Simple refuge, a woodcut by Wang Meng from the 14th century during the Yuan dynasty. The inscription on it says: “This was painted by the Master of the Yellow Crane Mountain, Wang Meng, for the esteemed student of the Simple Refuge.” The most important characteristic of the Chinese garden, its irregular and organic form, emerged … Read more
The Chinese philosopher Mengzi (Mencius, 372-288 BC) is a follower of Confucius’ teachings and a representative of the idealistic wing of Confucianism. He was born in the state of Zou (northwestern part of present-day Shandong province), which bordered the state of Lu, Confucius’ hometown. His mother played an important role in his life, raising him … Read more
Even the largest tree starts from a small seed. Even the tallest tower starts from a pile of earth. Even the longest journey starts with the first step. However, in the middle of the first millennium BCE, China was hit by political and social unrest. Traditional values gradually lost their original meaning and no longer … Read more
K’ung Fu Tzu, or as he is known in the West, Confucius, was born in 551 or 552 BC in the small Chinese state of Lu. He established one of the greatest systems of religious and philosophical thought, and his influence on Chinese civilization is so great that it can freely be called Confucian. Confucius’ … Read more
In the beginning, there was only chaos, and out of chaos emerged yin and yang. According to Chinese legends, in the beginning there was only chaos, and out of chaos emerged yin and yang, two primordial opposing forces that, through their mutual interaction, created the universe. The continuous interaction of these two oppositions creates change, … Read more
