In this video we give you every Chinese Dynasty from around 2000 BC to the end of the imperial system in 1912. Subscribe to Learn Chinese Now!
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All of Chinas Dynasties in ONE Video - Chinese History 101Learn Chinese Now2022-08-05 | 💥Learn more about Chinese culture with Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared
In this video we give you every Chinese Dynasty from around 2000 BC to the end of the imperial system in 1912. Subscribe to Learn Chinese Now!
http://www.youtube.com/learnchinesenow
Check us out on Ganjing World: ganjing.com/channel/1eiqjdnq7go5IsaQHbXT7jcAb1tp0cYoure using SPIES wrong! Sun Tzus Art of WarLearn Chinese Now2023-11-26 | Chapter 13 of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," titled "The Use of Spies," delves into the sophisticated and clandestine world of espionage, a critical element in the ancient strategist's comprehensive approach to warfare.
Local spies are employed from among the people of a locality.
The Story of Nathuram Godse In the lead-up to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, Nathuram Godse, a staunch critic of Gandhi's philosophy, relied on local spies in the streets of Delhi. These spies were regular vendors, rickshaw pullers, and shopkeepers who overheard discussions, watched over Gandhi's movements, and provided crucial information. Being from the locality, they could easily blend in without raising suspicion.
Internal spies are officials employed from within the enemy's administration.
The Tale of Mata Hari Mata Hari, during World War I, was a famous dancer turned spy. She had relationships with many military officers and politicians. Using her charm, she infiltrated the inner circles of the French government and military, collecting valuable information. Although her true allegiance remains a subject of debate, she was eventually executed by the French, convinced she was a double agent working for the Germans.
Oleg Gordievsky and the Cold War Oleg Gordievsky was a high-ranking KGB officer who became disillusioned with the Soviet regime. Secretly, he began working for the British MI6, providing them with invaluable information. When the KGB grew suspicious of an insider leak, Gordievsky successfully fed them misleading information, pointing the blame elsewhere. He was a classic case of a converted spy, initially serving one side but turning to assist the other.
The sentence "死間者,為誑事於外,令吾間知之,而傳於敵間也。" can be translated as:
The dead spy deceives with false information externally, making my spies aware of it, and then passes it on to the enemy spies.
Doomed spies are those who provide false information to the enemy.
Operation Mincemeat During WWII The British intelligence, in a bid to divert German attention from their true invasion plans in Sicily, launched Operation Mincemeat. They took the corpse of a homeless man, dressed him as a Royal Marine officer, and planted fake military documents on him. This 'doomed spy' was then set adrift off the coast of Spain, where they hoped he'd be found by the Germans. The ruse worked. The Nazis took the bait, redirecting their forces and allowing the Allies a strategic advantage in the Mediterranean.
5. Surviving Spies (生間)
Simplified: 生间者,反报也。 Traditional: 生間者,反報也。
Shēng jiàn zhě, fǎn bào yě.
Surviving spies are those who return to provide intelligence.
Virginia Hall and WWII Operations Virginia Hall, an American woman working for the British Special Operations Executive, was sent to occupied France during World War II. Despite having a prosthetic leg, she helped organize resistance movements, gathered intelligence, and even trained guerrilla fighters. The Gestapo considered her one of their most wanted, dubbing her "The Limping Lady." Yet, Hall continually evaded capture, using various disguises, and survived the war, providing vital intelligence throughout.
It is essential to seek out enemy agents spying on you and to bribe them to serve you. Give them instructions and care for them. Thus, converted spies can be employed. It is by understanding this information that one can use local and internal spies. It is because of this information that you can cause the doomed spies to spread false information and the surviving spies to report back.
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The transformation of Qi, a fundamental concept in human physiology according to traditional Chinese medicine, is crucial in maintaining various physiological processes. Qi, exhibiting different forms and activities – such as transformation, transportation, and directional changes – fundamentally impacts various aspects of human health and activity. It can condense to form the material body, exhibiting a Yin nature, or disperse to instigate movement, representing Yang. This Yin and Yang of Qi underpin human physiology, ensuring processes like movement, growth, and reproduction occur when Qi is aptly transformed. A flourishing Qi indicates health, while its weakness or misdirection signifies disease. Proper Qi transformation and directionality also influence other physiological aspects like blood movement, essence transformation, body fluids' movement, food digestion, nutrient absorption, waste excretion, and the moistening of sinews, bones, and skin while providing resistance to external pathogens.
### 1. Pre Heaven or Inherited Qi (先天之气, Xiāntiān Zhī Qì) - **Concept**: We inherit a certain amount of Qi, known as Pre-Heaven Qi or Yuan Qi, from our parents at conception, which is stored in the Kidneys and utilized throughout our lives.
### 2. Post Heaven or Acquired Qi (后天之气, Hòutiān Zhī Qì) - **Concept**: This refers to Qi derived after birth (Post-Heaven Qi) from the food we consume and the air we breathe.
### 3. Production of Zong Qi (宗气) - **Inhalation**: When we breathe, the Lungs inhale air, extracting clean Qi known as "Clear Qi" (清气, Qīng Qì). - **Combination**: This Clear Qi combines with the food essence (Grain Qi or 食气, Shí Qì) derived from the food and fluids processed by the Spleen and Stomach. - **Formulation**: Together, they form Gathering Qi "Zong Qi" (宗气), which is particularly vital for the functioning of the heart and lungs.
### 4. Formation of Ying Qi and Wei Qi (营气 & 卫气) - **Ying Qi**: Zong Qi is transformed into "Ying Qi" (营气, Nutritive Qi), which circulates with blood in the vessels to nourish the body. - **Wei Qi**: A portion is also transformed into "Wei Qi" (卫气, Defensive Qi), which flows outside the vessels, providing an energetic barrier against external pathogens and regulating body temperature.
