Zhu Lu Zhongyuan…
How is this for synchronicity?:
I study at least one Chinese idiom, parable or allegory a day. Today, honestly, I opened my study text and immediately saw:
At whose hand the deer will die is unknown
It is an idiom that implies that the outcome of a struggle or rivalry is still undecided. It has roots in the first Han dynasty in 203 B.C..
The story behind the idiom takes place in what was once known as “China Proper” which originated in the Tibetan Plateau and was bordered by the Yellow and Yangze rivers: The advisor to Han Xin, King of Qi, urged the King to break away from the Emperor Liu Bang. In 196 Han was executed for plotting a rebellion even though he had not followed the advice given to him by one Kuai Tong.
Later Kuai Tong was brought to Liu to be executed. Kuai Tong told the emperor among other things: ” A dog barks at people, not because it is bad, but because they are not his master. At the time my duty was to help Han Xingain gain power, so to execute me would be unjust.”
Liu Bang pardoned him.
I am hoping for the same fate for other Yellow River inhabitants showing support for their beliefs. I am hoping for the safety of my friends very near the confrontations. I am praying for an end to the violent conflicts– though the outcome of the struggle may long be undecided…
Posted 16 March, 2008 in Human Rights, Violence, 中文, Human Rights China, China Law, Chinese Proverbs, Chinese Media, Tibet, In the news, 中国, Censorship, China Editorials
2 comments to “Zhu Lu Zhongyuan…”
dave, March 16th, 2008 at 8:12 pm:
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It is good to read your words again Lonnie.
I’m deeply troubled by the events to the west of China. I will hold my own little demonstration - I will not watch any of the events on television nor discuss or read about them in the paper.
When I left the middle kingdom I had much to say about China and the vast majority of it good. Today, I have little good to say.
Time to buy a ‘F.r.3.3. T.1.8.3.T’ bumper sticker for my car.
The Professor, March 22nd, 2008 at 7:26 am:
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So good to “see” you….
I am sorry your world-view has changed some, but I understand….
It has been a hard year for me as well though many of my feelings hard to separate from personal tragedies….
I like your bumper sticker…
drop a note in my mail once in a while…