Editor’s Note :
Chinese culture lives not only in grand narratives, but also in carved words, calligraphy, painting, and music—where its spirit and beauty quietly endure.
Cultural Express launches its new Culture column to rediscover the warmth and elegance of Chinese culture in everyday life.
In this issue, 92-year-old Professor Teresa Sun reflects on twelve woodcarved classical inscriptions by her late husband,
Terry Sun, revealing the warmth and beauty of Chinese culture.
This eight-character verse couplet is a famous saying well known in Chinese culture.
It profoundly illustrates the masculine spirit of Chinese tradition, contrasting with the delicate beauty of a flower and the resilience of bamboo.
It emphasizes the importance of maintaining compassion and love while upholding integrity. The single word, “heart,” harbors a great deal of meaning.
True Heart · Clear Virtue
Founded not by a creator God, ancient Chinese thought sees the universe as a metaphysical order in which Heaven and Earth are joined and harmonized with human beings.
Thus, the Chinese worldview has always acknowledged the place of humans in the universe.
Human nature embodies great virtue (天性), which is authenticated through acts of benevolence (ren 仁) in the human realm.
The Confucian classic The Great Learning states that the “heart” can recognize the “highest virtue,” foster closeness with fellow human beings, and remain in the realm of “highest goodness” (明明德，親民，止於至善).
Confucius responded to Fan Chi (樊遲) in the Analects by saying that benevolence is expressed through love. The Song dynasty philosopher Zhu Xi (朱熹) interpreted this concept as embodying the principle of love and the virtue of the heart.
The ideal goal of Confucianism is to cultivate individuals with humane values and moral character, leading to a society wisely and safely governed (修齊治平).
This process begins with refining one’s innate capacity for love. Ultimately, by continuously purifying our minds and avoiding unethical behavior, we can achieve the goal of living a good life.
Firm Spine · Fine Dignity
The second part of the saying goes, “one should not have a single bone of flattery.” Integrity is a noble trait compared to deceitful behavior.
It is essential to maintain honesty and stand firm in one’s principles, especially when faced with situations that test one’s commitment to truthfulness.
Being tempted or bribed for monetary gain can lead to a loss of reputation. The worst thing that can happen to someone is losing self-respect.
After the 1960s, a large group of young college graduates from Taiwan came to the United States to further their studies.
Most of them faced significant hardships to support themselves while pursuing professional degrees.
Once they entered the job market, they worked diligently in hopes of achieving the American Dream, using their professional knowledge to pave the way.
Relying on one’s own abilities to earn a living is a commendable journey.
There are situations where social conditions alter people’s fate when they take another route. Both Chinese societies, Taiwan and mainland China, made great leaps forward in economic advancement after the 1980s.
To strive for success while dealing with bureaucratic political corruption, as well as the competitive financial world, could be a tremendous challenge.
To live with integrity, remain honest, and adhere to strong moral principles becomes difficult. One could easily lose both wealth and integrity.
A Chinese classic states that being poor with respect is better than being wealthy through exploitation. To die with honor is preferable to living in shame.
Bold Strokes · Noble Spirit
This wood carving of “A Square Heart Within, Not a Bone of Flattery Without” is simple yet powerful in meaning. The arrangement of the calligraphy is striking, upright, and forceful.
The black characters stand clearly against the white board, creating a sharp contrast that perfectly echoes the spirit of the phrase.
Below, the inscription is written in clerical script within red grids, simple yet dignified, graceful yet full of character.
This is truly a carving worthy of praise. Well done! ( Article 9 of 12)
Click to Read More :
Article 1 of 12—May Flowers Bloom, the Moon Stay Full, and Life Be Long
Article 2 of 12—Heaven Moves, Man Strives
Article 3 of 12—The Confucian Way
Article 4 of 12—Nature’s Dao, Spirit’s Rest
Article 5 of 12—Matter of the world and my spirit will last forever
Article 6 of 12—Long Life Shared Moonlight
Article 7 of 12—Peace Within, Strength in Simplicity
Article 8 of 12—Bloom & Books · Water & Bamboo
About the Author :
Teresa Sun
Teresa Sun received her bachelor’s degree in Chinese literature from Taiwan Normal University, an M.A. in education from UCLA, and a doctorate from Seton Hall University.
She taught Chinese language and culture at California State universities and Whittier College for nearly 25 years, and was active in Chinese language education, cultural promotion, and community service. She has published papers and four books.
Terry Sun
Terry Sun graduated from National Taiwan University in mechanical engineering and continued his studies at USC. An outstanding HVAC engineer, he was named a Fellow of ASHRAE.
After retirement, he developed a unique artistic style combining wood carving and Chinese calligraphy, and his works were exhibited in museums and institutions.