WISDOM

As Thanksgiving approaches, many wonder whether the spirit of the holiday has faded. Faced with the stress of preparations and the inclination for indulgence, we might forget why we gathered in the first place. In constant pursuit of the things we don't have, we often take for granted the things

The Lantern Festival: End of the Chinese New Year
This year, the Chinese lunar new year fell on Jan. 22 — marking day 1 of the 1st lunar month (正月初一) in...

Aesthetics and Virtue in Classical Arts, Part II – Performing Arts
The arts play a significant role in shaping human culture. As explored in part I of this series, the...

Understanding the Traditional Chinese Calendar in the Year of the Rabbit
Have you ever wondered why Chinese holidays — such as the New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the...

Sustainable Architecture: The Gassho-Zukuri Houses of Japan
Tucked in the mountains of Japan, there are traditional dwellings that could inspire future generations...

Why You Need to Be a Good Listener, and 7 Steps to Get There
In today’s digital era, it seems increasingly more difficult to be present, to truly pay attention to...

The Surprising Reason You Can’t Become Tranquil in Meditation
In our daily hustle and bustle of striving to get things done, our neurons seem to be firing non-stop...

Healing Houseplants: Do Your Potted Plants Have Medicinal Value?
The simple presence of plants in our environment is known to be beneficial in many ways — they help reduce...

Inspiration From the Bold and Beautiful Blue Jay
With its gleaming coat to match the brightest sunlit sky, the blue jay is one of many captivating birds...

Li Bai: The Star of China’s Golden Age of Poetry
If any verses of ancient Chinese poetry continue to uplift the spirit and impress the intellect of today...