"Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang" means - the sky is blue-black and the earth is yellow.

The two words "Heaven and Earth" have multiple meanings in ancient Chinese, and include many concepts. The familiar sky and earth are just one of them. If you want to understand the meaning of the two words "Heaven and Earth", you must read the "Book of Changes". The Book of Changes is the first of the Five Classics. It talks about the principles of heaven and earth and the changes of yin and yang. In traditional Chinese culture, the "Four Books" and various schools of thought are all developed from the root of the Book of Changes. Learn Chinese culture Not reading the Book of Changes is putting the cart before the horse.

Heaven

The "Book of Changes" says: "What is metaphysical is called the Tao, and what is metaphysical is called the tool." Before the birth of the universe, the universe was in a state of chaos. Modern physics calls it the super-density infinitely collapsing particles before the big bang. Chinese culture calls it Tai Chi. 15 billion years ago, this ultra-dense particle instantly produced a big explosion, forming the material universe we see. The tangible matter condensed into stars, which is the earth; the invisible space expanded to form space, which is the sky. "Book of Changes" says: The light and pure ones rise to the sky, and the cloudy and turbid ones descend to the earth. Isn’t it both figurative and concrete? But this is the physical world, the world of the material world. In the "Book of Changes" culture, it belongs to the physical "world of things", that is, the material world. Metaphysics is the world of non-material Tao, which cannot be discussed with our current intelligence. Therefore, Zhuangzi said: "There is no need to care about the existence outside the Liuhe". "Existence" means to reserve, "regardless" means not to discuss, and "existence and disregard" will not be discussed for the time being. Because we are not smart enough, we will quarrel whenever we talk about it. Why bother! Tell the truth to people with high wisdom, metaphysically is heaven, and metaphysically is It's the land. I can only say simple words to people who are not smart enough: space is the sky and the earth is the earth. They are also two words: heaven and earth. Deep people have deep understandings, and shallow people have shallow explanations. Each has its own place.

Xuan

In terms of color, it refers to a color that is dark blue and almost black, which is called Xuan. In a sense, it refers to something lofty and unfathomable, which is called mysterious. The color of the sky visible to the naked eye is blue. How do you say it is black? The blue color of the sky is due to the diffraction phenomenon of light. The red, orange, yellow, and green light in the sun has longer wavelengths and can be diffracted. Shoot to the ground. The wavelengths of light such as blue, indigo, and violet are shorter and can only be reflected back and forth among various impurities in the air, so the sky looks blue. But when the astronauts took a look in space, they saw that the space was completely dark, with only stars emitting little glimmers of light. It was indeed black, so Tianxuan was right in terms of color. In addition, the way of heaven is high and far away. As Lao Tzu said, the metaphysical principle of the way of heaven is mysterious and mysterious, unfathomable and cannot be understood by our current wisdom. This is the metaphysical way of heaven that is unpredictable, so it is called Tianxuan.

Rehmannia glutinosa

Rehmannia glutinosa also has two meanings. Our Chinese culture, especially the traditional culture, in the Yanhuang culture, the color of the soil, the skin color of the people, and the crops millet and millet are all yellow, so it is called rehmannia.

Another meaning is that the celestial bodies in the universe, including the earth, are all products of the Big Bang, and are all hot matter in their initial state. The earth condenses its temperature into the magma in the core and continuously replenishes it with the help of the sun. Only with temperature can there be life phenomena. In chromatographic analysis, black is a cold color and yellow is a warm color. Rehmannia glutinosa also praises the warm earth for its growth and nurturing effects, so the Chinese also honor the earth as "mother". The heaven is high and the earth is deep, and yellow also represents the depth of the earth. Superstitious people say: "After death, people return to the underworld, and crossing the Naihe Bridge is the way to the underworld." Although the words are unbelievable, they simply refer to another profound world unknown to living people.

It can be seen that it is not easy to understand the four words "Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang".

