an shi rebellion, emperor suzong, li bi, tang dynasty, taoist, the way of heaven
In the political arena of the mid-Tang Dynasty, Li Bi was a somewhat mysterious figure. He served four Emperors: Emperor Xuanzong, Emperor Suzong, Emperor Daizong, and Emperor Dezong. This period was disastrous, with treacherous ministers in power and vassal towns out of control. Li Bi’s longevity can be attributed to two principles Many ministers died ...
Time is ever-changing, as are the states of affairs in the world. Battles and rebellions seemingly become inevitable as a dynasty enters its decline. However, the key figures playing crucial roles in these turbulent times — the generals and the ministers — seem to be chosen by destiny. Such was the case involving Zhang Jun. ...
Many legendary stories by the famous Chinese Taoist Immortal Lu Dongbin have been passed down through history. However, one notable story occurred in the city of Wuhan, located in Hubei Province. This story depicts Lu Dongbin and the Yellow Crane Tower, one of the four most famous buildings in the Jiangnan region. Lu Dongbin once ...
People need to be responsible for their behavior and thoughts. A compilation of Chinese poetry known as The Classic of Poetry, or sometimes translated as the Book of Songs or the Book of Odes (詩; Shī), is the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry from the 11th to the 7th centuries B.C. One poem says: ...
There is a famous story about the Daoist Doctor Xue. One day, in the early years of the Qing Dynasty, a gang of robbers ransacked a village. At the time, the roosters crowed, dogs barked, and all the villagers hid. There was a prominent family in town who was well-known for being beneficent. When the ...
Wudang Mountain — the birthplace of Tai Chi. Set within the peaks and cliffs of the mountain lies a cluster of Taoist temples where Taoist warriors practice Tai Chi. At the end of staircases up into the temples are courtyards filled with warriors focused on their training, swinging fans adorned with the symbol of yin ...