fate, filial piety, Liu Ping, Zhao Zi

How Filial Piety Can Change One’s Fate

In ancient Chinese history, many people emphasized righteousness and filial piety and inspired the people around them to cultivate themselves and practice righteousness. Here are two stories about filial piety that changed people’s destinies. Zhao Zi’s filial piety transformed a group of robbers During the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. – A.D. 8), a man named ...

David Jirard

A robber with a knife.

Pipa Master Tang Yingzeng’s Tale

In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Tang Yingzeng, who was from Pizhou, was exceptionally skilled at playing the pipa, a traditional Chinese lute, so people called him Tang Pipa. Because his family was poor, he couldn’t afford to get married, leaving him and his mother to rely solely on each other. Tang was ...

Mikel Davis

Painting from the Tang Dynasty era of a flying heavenly maiden with a pipa.

 Haichunxuan Pagoda: Ancient China’s Architectural Technology

Originally known as the “Filial Piety Pagoda,” the Haichunxuan Pagoda’s story is deeply intertwined with the life of Yuchi Jingde, a founding minister of the Tang Dynasty who received the title of “Duke of E” for his loyal and brave service to the country. During his youth, Yuchi Jingde and his mother sought refuge in ...

Emma Lu

Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

Embracing Life’s Journey: The Wisdom of Adversity and Prosperity

Life is a complex tapestry of experiences, and understanding its intricacies can often lead to a more fulfilling existence. In this article, we’ll explore the profound wisdom of the concept known as “逆增上緣,” delve into the practices that attract wealth and good fortune, and discuss the importance of cherishing relationships and maintaining a positive demeanor ...

Max Lu

Illustration of two pagodas on a lake connected by a bridge at sunset.

Lessons From Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times

The ancient Chinese were not only intelligent but deeply wise. Their wisdom was reflected in their long-term vision, an indifference to immediate gain, and an understanding of the natural order of things. They believed in acting virtuously, with the conviction that even if they faced suffering in their lifetime, good fortune would eventually be bestowed ...

Max Lu

A group of swans take off in flight from a lake.

Respecting Your Elders: Lessons From Korea

Respect for your elders is deeply ingrained in Korean culture. This respect is based on Confucian philosophy and is essential to Korean values and norms. From a young age, children are taught to respect their elders. So even when making important life decisions, the opinion of your grandparents and parents counts. Why is it important ...

Nathan Machoka

An elderly Korean couple.

The Power of 3 Strategic Expenditures: Spend More to Earn More

There are three types of expenditures in this world where the more you spend, the more you earn. Moreover, these are expenses that you should not hesitate to take on. What are these 3 expenditures? 1. Investing in self-growth Investing money in one’s own mind is the safest form of financial management. Some may argue: ...

Mikel Davis

Money bag with the word 'investment' is balanced on a scale with a roll of US$100 bills.

Rare and Exquisite Beauties of China: Ban Zhao

Ban Zhao, also known as Hui Ji (48-117 CE), was a renowned Chinese scholar and historian of the Eastern Han Dynasty. In addition, she was a talented teacher and author, a great beauty, and a woman of high moral character. Let us get to know the knowledgeable and virtuous “female saint” — the teacher of ...

Tatiana Denning

The 'Book of Han.'