Source of the work

From the "Thousand Character Essay", a rhyme composed of one thousand Chinese characters compiled by Zhou Xingsi, the Sanqi Shilang of the Liang Dynasty during the Southern and Northern Dynasties (before the Sui and Tang Dynasties, Text that does not rhyme or contrast is called "pen", not "wen"). Emperor Wu of Liang (502-549) ordered people to select 1,000 non-repeating Chinese characters from Wang Xizhi's calligraphy works, and ordered Zhou Xingsi, the minister of foreign Sanqi, to compile it into a document. The full text is a four-character sentence, with neat contrasts, clear organization, and brilliant literary talent. The Sentences of "The Thousand-Character Classic" are as plain as words, easy to recite and memorize. It has been translated into English, French, Latin and Italian versions. It is a children's enlightenment book with great influence in China.

After mainland China implemented simplified characters and merged variant characters, there are still more than 990 different Chinese characters in the simplified Chinese version.

Original text of the work

A Thousand-Character Essay

[Southern and Northern Dynasties] Zhou Xingsi

The sky and earth are dark and yellow, and the universe is primitive. The sun and moon are full, and the stars and constellations are arranged.

Cold comes and summer comes, autumn harvests and winter hides. When the leap year is over, the law Lu adjusts the Yang.

The clouds turn into rain, and the dew turns into frost. Gold comes from Lishui, and jade comes from Kungang.

The sword is called Juque, and the pearl is called Luminous. The fruit is precious, plum, and the vegetable is heavy on mustard and ginger.

The sea is salty and the river is fresh, and the scales are hidden and the feathers are flying. The dragon master, the fire emperor, the bird official and the human emperor.

When writing was first made, it was to wear clothes. There were Yu Tao and Tang Dynasties who pushed forward the throne and gave up the country.

To punish the people and punish crimes, Zhou issued Yin Tang. He sat down and asked, bowing his head to the ground.

He loves and educates Li Shou, and his ministers serve the Rong and Qiang. Far and near are one, leading guests to return to the king.

The phoenix sings in the bamboo, and the white horse eats. Transformed into vegetation, it reaches all directions.

This body and hair are covered by the four elements and five constant elements. Gong Wei Ju Yang, how dare you damage it.

Women admire chastity, and men admire virtue. If you know your mistakes, you must correct them, and if you are able, never forget them.

Don’t talk about the shortcomings of others, but rely on your own strengths. The messenger can be overturned, but the desire of the weapon is difficult to measure.

The ink dyes the silk with sorrow, and the poem praises the lamb. Jingxing is a virtuous person, and Ke Nian is a saint.

Virtue builds a reputation, and the form is upright. Sound can be heard in an empty valley, and people can listen to it in an empty hall.

Misfortunes are caused by evil accumulation, and blessings are caused by good things. A ruler and a jade are not treasures, but an inch of yin is a jade.

Zi Fu serves the king with strictness and respect. To be filial is to do your best, to be loyal is to do your best.

Learning from deep and thin, long-awaited and warm. It's as fresh as a orchid and as prosperous as a pine tree.

The stream flows endlessly, reflected in the clear water. Look calm and thoughtful, speak calmly.

Sincerity is beautiful at the beginning, and it is appropriate to be cautious in the end. The foundation of a prosperous career has no end.

He studied well and became an official, and became a regent and engaged in politics. Keep it as Gantang, go and chant it again.

Music distinguishes between high and low, etiquette distinguishes between high and low. There is harmony above and below, and the husband sings and the wife follows.

He was trained by Fu outside and became a rite of worship for his mother. All the aunts and uncles are like sons and daughters.

Brothers Kong Huai are like brothers. Score points for making friends, and sharpen rules and regulations.

Be kind and compassionate, and you can never leave after making mistakes. Be upright and honest, and be honest and honest, and lose money to bandits.

Quiet in nature and relaxed in mood, with an excited heart and a tired mind. Keep the truth and be full of ambition, and chase things and change your mind.

Adhere to elegance and be good at self-discipline. The city is called Huaxia, and there are two capitals in the east and west.

Back to Mang and facing Luo, floating on Wei and occupying Jing. The palace is gloomy and the view from the tower is startling.

The pictures depict animals and colorful fairies. Next to Bing's house is opened, and A's tent is opposite to the couplet.

A banquet was set up, with drums, harps and sheng played. Upgraded to accept the emperor, turned into a star of doubt.

