Above the vast sky, the deep blue spreads like a scroll, while the earth reveals its earthy yellow face. In this unopened environment, the universe was quietly born. The sun always rises on time and sets slowly in the west, while the moon cycles between full and crescent, and the stars are scattered all over the vast universe.
The seasons change endlessly, repeating themselves over and over again. Autumn is the time for harvest, while winter is the time to store food. Over the course of several years, the additional days gradually accumulate into a complete month, strategically aligned with leap years. The ancient sages utilized the harmonious tones of the six temperaments and six elements.Lǚ The goal is to harmonize the yin and yang of the universe and maintain the balance and harmony of everything.
When rising water vapor reaches high altitudes, it encounters cold air and condenses into raindrops that fall to earth. On quiet nights, the water vapor in the air meets cold air currents and condenses into layers of hoarfrost. The Jinsha River is rich in gold, and the depths of the Kunlun Mountains nurture countless precious jades.
The Jueque is known as the sharpest and most invincible sword, while the Yaguang is the most expensive and dazzling pearl. The Li and Nai are both outstanding and are known as the treasures among fruits. The combination of mustard and ginger is unique and irreplaceable.
The ocean contains salt in its water, while the clear, sweet water of the river is like a spring. Fish swim freely in the liquid expanse. Birds soar freely in the sky. In the past, there were the dragon’s guide, the god in charge of fire, the leader of birds, and the king of humans, who together ruled the ancient empire and government.
In ancient legend, Cang Jie created Chinese characters, a great invention that gave people a tool for writing. Lei Zu invented clothing technology. The revered sage kings Tang Yao and Yu Shun were known for their profound wisdom and selfless spirit. They wisely passed the throne to those noble ministers who had made outstanding contributions to the country.
It was the mission of King Wu of Zhou Ji Fa and King Cheng of the Shang Dynasty to stabilize the people’s hearts and overthrow tyranny. The wise kings discussed with their ministers in the palace the best way to govern the country. They upheld the governance concept of attaching equal importance to civil and military affairs and maintained the prosperity and stability of the country with a lenient attitude and effective measures. Their great achievements are remarkable.
They are compassionate and empathetic towards the common people, so that people of different nationalities from all over the land have willingly submitted to their rule. The whole world is in harmony and unity, without exception, and the people are willing to submit to this warm-hearted governance.
The phoenix sings and dances among the bamboo groves, while the young white horse leisurely enjoys the fresh grass in the pasture. The wise ruler governs with wisdom, and the benevolent rain nourishes the flowers, trees, and plants in the world, spreading blessings to all the people.
Every part of the human body is constructed from the four elements, and our words and deeds should follow the teachings of the five virtues. When we are full of deep gratitude for our parents’ nurturing love and appreciate the hardships they have gone through for us, how can we bear to harm or injure this precious body made of love?
Women should respect female role models who uphold high moral character and remain chaste, while men should take as their role models outstanding individuals who possess both virtue and talent. When one realizes one’s own faults, one must be determined to correct them; when faced with work that one is capable of doing, one should never give up.
Avoid pointing out the shortcomings of others, and even if you have strengths, do not become complacent and stagnate. Sincere words should be able to stand the test of time, and our hearts need to be broad and boundless, to a realm that is difficult for others to easily pry into.
Mozi once lamented that white silk is stained by colorful colors, while the Book of Songs praises the little lamb for always remaining pure. We should admire the noble character of the sages while at the same time restraining our personal desires and doing our best to follow in their noble footsteps.
Once you cultivate outstanding virtues, a good reputation will follow; it is like a person’s bearing is correct, and his overall temperament naturally appears dignified and elegant. Shouting in a vast valley can spread the sound far and wide; speaking in a spacious and bright hall makes words appear exceptionally clear. Misfortune often comes from a series of evil deeds that gradually accumulate, while happiness often comes from the virtue of good deeds that come together bit by bit. Pearls are dazzling, but they are not true treasures; every minute of our lives is the priceless treasure that we should cherish.
