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Amidst the great classics of Chinese philosophy and literature, Cai Gen Tan (Vegetable Root Talks, Roots of Wisdom or Tending the Roots of Wisdom) occupies a unique place – it is not an epic novel, a dense philosophical treatise, or a religious scripture, but a collection of pithy, practical maxims for navigating life.
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Mencius said: “Everyone possesses a heart that cannot bear to see others suffer. The ancient sage-kings had this very ‘heart of not bearing the suffering of others,’ and thus they implemented policies that reflected that compassion.
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A man must be tolerant and broad-minded, but not unfettered and freewheeling. His thoughts must be meticulous and careful, but not trifling and cluttered.
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“The Tiger of Zhao Cheng (The Repentant Tiger)” is a story from Strange Tales from Liaozhai (Liaozhai Zhiyi), recounting a tale of filial piety, vengeance, and forgiveness. Set in Zhao Cheng, the story revolves around an elderly woman and her son.
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Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio: Wang Liulang (Wang, the Sixth) centers on the trans-life friendship between the fisherman Xu and the water ghost Wang Liulang.