The right leads to Guang Nei, and the left reaches Chengming. It not only gathers grave memorials, but also gathers heroes.

Du Manuscript, Zhongli, and lacquered Sutra on the wall. Luo is the general and prime minister of the mansion, and Huaiqing is the hero of the road.

Eight counties were sealed off, and the family was given thousands of soldiers. The high crown accompanies the chariot, driving the hub and vibrating the tassels.

The world is luxurious and rich, and the car is fat and light. The achievements are substantial and the inscriptions are inscribed on the tablets.

Yi Yin in Panxi, assisted by A Heng. Amazhai, Qufu, Wei Dan, who camp.

Gong Huan helped the weak and supported the weak. Qi returned to Hanhui and said she was grateful to Wu Ding.

Know what is right and what is right, but what is wise is true. Jin and Chu were more domineering, while Zhao and Wei were in dire straits.

The false way will destroy Guo, and the true soil will make an alliance. Why obey the contract and law, Han Chao is troublesome and punished.

The Qi Jian is quite animal husbandry, and the military is the best. Xuanwei Desert is famous for its paintings.

The traces of Yu in nine states, and the merger of hundreds of counties with Qin. Yuezong Taidai, Zen master Yunting.

Yanmen Zisai, Jitian Chicheng. Kunchi Jieshi, Juye Dongting.

The vastness is far away, and the mountains are deep and dark. The root cause of the problem lies in agriculture, and the main purpose is to cultivate crops.

My art is millet and millet. When taxes are paid, tribute is paid to new ones, and rewards are encouraged to depose the emperor.

Meng Ke was honest, and Shi Yu was upright. The common people are moderate, but I sincerely give this order.

Listen to the sound and understand the reasoning, and discern the appearance and color. It's good for Jiyou, so it can only be planted.

Eliminate ridicule and admonition, favor and increase resistance. It was almost humiliating, so Lin Gao was lucky.

When two people see opportunities, who will force them to break up? Living alone in a quiet place, silent and lonely.

Seek the ancients and seek theories, and relax your thoughts. Happy to play and tired of sending, thank you and welcome to recruit.

The history of the canal and the garden is like drawing strips. The loquats are green at night, and the phoenix trees are withered by fleas.

Chen Gen is in the shade, and the fallen leaves are swaying. The wandering Kun travels alone, Lingmo Jiangxiao.

Read, play, and watch the market. It is easy to be frightened, and it belongs to the ear wall.

Easy to eat and drink, it is delicious and filling. When you are full, you will cook and slaughter, but when you are hungry, you will be tired of the chaff.

Relatives are old and old, old and young have different food. I'm a concubine who wears clothes and curtains.

The fan is round and clean, and the silver candle is bright. Sleeping during the day and sleeping at night, the blue bamboo shoots look like a bed.

Enjoy the banquet with music and wine, take the glasses and raise the wine. Straighten your hands and stamp your feet, you will be happy and healthy.

The direct descendants continued and offered sacrifices to Haochang. Ji Zheng bowed again, terrified and frightened.

The ultimatum is brief and the answer is detailed. The dirt wants to bathe, and the heat wants to be cool.

Donkeys, mules and calves are special, and they can leap ahead of the horse. Kill thieves and thieves, and capture rebels.

Bushe Liaowan, Ji Qin and Ruan Xiao. The pen is calm and the paper is in harmony, and Jun Qiao is allowed to fish.

It explains the differences and benefits the customs, and everything is wonderful. Mao Shi is graceful, and the workers are smiling.

Every time the year passes, the sun shines brightly. Xuanji hangs in the air, and the darkness shines all around.

Refers to the salary to repair the evil, and the eternal peace is auspicious. Leading the way step by step, looking up at the corridor temple.

The girdle is reserved, wandering and looking around. Ignorance, ignorance and so on.

It’s so easy to say that the predicate helps.

Translation of the work

The sky is blue-black, the earth is yellow, and the universe was formed in a state of chaos and ignorance.

The sun rises and falls, the moon waxes and wanes, and stars fill the boundless space.

The cycle of cold and heat changes, coming and going, going and coming again, harvesting crops in autumn and storing food in winter.