Misfortune often stems from frequent unrighteous acts, while happiness and wealth are often the gifts of generous and loving deeds. Even if a rare piece of jade is a foot long, it is not a treasure; on the contrary, those fleeting moments, even if they are only an inch long, are the true precious wealth that we strive for.
Shouldering the heavy responsibility of supporting one’s father while at the same time being loyal and dutiful to the country’s leaders requires us to always maintain a sense of solemnity and respect. In filial piety, we must give our all; in loyalty to the country’s leaders, we should be prepared to give our lives.
We must act with care and caution, as if we were walking on the edge of a deep and dangerous valley or on thin ice, always on guard against the risk of stumbling. At the same time, we must work diligently and tirelessly, morning and night, to do our best to care for and show concern for our parents. We must ensure that they feel warmth in the cold winter and coolness in the hot summer. Let your character be as fragrant as orchid grass and as full of vitality as a pine tree, evergreen and lasting.
Such actions and cultivation have a profound and lasting influence and can be passed down from generation to generation, just like the mighty river that flows on and on; they will leave a deep impression on the hearts of others, like a clear mountain spring that reflects the soul of each individual. In terms of character and behavior, one should display a calm and composed temperament, and in terms of verbal expression, one must be prudent and stable, demonstrating a poised demeanor.
Cultivating oneself, acquiring knowledge, and valuing the beginning are all wonderful beginnings, but what is even more important is to go all out to achieve outstanding results. High moral character and filial piety are still the foundation of all achievements. With such a solid foundation, the road to growth will surely have no end.
With sufficient knowledge, you will have the opportunity to enter the civil service, make great achievements, and participate in the decision-making of national affairs. During the Zhou Dynasty, the good governance and deep kindness of Zhaoge will still be remembered by the people. In those days, Zhaogong would handle government affairs under the kamtong tree. After his death, the people’s feelings of nostalgia and praise for him grew even stronger.
The style of music should be in keeping with one’s social status, while ritual norms should be adjusted and distinguished according to people’s social classes. In the family, the elders and the juniors should care for each other, while the husband and wife should work together in tacit agreement, like harmonious notes in an ensemble, to maintain the harmony and balance of the family.
When learning, we should listen carefully to our teachers; when we return home, we should obey our parents’ instructions. When we are with our relatives, such as aunts, uncles, and other elders, we should treat them with respect and love and be filial to them as if they were our own parents.
As siblings, we should love each other sincerely. Our common blood ties bind us together, like branches on the same tree, interdependent. When making friends, we should seek those with similar interests so that we can inspire each other in the ocean of knowledge and encourage each other on the path of virtue.
Generosity, profound love, and deep sympathy for the suffering of others should always be kept in mind and put into practice. Even in times of extreme hardship, we should uphold our dignity, integrity, incorruptibility, and humility. These precious qualities should never be compromised.
When you maintain inner peace and tranquility, your emotional world will enjoy peace and joy. However, when your heart is stirred by the turmoil of the world, your soul will feel exhausted. Therefore, only by adhering to the innate qualities of kindness can your wishes naturally come true. But if you keep indulging in the pursuit of material pleasures, your original innocent kindness may be changed.
If you persevere in maintaining your noble character, good job opportunities will come to you. When it comes to Chinese history, cities that have served as capitals all exude extreme magnificence and grandeur, such as the ancient Eastern capital Luoyang and the Western capital Chang’an.
Luoyang City is backed by the majestic Mangshan Mountains and faces the leisurely flowing Luo River. Chang’an has the Wei River running through it from the north and the Jing River winding in the distance. Inside the imperial palace, the buildings are layered, and the layout is well proportioned. The towering pavilions and magnificent halls seem to reach up to the sky, shocking the viewer.
