This Zhuangzi ‑ Dechongfu excerpt presents fables of deformed figures. It prioritizes inner complete virtue over physical form or social status, and ends with Zhuangzi’s debate with Huizi over “having no human emotions”.
This original‑text excerpt from Zhuangzi ‑ Renjianshi features multiple fables. It explores perilous worldly‑political engagement, introduces “Mind‑Fasting”, and illustrates survival wisdom of “the usefulness of uselessness”.
This entry explains Chinese idiom “Da yan bu can”. Derived from Analects and shaped by Zhu Xi’s annotation, it criticizes shameless empty boasting, warning grand claims seldom get backed by real deeds.
— by Tao Yuanming (Jin Dynasty) White hair drapes across both my temples,My skin and flesh are firm no more.Though I have five sons,Not one takes pleasure in paper and brush.A-Shu has reached twice eight,Yet in laziness he has no equal.A-Xuan approaches the age of aspiring to learn,But has no love for letters and…
The year is Dingmao (丁卯), and the month corresponds to Wushe (无射, the ninth lunar month). The weather is cold, the nights are long, and the wind is bleak and desolate. The wild geese are migrating, and the grass and trees have turned yellow and shed their leaves. I, Master Tao, am about to…
Human life must follow a certain path;Clothing and food are undeniably its foundation.Who can neglect these basic needs,And yet hope to find peace of mind?When spring arrives, I attend to my regular farm work;As the year progresses, the harvest becomes rewarding.I go out at dawn to apply my modest toil,And return at sunset carrying…