The accumulated leaps and bounds of several years merge into one month. In leap years, the ancients used Liulu and Liulu to regulate yin and yang.

When clouds rise and become cold, they form rain; when dew at night becomes cold, they condense into frost.

Gold is produced in the Jinsha River, and jade is produced in the Kunlun Mountains.

The sharpest sword is called "Juque", and the most precious pearl is called "Yeguang".

The most precious fruits are plums and cypresses, and the most important vegetables are mustard greens and ginger.

The sea water is salty, the river water is fresh, fish swim in the water, and birds fly in the air.

The Dragon Master, the Fire Emperor, the Bird Official, and the Human Emperor were all imperial officials in ancient times.

Cangjie (jié) created writing, and Lei (léi) made clothes.

Tang Yao and Yu Shun were wise and selfless, and took the initiative to abdicate their thrones to meritorious officials and sages.

To appease the people and defeat the tyrants, it was King Wu of Zhou, Ji Fa, and King of Shang, Cheng Tang.

The wise monarch sits in the court and asks the ministers about the way to govern the country. With his clothes hanging down and his hands in hand, he can make the world peaceful without any effort, and his achievements are outstanding.

They caressed and sympathized with the common people, making people of all ethnic groups bow their heads.

The whole world was unified into a whole, and all the people submitted to his rule obediently.

The phoenix chirped happily in the bamboo forest, and the little white horse ate grass freely on the pasture.

The benevolent rule of the sage and virtuous king has benefited all the plants and trees, and the blessings have spread to the people all over the world.

The human body, hair and skin belong to the "Four Elements", and every word and action must conform to the "Five Constants".

I sincerely think about the kindness of my parents in raising me, how dare I destroy it.

Women should admire those chaste women who are rigorous in their conduct, and men should imitate those who are talented and moral.

Know that you have made mistakes, you must correct them, and don’t give up on things that suit you.

Don't talk about other people's shortcomings, and don't rely on your own strengths to make progress.

If you are honest, you must be able to withstand the test, and you must be generous and hard to measure.

Mozi lamented that white silk was stained with mottled colors, while the Book of Songs praised the lamb for always remaining pure and pure.

We must admire the virtues of sages, restrain our selfish desires, and strive to imitate them.

If you develop good morals, you will have a good reputation, just like if your body is dignified, your appearance will be upright.

The shouts spread far in the empty valley, and the voices in the spacious hall were very clear.

Disasters are the result of many evil deeds, and fortune and fortune are the rewards of good deeds.

A foot-long jade cannot be considered a real treasure, even a moment is worth cherishing.

To serve your father and your monarch, you must be serious and respectful.

To be filial to your parents you should do your best, and to be loyal to your monarch you should sacrifice your life.

Be as cautious as "walking on thin ice", get up early and go to bed late, and serve your parents to make them feel warm in winter and cool in summer.

Let your virtue be as fragrant as bluegrass and as lush as pine and cypress.

It can also be extended to future generations, like a great river flowing endlessly, affecting the world, like a clear blue pool shining on people.

Appearance and behavior should be calm and serene, and words should be prudent and calm.

Whether it’s good to cultivate yourself, study, or pay attention to the beginning, it’s more important to do it seriously and get good results.

This is the foundation of a lifetime of honor. With this foundation, there will be no end to development.

Once you have completed your studies, you can become an official and exercise your powers to participate in state affairs.

The Zhou people missed Zhao Bo's virtuous government. When Zhao Gong was alive, he managed government under the Gantang tree. After his death, the people remembered him even more.

Music should be different according to people's status, and etiquette should be different according to people's status.

Both the superiors and the subordinates should live in harmony, and the husband and wife should sing along and be harmonious.

Receive the instruction of the master outside and follow the instruction of the parents at home.

Treat aunts, uncles, uncles and other elders as if they were your own children.

Brothers should care for each other, because they share the blood of their parents and are connected like branches.

To make friends, you need to be like-minded, learn from each other, and encourage each other in terms of conduct.

Benevolence, kindness, and compassion for others cannot be abandoned at any time or anywhere.

Integrity, justice, honesty, and humility are qualities that cannot be lacking even in the most destitute times.

