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Drumming on a Basin: Mourning turned to music [Warring States]
This article explores the Daoist philosophy of Zhuangzi through two legendary stories of death: the passing of his wife and his own demise. It recounts the famous idiom “Drumming on a Basin”, where Zhuangzi rejected mourning rituals to celebrate his wife’s return to the natural cycle of transformation. Furthermore, it details his refusal of…
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Zhuangzi and Yuanchu – the noble Phoenix [Warring States]
This article recounts the famous parable of the Yuanchu (Noble Phoenix) told by Zhuangzi to his friend Hui Zi, the Chancellor of Wei. When Hui Zi, fearing a rival, launched a manhunt to find Zhuangzi, the philosopher arrived calmly and delivered a stinging rebuke. He compared himself to the sacred Yuanchu, which only feeds…
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The Turtle in the Mud: Zhuangzi [Warring States]
This article recounts the famous parable of “The Turtle in the Mud” involving the Daoist sage Zhuangzi and King Wei of Chu. When the King offered Zhuangzi the high position of Chancellor, the philosopher famously refused, preferring to “drag his tail in the mud” rather than accept the gilded cage of court life. The…
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The tragic end of Qu Yuan [Warring States]
This article narrates the life and tragic death of Qu Yuan. It details his loyalty to the State of Chu and his futile efforts to warn the king against the treacherous state of Qin. When his warnings were ignored, he was exiled to Xiangnan. Finally, upon hearing of Qin’s capture of Chu’s capital in…
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King Wuling’s daring reconnaissance mission [Warring States]
This article recounts the daring reconnaissance mission of King Wuling of Zhao during the Warring States period. To execute a surprise cavalry raid on the powerful state of Qin, the king made the audacious decision to infiltrate enemy territory himself. He abdicated in favor of his son to focus on war, then disguised himself…