The walls of the palace are painted with lifelike birds and galloping beasts, as well as colorful images of fairies and gods. The doors of the annexed halls on both sides of the main hall open to the side, and the luxurious draperies and the towering pillars complement each other to create a magnificent picture.
In the spacious hall of the palace, a grand banquet is in full swing. The sound of the zither and sheng intertwine into a joyful melody, full of joy and warmth. Officials of all levels busily shuttled between the steps, toasting each other, and the crowns and hats adorned with pearls on their heads rotated as if the twinkling stars in the night sky were spinning.
Turning right leads to the Guangnei Hall, a treasure trove of books, while turning left leads to the Chengming Hall, where the most important court officials would relax and socialize. Not only were countless ancient books and literary masterpieces gathered here, but it was also a gathering place for talented people in both the military and the civil service.
In the depths of the hall, there are calligraphy copies of Du Du’s cursive script and Zhong Yao’s official script masterpieces. There are also lacquered books unearthed from the tomb of Emperor Wen of the Wei Dynasty in Ji County, as well as ancient classics from the period of King Lu Gong of the Han Dynasty found between the walls of the Confucius Temple in Qufu. Civil and military officials are lined up in an orderly manner on both sides of the hall according to their ranks; outside the hall, the ministers and nobles also stand solemnly on both sides, standing upright.
Each powerful family controlled at least eight counties and had thousands of heavily armed guards at its disposal. When the emperor went on a parade, these high-ranking bureaucrats followed closely behind, wearing tall official hats and riding on fine horses. The tassels on the brims of their hats fluttered in the wind, showing off their unparalleled dignity and majesty.
Their descendants inherited generous official salaries and lived a life of luxury and abundance. When they went out, they always rode in light carriages, harnessed to plump and sturdy horses, looking spirited and full of verve. The imperial court also meticulously recorded their good deeds and achievements and had them engraved on stone steles, with the aim of immortalizing their names in history and having them praised by future generations.
King Wu of Zhou met the sage Lü Shang by chance at Panxi and was so impressed by his talent that he bestowed upon him the title “Tai Gong Wang.” Yi Yin was given the name “A Heng” by King Tang for his outstanding contributions to the administration of the Shang Dynasty. During the reign of King Cheng of Zhou, the territories of the ancient Yaman Kingdom, such as Qufu, were successfully occupied. Without the help of Duke of Zhou Dan, how could the foundation of the dynasty have been consolidated?
Duke Huan of Qi took it upon himself to quell the chaos in the world, support the weak, and rescue those in distress. He claimed that he wanted to help the weak and support justice. Before ascending the throne, Emperor Hui of the Han Dynasty, as the crown prince, had benefited from the unstinting support of Qi Li Ji, and only thanks to him had he been able to avoid being deposed. As for King Wu Ding of the Shang Dynasty, according to ancient records, he encountered and reused the talented Minister Xiang because of a strange dream, thus composing a legend of mutual understanding between the King and his Minister.
The diligent and prudent, talented person enabled the officials to perform their duties and coexist harmoniously. In the past, King Wen of Jin and King Zhuang of Chu successively dominated one side and led the way. However, the states of Zhao and Wei were deeply embroiled in the complex political situation of the vassals competing to form alliances, and their situation could be described as difficult.
In the past, the Jin state asked the Yu state for permission to march through its territory in order to destroy the Guo state, its persistent enemy. The Duke of Jin was down-to-earth and practical, and he called on the feudal lords to pledge allegiance to him by drinking from the same cup of blood. Xiao He was a loyal official who implemented the simple laws promulgated by the first Han emperor. Ironically, Han Fei ended up being the victim of the harsh laws he advocated.
The generals Bai Qi and Wang Jian of the Qin state and Lian Po and Li Mu of the state of Zhao were masters of military command and strategy. Their fame spread far and wide across the vast deserts of the north, and history has forever enshrined their glorious images and outstanding reputations.
