Following the counsel of his chancellor Zhang Lu – formerly Fan Ju of Wei – King Zhaoxiang of Qin launched a campaign against Han and Wei, executing the doctrine of “Ally with the Distant, Attack the Nearby”.
Though appearing only once in Chapter 28 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the brief episode involving Guo Chang and his wayward son serves far more than a passing narrative function. This seemingly minor interlude not only deepens Guan Yu’s characterization as a paragon of righteousness and mercy, but also offers a microcosm of…
Journey to the West masterfully integrates China’s three major traditions or religions—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism—into a cohesive narrative, creating a rich cultural tapestry and unique philosophical-religious foundation.
The Dao, due to its all-encompassing and formless nature, cannot be grasped through the perception of concrete forms. We learn to cultivate the Dao by emulating the sages.