compassion, forgiveness, human kindness, inspirational stories, life changing moments, moral courage, non-violence, promissory note, teacher's impact, transformative power
My mother was a high school teacher, known for her stern lectures in class or her serious demeanor when imparting wisdom. Not only were her students intimidated by her, even the parents feared her as well. It was 15 years ago. Just before the Lunar New Year, due to financial difficulties at home, my mother ...
Fan Chunren was the second son of the renowned Northern Song statesman Fan Zhongyan. As prime minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, Fan Chunren had a peculiar habit. Whenever he finished his work at the government office, he would change into simple, plain clothing as a part of his daily routine. From his youth to ...
In a small village, there lived a family that was often at the mercy of their neighbors’ hostility. The father, a gentle soul, was frequently bullied by the villagers, leaving the mother and family to fend off the aggression as best they could. The most severe of these bullies were the neighbors across the street, ...
In a small rural village, a 7-year-old boy experienced his first life lesson under the guidance of his father in the vast expanse of their family fields. The task was simple yet daunting for the young boy: to rid the field of weeds without harming the tender rice seedlings. As the boy stood paralyzed by ...
Sun Li’s journey from a tumultuous childhood to a place of peace and success is a powerful story of resilience and forgiveness. As a celebrated Chinese actress, she has not only made a mark in the entertainment industry, but also navigated the complex path of reconciling with a father she felt estranged from after her ...
Living a life based on the principles of integrity and truthfulness, that is, being honest and not telling lies, should be the norm for a stable society. The perils for all humanity in a world smothered in universal deceit “In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” The author of ...
The Chinese classic Roots of Wisdom states: “In life, taking a step back is a mark of greatness; showing leniency is a blessing.” This means showing kindness to others opens up a world of possibilities, and a broad mind leads to a clear sky. In life, yielding a step means leaving room for yourself to ...
The choice between forgiveness and punishment is a recurring theme that shapes the course of lives and relationships. While the instinct for retribution is deeply ingrained in our sense of justice, there are compelling narratives that illustrate the transformative power of empathy and understanding. These stories, transcending time and place, offer profound insights into the ...
Cultivating a noble character is the most esteemed quality you can possess. But what constitutes such character? The ancient Chinese text on life, Caigen Tan, offers a clear perspective: “Not faulting minor mistakes of others, not exposing their secrets, and not dwelling on their past wrongs, these three can prevent harm and nurture one’s virtue.” ...
As a child, your parents are the center of your universe. They shape your reality and sense of self in profound ways, both good and bad. But as you grow, you see your parents’ humanity and imperfections. You realize they made mistakes in how they raised you. In that sense, you carry the emotional scars ...