Throughout the vast land of China, the traces left by Yu the Great in his fight against the floods can still be faintly seen. Since the Qin Dynasty unified the six states and brought the counties under its control, the country has been under the rule of a centralized government. When it comes to the five famous mountains of China, Mount Tai is especially highly regarded. Emperors of past dynasties have all chosen this place with its clouds and mountains to hold the solemn and sacred ceremony of abdication.
In the vast land of China, the Yanmen Pass is renowned in the northern borderlands; the Great Wall is an impregnable defensive line; and the Jitian Post on the main thoroughfare is famous far and wide. The Chicheng Peak of Tiantai Mountain stands out with its unique landscape. If you want to appreciate the quiet beauty of a lake, you might as well set foot in Dianchi Lake in Kunming. If you want to see the magnificent waves of the sea, the Jieshi Coast in Hebei is the ideal choice. If you long to explore the mysterious charm of wetlands, the vast wetlands of Juye, Shandong, will make you linger. And when you long to overlook the lake and mountains and appreciate the magnificent picture scroll of nature, Hunan’s Dongting Lake will present you with a beautiful visual feast.
China is a vast country, extending for thousands of miles. Its natural landscapes are complex and diverse, with both magnificent mountains and deep, charming valleys, displaying a myriad of different scenes. Agriculture is the foundation of the country, and it is necessary to ensure that the links between cultivation and harvest can be carried out effectively and efficiently.
With the changing of the seasons, the time for sowing came as scheduled, and people began their busy farming lives, planting rice and wheat with care. When the harvest season finally arrived, the newly harvested grain was used to fulfill the country’s tax obligations. Farmers whose crops were lush and fruitful would win praise and rewards; on the contrary, those whose crops did not grow well and whose yields did not meet expectations would inevitably have to bear the corresponding punishment.
Mencius advocated a simple lifestyle, while the historian Ziyu was known for his perseverance. One should strive to practice the Middle Way, which requires not only diligence and progress but also humility, meticulousness, and thoughtfulness. The ability to reflect on oneself and to remind oneself is also essential.
When listening to others, we need to carefully discern the deeper meaning behind the words, observe the facial expressions of the other person, and be able to keenly capture the emotions of the moment. When interacting with others, we should give appropriate and wise advice or loyal counsel, encouraging them to remain cautious in this complex society so that they can remain invincible.
When others offer criticism and advice, we should carefully examine ourselves and reflect deeply on our words and deeds. When receiving help and favors from others, we must remain humble, not become complacent, and we must not provoke those in positions of power. If we anticipate imminent danger or humiliation, we might choose to temporarily retreat to a secluded mountain forest, where we might be able to avoid a disaster.
During the Han Dynasty, the uncle and nephew Shu Guang and Shu Shou chose to retire after understanding the current situation. Was someone forcing them to give up their official positions? Not really. They chose to be alone, away from the hustle and bustle of the world, and immersed themselves in a quiet and leisurely life. No longer having to deal with complicated social engagements, they enjoyed the quiet and carefree life to the fullest. Isn’t this a beautiful thing?
Following in the footsteps of ancient sages and recalling those timeless maxims can dispel the distractions of the mind and allow the soul to soar freely. It is worth appreciating the simple pleasures more while leaving the heavy and trivial chores for the time being. This will dissolve all endless worries and replace them with a steady flow of joy and peace.
The lotuses in the pond bloom brightly and vibrantly, and the overgrown grass and trees in the garden sprout and branch. The leaves of the loquat tree remain green even in winter, while the paulownia tree begins to wither as autumn approaches.
The roots of the ancient tree are gradually weakening, its vitality quietly fading away, and it is withering away. The leaves also fall off in the autumn breeze. Only the Kunpeng spreads its wings and soars, bravely going forward alone, fearlessly facing the gorgeous sunset and the layered sea of clouds.
