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.
You don't have to pay tax when plowing in the field of "knowledge." A piece of advice for the young: pursuing education and study will lead you to success.
In the minds of the Chinese, this is considered an essential path to fulfilling life's purpose.
Earthbound Roots · Learning Sustains
All the civilizations grew and developed suiting to its natural geographical conditions.
The northern China plateau stretches with the Yellow River nourished a farming society with a mindset of down to earth, diligent, not logical oriented or full of metaphysical imagination.
The harmony of heaven, earth, and human race, means man plays a role forging his own destiny under the ultimate power of Heaven and Earth – 为天地立命。
Thus men can successfully raise an ethically conscious family and then would guarantee their having an upright public spirit to rightfully govern the state and achieve peace in the world—(修齊治平).
Ideally, the Confucian idea was to refine “men” with humane values and moral characters so that the society would be safely and wisely managed.
The Chinese civilization, characterized by its practical nature, lasted for at least three thousand uninterrupted years.
Ancient Words · Living Culture
The fact that Chinese children can read literature from even two thousand years ago today is unparalleled by any other civilization in the world.
Since the classical period, particularly during the Tang dynasty, the enduring influence of civil examinations has placed education at the forefront of Chinese society.
These examinations, which primarily tested knowledge of Confucian classics, have played a crucial role in preserving ethical values throughout history and in awarding leadership roles to Chinese intellectuals.
Learning Elevates · Merit Opens
However, the opening of China by advanced science and technology, along with the arrival of various Western civilizations since the 18th century, posed significant challenges for the Chinese people.
The Confucian classics, which were the primary subjects tested in the civil examination system for social mobility, faced critical self-examination.
This led to reform movements and the establishment of a modern school system starting in the 1900s. The Civil Examination was also abandoned.
However, the value placed on education and the emphasis on study have persisted and continue to thrive today.
Wherever there are Chinese communities, there is a strong concern for the education of the young.
Exams Recurred · Learning Endures
Today, the College Entrance Examination in China embodies the spirit of the traditional Civil Examination.
The effectiveness of the system is still to be evaluated, but it has been practiced for many years.
All high school graduates are eligible to participate, and the scores they achieve on this test are crucial for determining their field of study and the institution they will attend.
The effort put into preparation is intense, and the importance of placement in an institution is critical for future job prospects, making it unmatched by any other country in the world.
Successfully pursuing a master's or doctoral degree brings immense admiration and can lead to a favorable career.
The message of this carving is human beings must rely on their own effort to shape their lives---自立更生。Education is the key to achieve it.
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
Article10 of 12—Mind Shapes Life Effort Builds Fate
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.