Music Credits : Bonus Points - Sun Kissed Hidden Place - Soundroll ElectroChina - Fabio Emma Hopeful Heist - The Story Shop - Phil Larson Moon - Little People
Movies : Kung Fu Panda 3 One Punch Man
Edited by @iwestezThe MYSTERIOUS Origin Of Shaolin Kung FuLearn Chinese Now2023-10-29 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Ben-Hedges 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared In this video we look at the origins of Shaolin Kung Fu.
In the glitzy heavenly realms, amidst starry palaces and golden halls, Sandy was once an immortal. He was the Curtain-Lifting General, or juǎnlián dàjiàng (卷帘大将). Imagine a stage manager of the gods! But things went south during a massive Peach Festival in Heaven. Sandy smashed a super expensive Jade vase.
The Jade Emperor, ruler of the heavenly realms, was all, "Dude, not cool!" and began to give him 800 whacks and a ticket straight to Earth. Here, Sandy transformed into this gnarly creature. Think of a mix between the Hulk, Shrek, and maybe a dab of Thanos. This poor guy had to hang out in the Liúshā-hé (流沙河) - that's the "flowing-sand river" or "quicksand-river”. But wait, it gets worse: every day, these seven celestial swords would come down from heaven and play a game of "stab the monster," and then just fly back.
On earth, Sandy had a red beard, a hint of blue skin, and he was having some hair issues. He was larger-than-life strong! He also had this wooden staff named "Xiáng yāo bǎo zhàng" (降妖寶杖), or "Monster-subduing Precious Rod," or “Demon Crushing Staff.” Which is like Thor's hammer meets a Swiss Army knife. This magical wooden staff was crafted from a species of evergreen tree that grew on the moon and possessed a solid-gold core. Its exterior was adorned with "countless pearly-threads."
Around his neck, he wore a necklace made from skulls, giving him an even more fearsome appearance. Legend has it that nine hapless monks on a pilgrimage met their end at the hands of Sandy. Ignoring their pleas for mercy, he devoured them, extracted the marrow from their bones, and playfully tossed their skulls into the river. Unlike his other victims, whose bones sank to the riverbed, these nine monks' skulls floated, much to Sandy’s fascination and delight. He strung them on a rope and used them as a form of entertainment when boredom struck.
Enter Bodhisattva Guanyin, the goddess of compassion. She was scouting for some bodyguards for Monk Tang Sanzang's mission, and thought, "Why not this misunderstood sand monster?" So, she made him a deal: join the journey to the west, get some relief from those pesky swords, and maybe find a new purpose in life. He said, "Sure thing!" Bodhisattva Guanyin then converted Sandy to Buddhism, bestowing upon him the name 沙悟净 Shā Wùjìng, which translates to "Awakened-to/Aware-of Purity." His surname Shā, meaning "Sand," was drawn from his river home.
Now, Sandy had to wait. When the time came and he met Monk Tang, however, he was mistaken for an enemy and came under attack from Pigsy and the Monkey King. It was only through Guanyin's intervention that the misunderstanding was resolved and Sandy became the third disciple of Tang Sanzang, known as 沙和尚 Shā-héshàng, the "sand monk."
Draped in a Buddhist's robe and with his skull-necklace transformed into a regular necklace of wooden balls worn by monks, Sandy's life took a more virtuous turn. During their arduous journey to the west, his swimming skills proved invaluable. He always carried a small gourd that could be magically enlarged, aiding in crossing rivers.
Sandy was known for his kind-hearted and obedient nature, remaining loyal to his master, Monk Tang. In contrast to his fellow disciples, he often played the role of the "straight man," acting as the voice of reason and logic.
Whispers of undiscovered lands, ancient spells, and powerful deities reached his ears, igniting a spark of adventure within him. Casting one last glance at the familiar landscapes of the East, Sandy tightened his grip on his magical staff, and with a heart full of curiosity and determination, set forth into the vast unknown of the West, marking the beginning of yet another legendary odyssey.
Music Credits : Waroxe - I'm Free Fabio Emma - ElectroChina Yangkaiji - Emperor's battle
REdited by @iwestezChinese MYTHICAL Animals That ALSO EXISTED in the WEST!Learn Chinese Now2023-10-15 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared In this video we look at a load of mythical animals from the Shan Hai Jing or Classic of Mountains and Seas. I have three for you today that actually all existed in Western myths too! Crazy right?
0:40 - Monkey King 1:57 - Marshal Tian Peng 3:12 - Pigsy's transformation 4:51 - Encounter at Gao village 5:46 - Divine intervention
In the vast and divine land of ancient China (中国 Zhōngguó), beneath the blanket of the heavens and beyond the horizons of mortal men, there was a realm that whispered secrets of magic and wonder. This was a place where deities and demons mingled, where legends were birthed, and where stories took life of their own. And it is within this realm that our tale begins.
Zhu Bajie (猪八戒 Zhū Bājiè), known to most as Pigsy, wasn’t always the comical, rotund figure with a swine's snout and a penchant for indulgence. Before he earned this peculiar appearance and name, he was Marshal Tian Peng (天蓬元帅 Tiān Péng Yuánshuài), a commander of the Milky Way, an esteemed position given only to the bravest and most loyal.
Yet, as with many tales of downfall, pride and lust were to be his undoing. In the celestial realm, there was a grand celebration in the Heavenly Peach Garden (天桃园 Tiān Táoyuán). It was here, amid the fragrant blossoms and ethereal music, that Marshal Tian Peng’s eyes fell upon the beautiful Princess of the Moon (月亮公主 Yuèliàng Gōngzhǔ). Overwhelmed by a desire unbecoming of his status, he made advances towards her. Such a scandalous act did not go unnoticed.
The Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝 Yù Huáng Dàdì), ruler of the heavenly realm, was furious. For such a transgression, a mere reprimand would not suffice. As punishment, the marshal was banished from the heavens, stripped of his celestial rank and powers. Yet, destiny had its own plans, as it often does.
As he plummeted to Earth, his form began to change. By the time he landed, he had transformed into the figure of a grotesque pig, a reflection of his insatiable desires and greed. Thus, he became Zhu Bajie, cursed to live as a pig-man. For years, he roamed the land, struggling with his desires and often giving in to them, yet deep within, a flicker of his former nobility remained.
Now, tales of redemption are as old as time. And Pigsy's moment of redemption was intertwined with the legendary journey of the monk Tang Sanzang (唐三藏 Táng Sānzàng) to the West. Joining the monk and other companions like Sun Wukong (孙悟空 Sūn Wùkōng) the Monkey King, and Sha Wujing (沙悟净 Shā Wùjìng), the Sand Demon, Pigsy embarked on an epic quest.
Along the journey, Pigsy's flaws often landed the group in trouble, yet his loyalty and courage also saved them just as many times. Through trials and tribulations, the once-mighty marshal began to rediscover himself, seeking redemption and a return to his former glory.
And so, in the tapestry of ancient Chinese lore, amid tales of valor and virtue, the story of Pigsy serves as a poignant reminder. It speaks of fall from grace, the struggles of earthly desires, and the eternal quest for redemption. It tells us that within all of us, no matter how lost, there remains a spark of the divine, waiting for the right moment to shine once again.
Movie credits: The Forbidden Kingdom Monkey King 2 Monkey King 3 Journey to the west
Music credits : Aaron Kenny - Imperial forces TrackTribe - Drop the Tapes Fabio Emma - ElectroChina Kevin MacLeod - Monkeys spinning monkeys Soundroll - Hidden Place
Edited by @iwestez5 REAL Dragon Sightings from Chinese HistoryLearn Chinese Now2023-10-08 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Ben-Hedges 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared
In ancient times, in a land far, far away, there existed a mystical world filled with extraordinary creatures and magical beings. This world was known as the Celestial Kingdom, and it was ruled by the Jade Emperor玉皇大帝 (Traditional: 玉皇大帝, Pinyin: Yùhuáng Dàdì), a wise and powerful deity who governed all realms, including heaven, earth, and the underworld. In this kingdom, where gods and immortals roamed freely, the story of the Monkey King began.
The name "Flower-Fruit Mountain" (花果山, Huāguǒ Shān) paints a vivid image of a paradise filled with colorful flowers and exotic fruits. If Flower-Fruit Mountain were a real tourist destination today, it would likely have an Instagram-famous waterfall and a top-rated vegan restaurant.
Amidst this wonderland, a monkey named Sun Wukong was born. In the original legend, Sun Wukong was not born in the traditional sense. He emerged from a mystical, primal stone atop Flower-Fruit Mountain, imbued with the essence of heaven and earth over centuries.
Sun Wukong's name, 孙悟空 (Sūn Wùkōng), can be translated to "Enlightened to Emptiness," reflecting his journey of self-discovery.
Now, Sun Wukong is known by many names. He's often referred to as the "Monkey King" (猴王, Hóu Wáng) "Handsome Monkey King" (美猴王, Měi Hóu Wáng). But he also goes by "Great Sage Equal to Heaven" (齐天大圣, Qítān Dàshèng)
Sun Wukong's legendary armor is not just for show. Each piece of his armor possesses its own magical properties. His golden headband, for instance, tightens when his master chants a special incantation, causing immense pain to keep him in check.
Sun Wukong is often depicted as a dragon-slayer, which showcases his ability to confront powerful supernatural beings. He also wields a magical staff, known as the Ruyi Jingu Bang "如意金箍棒" "Rúyì Jīngū Bàng", which can change its size and weight at his command. The name "Ruyi Jingu Bang" (如意金箍棒) can be translated as the "As One Wishes Golden-Banded Staff." Here's the breakdown of the translation:
- "如意" (Rúyì): This means "as one wishes" or "according to one's desire."
- "金" (Jīn): This translates to "golden."
- "箍" (Gū): This refers to "banded" or "hooped." to bind with hoops
- "棒" (Bàng): This means "staff" or "rod."
One fateful day, Sun Wukong caught a glimpse of the Milky Way – the "Galaxy far, far away" of Chinese mythology – and yearned to explore the heavens.
Determined to reach the heavens, Sun Wukong sought the wisdom of Su Xian, a sage renowned for his knowledge of immortality and mystical arts. His teachings could be considered the ancient equivalent of a "Masterclass" in superpowers. Su Xian's name, 素贤 (Sùxián), translates to “Pure Virtue” emphasizing his profound knowledge.
Under Su Xian's tutelage, Sun Wukong honed his supernormal abilities. The art of transformation (变化, biànhuà) was one of Sun Wukong's most iconic skills, allowing him to change his form at will. He could morph into anything, from a mighty dragon to a humble teapot.
Sun Wukong's also had the ability to multiply himself by plucking and blowing on his own fur. This is a nod to an ancient Chinese idiom: "一毛不拔,全身不立" (Yī máo bù bá, quánshēn bù lì), which means "Without plucking a single hair, the whole body cannot stand upright." This idiom refers to the idea that a single small change can have significant consequences.
Returning to Flower-Fruit Mountain, Sun Wukong became the beloved leader of his monkey companions, ensuring peace and prosperity. Sun Wukong's leadership qualities made him a beloved figure among the monkeys and a strong contender for the new season of Survivor: Flower-Fruit Mountain.