During the Han Dynasty, Wang Chong often lingered in the marketplace, absorbed in the mysteries of books, his eyes always fixed on the book bags and books on display. When talking to people, he always spoke cautiously, for fear that his words would be overheard by others. He knew that he needed to be on guard at all times, for there might be eavesdroppers lurking behind the walls.
Our daily diet should suit our personal tastes and ensure that the food is sufficient in quantity so that we feel full. When you are satisfied, you prefer a sumptuous meat feast; when you are hungry, you can calmly accept simple coarse grains and light foods.
When family and friends visit, we should receive them warmly; for the elderly and children, their eating habits are different from those of adults, and they need to prepare special meals accordingly. As for the concubines and maids in the family, they need to take care of various household matters and serve their masters with respect and responsibility.
The rounded shape of the silk fan, with its pure and translucent color, gives it a refined and elegant beauty. The pure candlelight sways and dances, illuminating the room brightly and dazzlingly. During the day, people like to recline on the green rattan woven mat during naps; at night, when it’s time to rest, they lie on the bed, which is carved with exquisite ivory patterns.
The music is melodious, the singing is graceful and ethereal, the banquet is full of fine wine and delicious food; toasting together, they are carefree and extremely happy. Unable to help but dance to the rhythm of the music, it is truly exhilarating, and the feeling of happiness is peaceful and wonderful.
Succession is passed down from generation to generation, and the seasonal sacrifices must be solemn. Kneel repeatedly and bow deeply to show respect; not only should the etiquette be thorough, but you must also be sad and pious in order to show respect and reverence.
When writing a letter, you should be concise and to the point; when faced with a question, you need to think carefully and give a thorough answer. When your body is covered in dirt, you hope to take a bath to cleanse your body and mind; when you hold something hot, you hope that a gentle breeze will blow and take away the heat.
When misfortune suddenly struck the household, from the donkey to the mule and all the other domestic animals, they were all plunged into panic. They were in a state of panic, scurrying about in all directions, creating a chaotic scene. The authorities severely punished the criminals and arrested all the rioters and fugitives.
Lu Bu was skilled in archery and could shoot an arrow through a hundred paces. Yi Liao was skilled at playing small balls. Ji Kang was renowned for his melodious playing of the zither. Ruan Ji was known for his long, continuous howling, which shook the forest and was said to be peerless. Meng Tian was the ancestor of the writing brush, opening up a new chapter and writing a new era of history. Cai Lun improved the art of papermaking, greatly facilitating the rapid spread of culture. Ma Jun’s invention of the waterwheel revolutionized agricultural irrigation and doubled efficiency. Ren Gongzi was well versed in the art of fishing.
They either excelled at resolving conflicts or were good at inventing and creating things that benefited the community. These talents all shone with the light of wisdom. And Mao Mei and Xi Shi, these two stunningly beautiful women, even when they frowned slightly, looked like they were gently smiling.
Time flies like flowing water, and the sun and moon hurry people to grow old. Only the sun’s radiant glow is an eternal greeting. The Big Dipper, high in the night sky, slowly rotates with the changing of the seasons, while the soft light of the moon quietly shines, silently covering every corner of the world.
Following the ways of nature, cultivating one’s character, cultivating good relationships, and enjoying lasting peace is the greatest blessing in life. Only with an open heart can one walk with your head held high, every move as if in a sacred place, without losing one’s dignity or solemnity.
One’s appearance is dignified and serious, one’s demeanor is calm and appropriate, and one’s penetrating insight allows one to see things before they happen. If one is self-absorbed and unknown, it is difficult to understand the true meaning of wisdom. In the end, one may become a mediocre person, wasting one’s time and leaving others to laugh and scorn.
When exploring ancient documents, we can easily find that the four auxiliary words “焉,” “哉,” “乎,” and “也” often appear.
Phoenix Lee https://chinese-tradition.com/thousand-character-classic.html