Keep your heart quiet and calm, and your emotions will be comfortable and comfortable. If your heart is moved by external things, your spirit will be tired and sleepy.

If you maintain your innate good nature, your wishes will be satisfied, and if you pursue materialistic enjoyment, your good nature will shift and change.

If you firmly maintain your elegant sentiments, a good position will naturally belong to you.

The ancient Chinese capitals were gorgeous and spectacular, including Luoyang in Tokyo and Chang'an in Xijing.

Luoyang is close to Mang Mountain in the north and faces the Luoshui River. Chang'an is across the Weishui River in the north and far away from the Jinghe River.

The palace has twists and turns, and the towers and palaces are about to fly in the sky, which is frightening.

The palace is painted with birds and animals, as well as colorful paintings of gods and goddesses.

The side halls on both sides of the main hall open from the side, with luxurious tents facing high.

The palace has high pillars, banquets, and music playing the harp and sheng.

The officials went up and down the steps to toast each other, their beaded hats turning like stars in the sky.

The right side leads to Guangnei Hall, which is used to store books, and the left side leads to Chengming Hall, where courtiers rest.

There are many classics and classics collected here, as well as groups of literary and military talents.

There are manuscripts of Du Du’s cursive script and authentic official scripts of Zhong Yao, as well as ancient lacquer-written books excavated from the tomb of King Wei Anli in Jí County, as well as the manuscripts of King Lu Gong of the Han Dynasty. Ancient scriptures found in the walls of the Confucius Temple in Qufu.

The people inside the palace lined up their thoughts in two rows, and outside the palace, the officials and ministers stood in the aisles.

Each of them has a fiefdom of more than eight counties, and thousands of armed guards.

Officials wearing tall hats accompanied the emperor on his travels, driving carriages and horses, with their hatbands fluttering, so majestic.

Their descendants have received salaries from generation to generation, and are luxurious and wealthy. When they go out, they have light cars and fat horses, and they are proud of the spring breeze.

The imperial court also recorded their merits and deeds in detail and accurately, which were engraved on stone tablets and passed down to future generations.

When King Wu of Zhou met Lu Shang in Fenxi, he respected him as "Tai Gongwang". Yi Yin assisted in current affairs, and King Tang of Shang named him "Aheng".

King Zhou Cheng occupied the area around Qufu in the ancient state of Yan. If it were not for Zhou Gongdan's assistance, how could he have succeeded.

Qi Huangong rectified the princes of the world, all under the banner of "helping the weak" and "saving people from danger".

When Emperor Hui of the Han Dynasty was the crown prince, he was able to avoid being deposed because of his talents. Shang Jun Wu Ding was inspired by a dream and received the legend of a virtuous minister.

The diligence and prudence of the talented people resulted in the officials all settling into their respective positions.

Gong Wen of Jin and King Zhuang of Chu came to hegemony successively, while Zhao and Wei were trapped in Lian Heng.

The state of Jin borrowed a road from the state of Yu to destroy the state of Guo. Duke Wen of Jin convened a blood alliance among the princes in Jiantu.

Xiao He followed the simple laws of Han Emperor Gaozu, and Han Fei died tragically under the harsh punishment he advocated.

Qin generals Bai Qi and Wang Jian, and Zhao generals Lian Po and Li Mu are the most proficient in using troops.

Their prestige spread as far as the northern deserts, and their good names and portraits will forever be passed down in the annals of history.

The footprints of Dayu's flood control were left in all nine states, and all the counties in the country were unified after Qin merged with the Six Kingdoms.

The Five Mountains are respected by Mount Tai, and emperors of all dynasties have hosted Zen ceremonies at Yunshan and Tingshan.

The Mingguan Pass has Yanmen in northern Xinjiang, the fortress has the Great Wall, the post station has chicken fields on the border, and the strange mountain has Tiantai Chicheng.

Go to Dianchi Lake in Kunming to appreciate the pond, Jieshi in Hebei to view the sea, Juye in Shandong to view the lake, and Dongting in Hunan to view the lake.

China’s land is vast and remote, with no end, famous mountains, strange valleys, deep and beautiful scenery, and myriad phenomena.