Yet, Sun Wukong's spirit of curiosity and adventure was insatiable, leading him beyond the mountain's borders and into the unknown. Sun Wukong's adventures led him to confront deities, demons, and mind-bending challenges.
In one of his daring feats, Sun Wukong invades the Heavenly Peach Garden (蟠桃园, Pántáo Yuán), where he consumes the Peaches of Immortality, resulting in his invincibility.
Movie Credits : The Forbidden Kingdom The Legend of Wukong Monkey King 2 Monkey King 3 Spider Man 2
Music Credits : Aaron Kenny - Desert Caravan Hidden Place - Soundroll Fabio Emma - ElectroChina Kevin MacLoed - Scheming Weasel Yangkaiji - Emperor's battle
Edited by @iwestezHow One Man Changed Tea Drinking Forever - Lu YuLearn Chinese Now2023-09-28 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared In this video we look at the story of Lu Yu, China's sage of tea, who wrote the classic of tea or Cha Jing.
In the midst of the Three Kingdoms period, a brilliant military strategist named Zhuge Liang found himself facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Surrounded by enemies, his troops were running low on arrows and faced defeat.
As his boats went out towards the enemy camp, enemy arrows rained down, piercing the exterior of his boats. They were truly overwhelmed by the enemy's power… (cut music) or were they?
Hey everybody, welcome to Learn Chinese Now, I’m Jared Madsen, and today we have a classic military story from the Three Kingdoms era roughly eighteen hundred years ago. The Three Kingdoms period was a time of great turmoil and warfare in China, with three rival states vying for dominance: Wei, Shu, and Wu. 魏 蜀 吳 Wèi shǔ wú
This story is called 草船借箭 Cǎo chuán jiè jiàn - which literally means “grass boat borrowing arrows”
To understand the legend of 草船借箭, we must first step back in time to the tumultuous era of the Three Kingdoms. China was divided, and war raged on. It was during this chaos that Zhuge Liang 諸葛亮 Zhū gé liàng, the strategic genius of the Shu Kingdom, found himself in a dire situation.
Zhuge Liang's forces were surrounded by the formidable general Cao Cao 曹操 Cáo cāo, of the Wei Kingdom, who had cut off their supply lines. Arrows, a crucial resource for any army, had become a scarce commodity.
But Zhuge Liang was not one to back down from a challenge. He knew that to turn the tide of battle, he had to find a way to replenish his arrow stockpile.
Now, this is where the legend truly begins. Zhuge Liang hatched an audacious plan – one that would go down in history as a testament to his brilliance.
He called his trusted generals and explained his vision. They were to construct boats made of straw, not for battle, but for a covert mission.
These straw boats served an unusual purpose…
Under the cover of night, Zhuge Liang's straw boats silently floated downstream towards Cao Cao's camp. His soldiers were incredibly anxious, knowing that their lives depended on the success of this daring endeavor.
As the boats approached and emerged from thick fog beating battle drums, Cao Cao's forces mistook them for an attack and began firing arrows – arrows that Zhuge Liang's army eagerly collected, filling their empty quivers.
The mission was a resounding success! Zhuge Liang's army returned with 100,000 arrows, according to the historical story, strengthening their position and boosting their morale. They then used these 100,000 arrows at the battle of the Red Cliff, perhaps the most famous battle of the Three Kingdoms period.
The legend of 草船借箭 has endured through the ages, celebrated not only for its audacity but also for the enduring lessons it imparts – the power of clever strategy, unwavering determination, and unity in the face of adversity.
Today, the phrase 草船借箭 is used to show that you used someone else's resources to advance your own cause. You’ll often hear this phrase used in business or sports.
Brollls : Red Cliff (2009) Music credits: The New Order - Aaron Kenny Emperor's Battle - Yangkaiji Edited by @iwestez Most MYSTERIOUS Martial Artists in Chinese History - Yue FeiLearn Chinese Now2023-09-10 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared In this video we tell the story of Yue Fei the great Chinese general and his alleged secret kung fu manual that was supposedly found by Ji Jike after being lost for 500 years.
Check us out on Ganjing World: ganjing.com/channel/1eiqjdnq7go5IsaQHbXT7jcAb1tp0cMost Mysterious Martial Artists in Chinese History - Zhang SanfengLearn Chinese Now2023-08-25 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Ben-Hedges 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared A big thank you to @michaelweichhardt (Wudang Academy), links below
Check us out on Ganjing World: ganjing.com/channel/1eiqjdnq7go5IsaQHbXT7jcAb1tp0cThe 10 MOST USEFUL Chinese Measure Words | Learn Chinese NowLearn Chinese Now2023-07-23 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared In this video we give you what we think are the 10 most useful Chinese measure words, of course there are some we had to leave out, what do you think are the ten most useful Chinese measure words.
Check us out on Ganjing World: ganjing.com/channel/1eiqjdnq7go5IsaQHbXT7jcAb1tp0cThe Most MYSTERIOUS Martial Artist in Chinese History - Dong HaichuanLearn Chinese Now2023-07-09 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared In this video we tell the story of Dong Hauchuan, the founder of Bagua Zhang, one of China's three internal martial arts.
Check us out on Ganjing World: ganjing.com/channel/1eiqjdnq7go5IsaQHbXT7jcAb1tp0cChinese Poem: Farewell on the Ancient Grasslands 賦得古原草送別 Tang Dynasty Poet Bai JuyiLearn Chinese Now2023-06-29 | Traditional: 離離原上草,一歲一枯榮。野火燒不盡,春風吹又生。遠芳侵古道,晴翠接荒城。又送王孫去,萋萋滿別情。 Simplified: 离离原上草,一岁一枯荣。野火烧不尽,春风吹又生。远芳侵古道,晴翠接荒城。又送王孙去,萋萋满别情。 Lí lí yuán shàng cǎo, yī suì yī kūróng. Yě huǒ shāo bù jìn, chūn fēng chuī yòu shēng. Yuǎn fāng qīn gǔ dào, qíng cuì jiē huāng chéng. Yòu sòng wáng sūn qù, qī qī mǎn bié qíng.
