Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This Zhuangzi ‑ Tian Zifang chapter features diverse dialogues and fables. It advocates genuine inner Dao‑embodiment over superficial appearances, stressing spiritual calm amid external gains, losses and changing circumstances.
This Zhuangzi ‑ Shanxing excerpt criticizes vulgar learning that distorts innate nature. It traces gradual decline of primordial Supreme‑Unity, urging inner tranquility and valuing true joy over fleeting worldly rank.
This Zhuangzi ‑ Keyi excerpt rejects deliberate striving in five pursuit types. It advocates serenity, emptiness and wu‑wei: the sage follows natural rhythms, guards pure spirit and becomes the True Person.
This Zhuangzi ‑ Dazongshi excerpt portrays the ideal True Man. Through fables and dialogues, it expounds unity with the Dao, accepting life‑death transformation, and the core spiritual practice “sitting and forgetting”.
Sun Tzu elaborates on the five core war factors: unity of will, weather, terrain, generals’ five virtues and military rules. He stresses that commanders who fully grasp these principles will gain victory in battles.
7.17 The Master said, “Give me a few more years, so that I may have spent a whole fifty in studying the I Ching, and I believe that after all I should be fairly free from error.”
The Monkey King is given the name Sun Wukong (孙悟空 or 孫悟空 in Chinese) by his first master, Subhuti. But why the surname Sun?
Who thinks his great achievements poorShall find his vigour long endure.Of greatest fulness, deemed a void,Exhaustion never shall stem the tide.Do thou what’s straight still crooked deem;Thy greatest art still stupid seem,And eloquence a stammering scream. Constant action overcomes cold; being still overcomes heat. Purity and stillness give the correct law to all under…