"Never be tired of learning or teaching others." - Confucius
I spent almost half of my life collecting books, reading, and studying anything with regards to Chinese culture, language, arts and anything that has a connection with it. So I was really, really happy and proud seeing one of my blog entry published in a Filipino-Chinese newsletter/magazine. It's more than twice the happiness that I felt seeing my letter to the editor (comment about Nin Hao magazine) being published before.
I have included all the names of my Filipino-Chinese friends and acquaintances in this article of mine in the credits part. I am grateful to them because, they were all part of my life's journey, my own 'Silk Road' journey. I'm also thankful to GOD for giving me the chance to realize my dream because without His help I wouldn't be able to meet all these wonderful people who helped me along the way, who helped me fulfill my dreams little by little.
Truly I can attest, if you really want something, just don't give up. Pursue your passion. If one person believes in you then that's enough to make you go on, and never stop. I'm thankful to 施華謹先生Shi Hua Jin (Chinese studies scholar, and translator of Chinese works into Filipino, former president of KAISA Heritage Center, former secretary general of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and at present Manila Doctors Hospital Corporate Secretary) for giving me a chance to share my article, and for appreciating what I wrote. Because of him I was able to fulfill my dream of being a real writer.
My article was published last May-June 2014 issue of Nin Hao 您好! Nin Hao magazine. (Nin Hao means good day in Chinese Mandarin). You can get a copy of this magazines for free in Binondo area and some business establishments there like PSBank. Truly it is indeed a good day!
After a Chinese
fantasy-action film that I’ve seen, I’ve decided to watch a
historical/biographical movie about a famous Chinese figure. I bet everyone
else has heard about the name Confucius. In Chinese,孔夫子Kong Fu Zi (means Master
Kung). He’s the pioneer in making education available to all. No wonder a lot
of schools, and institutes were named after him. If you’ve noticed, my blog’s header design was
a saying from Confucius. I’ve decided to put a Chinese saying there, because
the theme of this blog is all about Chinese. At first I really have no idea about
the life story of Confucius. I thought he was a just a philosopher and a wise
teacher.
The character of Confucius
was portrayed by a well-known Chinese action star, Chow Yun Fat. This is the
first time that I’ve seen him play a character, that’s mellow, or someone who
doesn’t fight with others, or someone who does martial arts. It’s refreshing to
see him play a different role.
I wonder why this
movie didn’t make so much noise like the other Hollywood movies. I really liked
the scenery, the costume of the characters, and I like just about everything in
the movie. It has even a nice OST, “Virtues of the Silent Orchid”, sung by Faye
Wong. For a China and Chinese studies enthusiast like me, this movie is a
must-see! You’ll know more about Chinese history, and the period where
Confucius live.
I also typed my favourite
lines from the movie, or statements that has strucked me the most. So it took
me almost half of the day to finish this movie. I also made a drawing, sort of
fan art tribute to one of the world’s greatest teacher. Like in one of my shout-outs
that I’ve posted before in a social network, “If the Greeks have Plato, and
Socrates, so do China. They have Confucius, (and Lao Tzu).” If you haven’t seen
this movie I suggest you watch it now. You will have a better understanding of
China, the man, his life, his works and the legacy that he left behind.
Here are some of my
favourite lines from the movie, and below I've included the music video, and the English translation of the song.
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My favorite lines from the movie:
Kong Qiu: Minister, benevolence is love towards our fellow men. A ritual
murder is still murder, even if it complies with tradition. Lord Shu, you
showed benevolence towards a pheasant.Now I ask you, surely you must also speak up for this wounded boy?
The Zhou code of ethics teaches us to value human life above all. The
burial of slaves was practiced in barbarous times. It was outlawed in our
dynasty when the Zhou reign commenced. Our kingdom of Lu is the ancient home of
the Duke of Zhou, known for its ethics. We should think afresh and abandon
outdated traditions.
Gen. Gongshan:It was Lord Ki Pingzi’s
dying wish that those he loved should die with him. It is not cruel to bury this slave. Rather, it demonstrates the
Minister’s filial piety! His love for his father!
Kong Qiu: Gen. GongShan I know you served Lord Pingzi for years. I hear he
said many times that he could not live without you.
Gen. Gongshan: Right, that’s correct.
Kong Qiu: Given how close you were to him, he must still need you now that
he has passed on to the next life. If you were willing to accompany your lord in death, I could not
object to you taking this young slave with you. It seems the Gen. is not willing
to serve his master beyond the grave. He imposes on others what he will not
impose on himself.
Kong Qiu: "Rotten wood is hard to curve."
Kong Qiu: The poem means, “Even while courting a gentleman observes all
proprieties.”
"The hardness of the task is the measure of the gentleman."
"Poetry, books, ethics, music , a gentleman must understand all these. Rulers should treat ministers with courtesy, ministers serve rulers
with loyalty. Loyalty and filial piety are the keys to humanity and harmony. All professions may prosper. Close to home, attend your parents.Further afield, placate your
neighbours. There is also much to learn, including the names of birds, beasts,
grasses and trees."
“Only in winter does the pine show its true strength.”
"An official wears his robes of office. But it’s his inner character
and spirit which reflect his true mettle."
Kong Qiu:“A pure heart makes a pure shot. ”
Virtues of the Silent Orchid❀(An Ode to Confucius) Elegant orchid, standing tall with its fragrance spread Its aroma faint but worshipped by all other surround flowers If not picked and worn, what sorrow will it be to the orchid? For days and years, I have travelled far across the land One who goes far to search for the talented, Will benefit himself greatly with wisdom and power When the orchid is picked and worn, It becomes alive in spirit and radiates its fresh scent
Even during the winter, when the ground is thick with snow and frost, The orchids’ buds endure the coldness The proper conduct of a man virtue, Is the prosperity of his offspring in generations to come
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