Farewell on the Ancient Grasslands
by Tang Dynasty Poet Bai Juyi
The grass that grows thickly on the plain, withers and regrows every year. Wildfires cannot eradicate it, and when the spring wind blows it comes back to life. Distant fragrances invade ancient paths, emerald green takes over ruined cities. Once again I send my noble friend away, and I am as full of the pains of parting as the grass is thick.
Music credits : KV - Roots ElectroChina - Fabio Emma7 Crazy FEATURES of the First Emperor of Chinas Tomb | Learn Chinese NowLearn Chinese Now2023-06-25 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared We look at some amazing features of the First Emperor of China's Tomb, such as booby traps, rivers of mercury and terracotta warriors.
The phoenix once roamed upon the pavilion, Now the phoenix is gone, the pavilion stands empty, The river flows on its own.
In the Wu Palace, flowers and grass conceal the secluded paths, The clothing and crowns of the Jin Dynasty have become ancient mounds.
Half-hidden beyond the blue sky lie the Three Mountains, Dividing the two streams is the White Heron Sand-bar.
Always the floating clouds obscure the sun, Chang'an unseen causes anxiety in people.
"Ascending Phoenix Pavilion in Jinling" is a renowned poem written by the esteemed Tang dynasty poet, Li Bai. This poem explores themes of transience, loss, and the contrast between human rule and the eternal forces of nature.
The poem begins with the image of a phoenix gracefully roaming the Ascending Phoenix Pavilion in Jinling, symbolizing prosperity and greatness. However, as the phoenix departs, the pavilion becomes empty, and the river continues to flow on its own. This signifies the impermanence of human achievements and the inevitability of change.
Li Bai then shifts his focus to the Wu Palace, once a magnificent symbol of power and authority. However, the palace has fallen into disrepair, with flowers and grass overgrowing its once-glorious pathways. This image reflects the transient nature of worldly accomplishments, as the grandeur of the palace is now buried under the beauty of nature.
The poet further emphasizes the passing of time by mentioning the Jin Dynasty, whose regal attire has become ancient burial mounds. This imagery highlights the decline of a once-great dynasty and serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions.
The following lines evoke a sense of longing and melancholy. The Three Mountains, partially hidden beyond the blue sky, and the two streams dividing the White Heron Sand-bar, represent the enduring beauty of the natural world. However, floating clouds obscure the sun, which can be interpreted as corrupt officials hindering the virtuous rule of the emperor. This obstruction creates anxiety and prevents the light of goodness from reaching the people.
Ultimately, the poem encapsulates the yearning for a lost dynasty, the contrast between the transient rule of humans and the eternal forces of nature, and the impact of corruption on society. Li Bai's masterful use of imagery and symbolism invites readers to reflect on the transient nature of power, the significance of nature's timeless presence, and the consequences of moral decay.
By exploring the deeper meanings and interpretations of this poem, viewers on our channel will gain a profound understanding of Chinese culture, history, and the profound wisdom contained within these ancient verses. Join us as we unravel the layers of meaning behind Li Bai's masterpiece and embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Chinese literature and tradition.
Music produced by Fabio EmmaThe REAL History of the Great Wall of China | Learn Chinese NowLearn Chinese Now2023-06-04 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared In this video we look at the real history of the great wall of China. From the Warring States Period, to the Qin, Han, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Check us out on Ganjing World: ganjing.com/channel/1eiqjdnq7go5IsaQHbXT7jcAb1tp0cIve got JETLAG | Learn Chinese NowLearn Chinese Now2023-04-20 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared Hey guys welcome to Learn Chinese Now, here we are in Salzburg Austria. Now you might be asking yourself, "Hey Jared, weren't you in New York yesterday?" Yes, actually I was in New York yesterday. Therefore I am experiencing a little bit of jet lag. So in Chinese Shi Cha 時差, Shi means time, Cha means difference. So Shi Cha is a time difference. So it's basically a time zone. Now if you add the verb 倒 Dao in front of it, Dao means to flip upside down, to have totally flipped upside down. Dao Shi Cha 倒時差 is basically how in Chinese you would say that you have jet lag. It is it is your time zone has been totally flipped upside down. So if you were to say "I have jet lag." You would say:
Wo, me. Zai, currently. Dao, all flipped around.Shi Cha, time zones, time difference. If you were to ask somebody, "Do you still have jet lag?" You would say:
So Ni, you. Hai, still. Zai, currently. Dao, again flipped over. Shi Cha, time difference. And then Ma the question particle.
倒 dǎo not only means "upside down," but when placed before 時差 shíchā, it also indicates that you are trying to get over jetlag. So when you say 倒時差 dǎo shíchā it not only means that your time is upside down, but that you are also in the process of overcoming jetlag.
Music Credits : Fabio Emma - ElectroChona Yangkaiji - Emperor's battleGet OFF that Tiger - 騎虎難下 | Chinese Idiom ChengyuLearn Chinese Now2023-04-14 | Traditional: 騎虎難下 Simplified: 骑虎难下 qí hǔ nán xià
"If you ride a tiger, it's hard to dismount"
A hunter was walking through the forest and was chased by a tiger up a tree. The hunter fell from the tree and landed on the tiger, hanging on for dear life. The tiger tried to buck him off, and eventually ran through the town. The village's people all came out and were impressed at how the hunter was able to mount the tiger. What they didn't realize was that the hunter was hanging on for dear life.
