PureInsight | August 12, 2002
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The tall green mountain serves as a nice backdrop to two uniquely-shaped pine trees. In ancient times, people often used the pine tree as an analogy to describe the characteristics of a true gentleman. It does not shed its leaves (needles) in the harsh winter and remains upright in any situation. Throughout history, painters have often painted pine trees to declare their own determination.
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Lotus flowers grow out of mud yet remain pure and unpolluted by it. They are called the “true gentlemen of flowers.” Poems about lotus flowers started to appear in China three or four thousand years ago. Legend has it that the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss is filled with lotus flowers whose majestic beauty cannot be described in words.
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Last night numerous flowers appeared right next to the wall
Who says there is no striking scenery left once autumn arrives?
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Qu Yuan (c. 340-278 B.C.) was the first great poet in Chinese history. He lived during the Warring States period (a time when China was divided into several warring kingdoms) and was a high-ranking official in the state of Chu. At that time his homeland was under siege by another powerful state called Qin. The king of Chu did not recognize Qu Yuan’s correct stance or appreciate his suggestions for saving their country. What's more, treacherous officials slandered him, and at last he was sent into exile. While in exile, he wrote his most famous poem “Li Sao” ('Encountering Sorrow'). One of the greatest poets of ancient China, he exerted enormous influence on later poets with his highly original verse. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, when he heard news that the capital of Chu had fallen into enemy hands, he threw himself into the Miluo River (in present-day Hunan province) and drowned. According to the Chinese traditional calendar, Duanwu jíe — known in English as the Dragon Boat Festival — takes place in his honor on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
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With a courtyard of gorgeous flowers, the spring has her master.
The windstorm continues through the night, but there is no need to worry.
