardian Angels

In the tumultuous times of the Qing Dynasty, a man named Fang Guancheng (1696-1768) from Tongcheng experienced a life filled with both fortuitous encounters and narrow escapes from peril. His early years were marked by adversity when his father was forcibly conscripted into the army due to involvement with a distinguished author whose works sparked ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of an ancient pathway, a serene landscape, and the guiding presence of guardian figures to accompany a traveler in ancient Chinese clothing.

The Cruel Fate of Peking Opera Master Zhou Xinfang  (Part 1)

Peking Opera master Zhou Xinfang and his wife Qiu Lilian endured tragic ordeals and death brought upon them by the sordid Cultural Revolution. Qiu Lilian was from a wealthy family in Shanghai and was the leading socialite in that social circle. She had a premonition that a catastrophe would befall mainland China sooner or later. ...

Michael Segarty

Zhou Xinfeng.

Transforming Trash Into Treasure: Innovative Recycling Ventures

You generate a significant amount of waste in your daily life. While most people find trash undesirable, those with a quick wit see potential where others see refuse, turning what was once considered worthless into lucrative opportunities. A shift in perspective can alter the trajectory of one’s life. Identifying problems in the workplace and transforming ...

Mikel Davis

Wooden blocks with the letters spelling 'trash' on one side and 'treasure' on the other.

The Unconventional Hero Ji Gong: A Tale of Deception and Salvation

During the Song Dynasty, a story unfolded that would echo through the ages, a tale of cunning, bravery, and the unexpected heroism of the mad monk Ji Gong. Though centuries old, this narrative carries a timeless message that resonates even with the modern world, particularly when we consider the dangers and deceptions that lurk in ...

Max Lu

Illustration of a monk in traditional Chinese robes carrying a tattered fan and standing in a Chinese village with a suspicious looking character behind him.