This Chinese idiom (Chengyu) can be understood from two perspectives. If you have gotten too deep into something it can sometimes be hard to get off, and you have to see it to the end. From another perspective, if you see someone who looks all powerful, they may actually be controlled by the thing that seems to give them their power, and will eventually be consumed and destroyed by that power.
Get off that tiger
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Music Credits: Ugonna Onyekwe - Inescapable Chinese Tarries - Soothing Sparrow Yangkaiji - Emperor's battleZhou Dynasty: Legalism, Confucianism, and TaoismLearn Chinese Now2023-04-05 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared
Zhou Dynasty: Legalism, Confucianism, and Taoism
The Zhou Dynasty lasted from 1046 BC until 256 BC, which makes it the longest dynasty in Chinese history. However, the Zhou only had solid control of China for about the first 200 years. The size of the Zhou Dynasty was vast, going from Xi’an all the way to China’s eastern coast. To enable them to rule such a large area, the Zhou implemented a type of feudalism where loyal officials in outlying states were given control of large pieces of land and given a certain amount of autonomy to rule it as they pleased.
Music Credits : I'm Free - Waroxe Fabio Emma - ElectroChina Emperor's battle - YangkaijiChinese Poem: Seeking the Hermit in Vain 尋隱者不遇 Tang Dynasty Poet Jia Dao | Learn Chinese NowLearn Chinese Now2023-03-22 | Traditional: 松下問童子,言師採藥去。只在此山中,雲深不知處。 Simplified: 松下问童子,言师采药去。只在此山中,云深不知处。 sōng xià wèn tóng zǐ , yán shī cǎi yào qù 。zhǐ zài cǐ shān zhōng , yún shēn bù zhī chù 。
Seeking the Hermit in Vain Under a pine tree, I asked a young student, who said that his master went off to gather medicinal herbs. “It’s just that on this mountain,” he said, “that the clouds are so deep that I don’t know his whereabouts.”
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We’ve got another great Tang Dynasty poem for you today. You know, the great thing about these poems is that they pack so much meaning into so few words. This next poem is about a trip to the mountains to find a spiritual master. It’s called “Seeking a Hermit in Vain,” and it’s written by Jia Dao 賈島 Jiǎ Dǎo, a monk in the middle of the Tang Dynasty.
So I’ll read the poem first, and then we’ll break it down.
So let’s start with the title.
尋隱者不遇 xún yǐn zhě bù yù
So 尋 xǔn means to search for, and 隱者 yǐn zhe means hermit, so together they mean “search for a hermit.” But after that, we have 不bù, which means no or not (modified to bú because of the fourth tone character that follows it), and 遇 yù, which means encounter. So there is an action, searching for the hermit, and a result, not encountering the hermit. To put this into the English context, we would say “Seeking a Hermit in Vain.”
Now onto line one:
松下問童子 sōng xià wèn tóng zǐ 松 sōng means pine tree, and 下 xià means below. In Chinese, we put direction modifiers after the original word, so in this case, these two characters put together would mean “below the pine tree.” 問 wèn means to ask, and 童子 tóng zǐ is a youth who is studying from someone. So together, they mean “I asked something a young student.”
You may say, well, where is the “I”? In Chinese, especially ancient or poetic Chinese, pronouns, especially I, are often omitted, and understood in the context of the text. “Something” is also added from the English, as our language usually requires a result to that verb, but in the minimalistic ancient Chinese, that’s not required. In fact, in ancient texts they didn’t even have punctuation! Everything is understood from context.
So anyway, that whole phrase together says, “Under a pine tree, I asked something to a young student.” He’s actually asking the student the whereabouts of his master, which we’ll understand from the next phrase.
言師採藥去 yán shī cǎi yào qù
言 yán is an ancient way of saying “to say,” 師 shī means spiritual master, so together they mean “he said his master.” Again, the “he” is contextual. 採 cǎi means to gather, 藥 yào means medicinal herbs, and 去 qù means to go, which means “he went to gather medicinal herbs.” In Chinese, sometimes (but not always) you put the “go” after the other verb, although in this case, this was done for more poetic reasons, as 去 qù rhymes with 遇 yù.
So in full, this sentence means “He said that his master went off to gather medicinal herbs.”
Alright, now onto the second line:
只在此山中, zhǐ zài cǐ shān zhōng
只 zhǐ in this context means “it’s just that”. 在 zài means at, 此 cǐ is an ancient word for “this”, 山 shān means mountain, and 中 zhōng is a location word that usually means “amidst” but with it referring to a mountain, I would put the two words together as “on the mountain.”
So let me analyze this further. First 在 zài is more of a grammatical word that you use before a location in regular Chinese. It wasn't used when the poet wrote “below the pine tree” but it is used here, and I think it’s used to emphasize this particular location, “on this mountain.” So the phrase in full means “It’s just that on this mountain.”
雲深不知處。 yún shēn bù zhī chù
雲 yún means clouds 深 shēn means deep, so together they mean “the clouds are deep.” 不 bù means no but in this case negates the next verb 知 zhī means to know 處 chù means whereabouts, so these three characters together means “you don’t know your whereabouts.”
So this phrase all together means “the clouds are so deep that you don’t know your whereabouts.” But since this is the student talking about his teacher, it should probably be “the clouds are so deep that I don’t know his whereabouts.” Again, context is everything when all of the pronouns are omitted.
These poems are like Chinese paintings, where all details are omitted save the barest essentials, allowing a few words to carry great depth of meaning. We have a mission, a dialogue, and scenery, all in 25 characters! The rest is up to your imagination.
