Liang Gen Tan · Xiao Chuang You Ji · You Meng Ying

Author: Lü Xiaozhuang (Annotations)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: To yield a step in dealing with others is noble; retreating is the foundation of progress. To be generous to others by one degree is a blessing; benefiting others is actually benefiting oneself. Unperturbed by praise or disgrace, watch the flowers bloom and fall before your courtyard; indifferent to coming and going, let the clouds roll in and out beyond the heavens. — The Root of Vegetables If you are cursed by vicious youths or scolded by a harsh wife, it is better to be deaf. — Shadow of Dreams If the Hundred Schools of Thought in Qin were the source of classical Chinese prose, then after the development and expansion during the Han, Wei, Six Dynasties, Tang, and Song periods, by the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the changes in society, classical prose had gradually entered its final phase. The "miniature essays" produced during this period focused on life, social interactions, and personal interests—appreciating characters, objects, people, events, literature, flowers, wine, tea, and toys, among others. The language was concise, the writing clear, embedding profound philosophy in simple examples, insightful and incisive. The Root of Vegetables, The Solitary Window (also known as Quiet Thoughts in a Small Window), and Shadow of Dreams can be regarded as representative works of this period's "miniature essays." The book advises people to keep one eye open in life, not to be foolish; to achieve great success, one must be unconventional; and in life, where is there no sorrow? Only by being transcendent and ethereal can one enjoy the taste and elegance that a literary person possesses. The joys and sorrows, honors and disgraces in life are sometimes very subtle, subtle to the point of being almost indistinguishable. Each person has their own understanding of life's joys and sorrows. The most important thing for a living person is to adjust their mindset, to view prosperity and wealth with a calm heart, not envying others' possessions nor laughing at others' lack. The maxims and profound sayings in The Solitary Window cover a wide range of topics, touching on various aspects of society and life. Some are profound, making one ponder deeply before understanding; some are subtle and veiled, leaving one pondering long after reading; some are full of charm, making the reading enjoyable. Therefore, these three books are considered essential reading for "Chinese self-cultivation and refinement."