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 piece is attractive due to its marvelous blue color and exceptional clarity in classic calligraphy.
The proverb conveys an excellent message that encompasses all the wisdom required for success and building relationships with others in life.
The plate reads, “Mentality is shaped by intention, and success comes from devotion.”
The two sentences below emphasize that hard work, not luck, leads to success, and a strong mindset is built by giving others leeway.” The arrangement of the writing is also ingenious.
Self Effort · Life Triumph
“Success depends on devotion” reveals the secret to achieving success in life.
Some individuals are unable to cope with disastrous events and become helpless losers, either aimlessly wandering or resorting to violence. They blame their misfortunes on bad luck.
However, there are those who confront difficulties and choose to improve themselves through professional training or by starting their careers anew.
People around these survivors are more likely to lend a helping hand when they see that they are seizing opportunities to rebuild their life.
This is not merely a matter of luck; becoming a winner depends on one’s own efforts.
Hardship Rises · Courage Shines
We can find many high achievers in real life, such as the mother of Dr. Henry Chang-Yu Lee, the Chinese-American forensic scientist and biochemist.
After losing her husband while escaping from mainland China to Taiwan in 1949, she raised thirteen children on her own.
She was a winner not by chance, but through a dedicated journey of hard work, step by step. Her story touched the hearts of many people.
I have done volunteer work with an organization called Homeless Help Themselves.
Through my observations, I have found that those experiencing homelessness are not necessarily mentally handicapped; rather, they often struggle with a mindset that prevents them from facing the realities of life.
They may lack the courage or motivation to seek out ways to support themselves. Short-term charitable assistance is not a solution to their problems.
The only way to truly help them is by providing opportunities that encourage independence.
Mind Opens · Life Widens
“Mentality is shaped by intention” is to advise people how to be skillful in dealing with human relations.
Conflicts can arise during personal or business agreements, so it's important to give some leeway to the other party. Being overly aggressive is not a constructive approach.
Life is never perfect, and contradictions will inevitably occur. When clashes happen and the outcomes are not in your favor, it’s essential to choose generosity and understanding.
Maintaining an open mind and freeing yourself from anxiety is the best way to treat both yourself and others. In many cases, losing a deal doesn't mean a complete loss in life.
You might find success in other opportunities. For example, consider a historical event for illustration.
Setback Turns · Wisdom Returns
During the era of the Three Kingdoms (220-264 AD), Xiang Yu, a powerful general and potential ruler, led a large army from the north to engage in battle against the two other kingdoms.
He ultimately lost the battle due to poor military strategy, and in his despair, he committed suicide because he couldn't bear the shame of being seen as a loser by his homeland.
If he had given himself a chance to survive, he might have been able to rebuild his forces, return to conquer, and become the next emperor.
He left an image to the Chinese as a heroic general.
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
Article 9 of 12—Righteous mind without flattery
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.