Music produced by Fabio EmmaShang Dynasty: Oracle Bones, Bronze Arrows, and Demon Foxes?Learn Chinese Now2023-03-08 | Shang Dynasty 商朝: China's first dynasty with written records of its existence 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared
The Shang Dynasty began about 1600BC, when the dynasty at the time, known as the Xia Dynasty (夏朝), was led by a brutal and incompetent ruler named Jie. Jie angered not only his own people but also the tribes around him, and soon the Shang Kingdom, led by King Tang (成湯), declared war on the Xia. After numerous victories, Tang soon faced Jie in battle directly. Jie (桀) was soundly defeated and fled. The Shang Kingdom took over the region and established the Shang Dynasty. They set up their capital in modern day Zhengzhou, near the Yellow River.
Now originally the Shang, like the Xia Dynasty before it, was considered a legendary dynasty with very few written records. Some questioned if it even existed. This all changed one day around 1900 when a Chinese scholar discovered strange glyphs on animal bones (mostly the shoulder blades of cattle and the bellies of tortoises) that had been dug up by farmers. He investigated and found that the writing dated back all the way back to the Shang Dynasty and was the first recorded instance of Chinese characters.
We call these bones “oracle bones.” (甲骨) Why is that? Well, a soothsayer would write a question on one side of a bone, like, “Will I have a son?” He would then flip the bone over, press a red-hot iron into the center, and as the bone split, interpret the cracks as divine messages. From these bones we learn much about the state of affairs of Shang society, the concerns of the average citizen, and even preparations for battles and other affairs of state.
The Shang is also famous for its perfection of bronze metallurgy, which was used for two main purposes: ceremonial items and weapons of war. The Shang were heavily into rituals for burials, worship, and other purposes. They believed not only in local gods but also worshipped ancestors. Since the use of bronze was restricted to only the highest classes, these items signified a great honor to the gods or ancestors they dignified. These bronze ceremonial tools also had written inscriptions on them, helping us to understand more about Chinese civilization at the time.
The Shang’s development of bronze tools, like bronze arrow heads, spears, and swords helped to revolutionize war. Their skill in bronze-making helped them to create bronze-tipped spears, compound bows, and most importantly, the horse-drawn chariot, which enabled generals to quickly survey and organize large numbers of troops. This was especially helpful for the Shang, who often sent over ten thousand troops into battle.
For all the advances the Shang made to Chinese civilization, its existence was surprisingly troubled. The dynasty had to repeatedly change its capital and was constantly beset by rival tribes during its 600-year-rule. The dynasty’s biggest rival, the state of Zhou, which was based in modern day Xi An (西安), proclaimed that the Shang was evil and must be overthrown. They had good reason for this, too: the Shang are now known to have engaged in large-scale human sacrifice. These human offerings were mutilated and then killed, sometimes hundreds at a time.
Around 1046BC, the Zhou led a 45,000-man army against the Shang, defeating them and thus beginning the reign of the Zhou Dynasty, which we’ll cover in our next little episode.
Music by Fabio EmmaXia Dynasty: From FLOODING to DROWNINGLearn Chinese Now2023-03-01 | 💥Discount on Shen Yun tickets: https://shenyun.live/Jared 💥Shen Yun Creations: sypa.us/chinese-jared China’s First (Maybe) Dynasty: the Xia
China's first dynasty began with a flood and ended in drowning.
Today we’ll be talking about the Xia Dynasty (夏朝), China’s first real real dynasty. The first written records in Chinese history were started in the Shang Dynasty, which started in 1500BC. So anything before that is essentially based on legend. So while there’s little that we can actually nail down about the Xia, the legends are interesting, so let’s get into them.
So, when did the Xia Dynasty start? There are a lot of conflicting accounts, but generally speaking, the dynasty ruled from around 2000 to 1600BC, in and around the provinces of Henan and Shanxi. Around 2000BC, China was facing major floods that threatened to make the country uninhabitable. China’s leader at the time, a man named Gun (鯀) gǔn, tried repeatedly to make headway against the floods. But his son Yu (禹) proved much more adept. He started massive projects to irrigate the floodwaters out to the sea, and he worked together with the peasants doing the dredging, earning him the loyalty of people throughout the country. He also completely dedicated himself to the task. It was said that in the 13 years since he left his house to tackle flood control, he never returned once. The flood control was remarkably successful and sparked a burst in agricultural production that enabled the flourishing of civilization in China.
After successfully controlling the floods, Yu was massively popular throughout China, but technically he wasn’t the ruler. That title belonged to a man named Shun (舜) shùn, who had appointed him for the flood control job. But as Shun aged, he handed over the throne to Yu. Now what’s interesting is that when Yu himself was too old to rule, instead of handing the throne over to the country’s most capable person, which was the custom at the time, he decided to hand it over to his son, Qi (啟) qǐ. And this, my friends, was the start of the system of hereditary rule that marked China’s dynastic age.
Now, Qi was a pretty good ruler, but his son Tai Kang (太康) was a lazy and corrupt ruler, which left an opening for a neighboring tribe to come in and take over the dynasty. There was a period of internal chaos that lasted for generations until Yu’s family finally took over again.
The Xia Dynasty’s final ruler, Jie (桀) jié, was known for being a tyrant and a debauched alcoholic. He and his favorite concubine, Moxi (妺喜), would wile away the days while the country suffered, or engage in cruel and unusual practices. For instance, legend has it that they constructed a lake of wine and ordered three thousand men to drink until the lake went dry. The men would drink, drink, get completely drunk, and then slip into the river and drown. Jie and Moxi would sit by the lake, watching these deaths for sport.
Jie’s horrific behavior earned him enemies both internal and external, and soon the external forces began to gather. King Tang (成湯)of the Shang Kingdom began raising an army against him, and after winning battle after battle against the Xia, faced Jie in the Battle of Mingtiao (鳴條) míng tiáo. King Tang won overwhelmingly, and Jie was forced to flee for his life. King Tang took over, and thus marks the end of the Xia and the beginning of the Shang (商朝).
Check us out on Ganjing World: ganjing.com/channel/1eiqjdnq7go5IsaQHbXT7jcAb1tp0cChinese Poem: Snow River 江雪 Jiang Xue | Tang Dynasty Poet Liu Zongyuan | Learn Chinese NowLearn Chinese Now2023-02-22 | Traditional: 千山鳥飛絕,萬徑人蹤滅。孤舟蓑笠翁,獨釣寒江雪。 Simplified: 千山鸟飞绝,万径人踪灭。孤舟蓑笠翁,独钓寒江雪。 qiān shān niǎo fēi jué , wàn jìng rén zōng miè 。gū zhōu suō lì wēng , dú diào hán jiāng xuě 。
Chinese Poem: "Snow River" 江雪 Jiang Xue | Tang Dynasty Poet Liu Zongyuan | Learn Chinese Now
The birds on all of the mountains have flown away; all paths are free of human traces. A solitary boat holds a man in a straw coat and bamboo hat; he fishes alone amidst the cold, the river, and the snow.
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Music credit : Fabio Emma - ElectroChina Yangkaiji - Emperor's battleChinese SLANG: Beat Up 辦 / 办 Bàn | Learn Chinese NowLearn Chinese Now2023-02-20 | Subscribe to Learn Chinese Now: http://www.youtube.com/learnchinesenow
Chinese SLANG: "Beat Up" 辦 / 办 Bàn | Learn Chinese Now
Drunk Monk Lu Zhishen - Outlaws of the Marsh (Water Margin)
One of China’s four literary classics, Outlaws of the Marsh (also known as Water Margin), is a compilation of stories loosely based in the Song dynasty.
As the story begins there is a plague upon the land and the emperor orders one of his officials to get help from a Taoist monastery. While there, he accidently releases 108 spirits who’d been banished from heaven. 36 of them were good spirits, while 72 were not so nice. Upon being released, they soon reincarnate as humans, and gathered on Liang Shan, or Mount Liang.
Unlucky number 13 of the 36 good spirits is Lu Zhishen, originally named Lu Da, a brash 8-foot-tall giant covered in tattoos who likes to fight and drink, but also has a strong sense of justice.
In his town lives a butcher who forces a young townswoman to marry him. This thoroughly upsets Lu Zhishen. The two got into a fight. Lu Zhishen hits him three times and the butcher goes down, and never gets back up. To avoid execution, Lu Zhishen seeks refuge in a Buddhist monastery. The abbot felt he was extraordinary, possibly seeing he was actually from the heavens, and gave him the opportunity to hide out in the temple, but Lu had to become an actual monk. So he shaved his head and the abbot gave him the name zhishen. Zhi means wisdom and shen means deep, as the abbot felt he would attain great enlightenment. Many around him though simply referred to him as hua heshang the flowery monk. Heshang means a buddhist monk, and hua means flower, but also refers to something with a lot of colors and patterns, and since Lu Zhishen was covered in tattoos, what better than to call him the Flowery Monk.
But Lu Zhishen refused to obey the rules, eating meat and getting plastered non-stop. The final straw was when he accidentally smashed a temple pavilion and some Buddha statues in a drunken rampage. He was then sent to a different monastery and placed in charge of the vegetable garden. Soon enough, though, came his first moment of glory—he single handedly subdued 23 thieves, and then, for good measure, uprooted a tall willow tree with his bare hands.
One day, he came across General Lin Chong, who was in charge of 800,000 imperial guards. The two hit it off and became sworn brothers. But Lin Chong was soon framed by corrupt officials and exiled. When the guards escorting Lin Chong tried to kill him, Lu Zhishen suddenly leaped out from behind a tree to protect his blood brother. It turned out Lu Zhishen was secretly following Lin Chong to make sure he didn’t get killed. The pair eventually reunited on Mount Liang, and joined the Outlaws of the Marsh.
Additional Music Credits: BLACKBOX - 무릉도원 Peritune - Wuxia Guzheng Pipa Cooper Cannell - Sprightly Pursuit yangkaiji - Emperor's BattlePOWER of Ginger - Chinese Medicine Seafood Toxins | Ancient Life HacksLearn Chinese Now2023-02-06 | Ginger Pills: amzn.to/3YnpNUs
Check us out on Ganjing World: ganjing.com/channel/1eiqjdnq7go5IsaQHbXT7jcAb1tp0cChinese New Year Riddle - Lantern Festival - Year of the Rabbit 2023Learn Chinese Now2023-02-01 | In this year of the water rabbit (2023) celebrate the Chinese New Year Lantern Festival, the last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations, with a Chinese New Year riddle.
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Music produced by Fabio EmmaChinese Poem: Painting 畫 | Read Aloud | Learn Chinese NowLearn Chinese Now2023-01-24 | Tang Dynasty poem "Painting" 畫 / 画 by Buddhist poet Wáng Wéi 王維 / 王维
From afar, the mountains are colorful, but up close, the water is silent. Spring has passed but the flowers are still there. People come but the birds aren’t startled.
以貌取人 is the expression basically meaning to judge a book by its cover. So you would want to add something like 不要 or 別 in front of it for it to mean don't judge a book by it's cover: 別以貌取人
以貌取人 yǐ mào qǔ rén - Judge a book by its cover
以 yǐ - with, by means of
貌 mào - appearance
取 qǔ - to take, to adopt, to assume
人 rén - person people
別以貌取人 bié yǐ mào qǔ rén - Don't judge a book by its cover 不要以貌取人 bù yào yǐ mào qǔ rén - Don't judge a book by its cover