Taking agriculture as the foundation of governing the country, we must sow and harvest well.

It’s time to start the year’s farm work, planting millet and yellow rice.

During the harvest season, newly ripened grains were used to pay taxes. Good crops were praised and rewarded, while poor crops were punished.

Mencius advocated simplicity, and the historian Ziyu was upright.

As a person, you must conform to the standard of moderation as much as possible. You must be diligent, humble, cautious, and know how to advise and admonish yourself.

When you listen to someone’s words, you need to examine the truth behind them, and when you look at someone’s appearance, you need to know their mood.

You should leave correct and wise advice or suggestions to others, and encourage others to conduct themselves in a cautious manner.

When you hear other people’s sarcasm and warnings, you should reflect on yourself and do not get carried away when you are favored and fight against the powerful.

If you know that something dangerous and shameful is about to happen and retreat to the mountains and forests, you can still avoid disaster.

In the Han Dynasty, Shuguang and Shushou’s uncles and nephews saw an opportunity and went into seclusion. Who forced them to resign from their official positions?

Isn't it a good thing to live alone away from the king and live leisurely, without having to talk too much all day long, and to be quiet and inactive.

Exploring ancient people and events, reading some wise sayings, you can eliminate distracting thoughts and feel at ease.

Easy things come together, strenuous things are thrown aside, endless troubles are eliminated, and infinite happiness is gained.

The lotus flowers in the pond are blooming so brightly, and the green grass in the garden is sprouting buds.

The leaves of loquats are still green in winter, but the leaves of sycamores wither in autumn.

The roots of the old trees are winding and the fallen leaves are blowing in the autumn wind.

Only Kunpeng, who traveled far away, soared independently, straight into the clouds full of colorful clouds.

Wang Chong of the Han Dynasty was obsessed with reading in the street market, and all he looked at were bags and books.

Be careful of the dangers if you switch to a lighter car, and be careful when talking to prevent the walls from having ears.

Usual meals should suit the taste and make people feel full.

When you are full, you will naturally be satisfied with big fish and meat. When you are hungry, you should be satisfied with simple meals.

Relatives and friends should be treated warmly when they meet, and the food for the elderly and children should be different from your own.

Concubines and maids should manage the housework well and serve their masters respectfully and wholeheartedly.

The round silk fan is white and elegant, and the white candles are bright and brilliant.

Having a nap during the day and sleeping at night, there are bamboo mats made of green strips and beds with carved ivory screens.

Play music, sing songs, serve wine and have a banquet, take the wine glass, and drink happily.

I can’t help but dance, I am really happy and healthy.

It is passed down from generation to generation, and the sacrifices in the four seasons cannot be slacked off.

Kneel down and kowtow, and pray again and again. The etiquette must be thorough and respectful, and the mood must be sad and pious.

Be concise and to the point when writing to others, and be careful and thoughtful when answering other people's questions.

When you are dirty, you want to take a bath. When you hold something hot, you want the wind to cool it down.

When there is a disaster at home, even donkeys, mules, and livestock of all sizes will be frightened, jumping wildly, and running around.

The government killed thieves and captured rebels and desperadoes.

Lu Bu is good at archery, Yi Liao is good at playing with projectiles, Ji Kang is good at playing the harp, and Ruan Ji is good at holding the mouth and shouting.

Meng Tian made the writing brush, Cai Lun invented papermaking, Ma Jun invented the waterwheel, and Mr. Ren was good at fishing.

They are either good at resolving disputes for others, or they are good at inventing and creating things that benefit society. These are all very clever.

Mao Qiang and Xi Shi are beautiful, even if they frown, they still look like smiling.

Youth is fleeting, and time is rushing to make people grow older. Only the brilliance of the sun will always shine.

The high-hanging Beidou rotates with the changes of the seasons, and the bright moonlight shines across every corner of the world.

Follow nature, cultivate virtue and accumulate blessings, and be in peace forever, how wonderful it is.

Only when your heart is calm can you walk with your head held high and every move be as dignified as if you were in a sacred temple.

Wear neat and dignified clothes, behave calmly, and be far-sighted.

If you are ignorant and ignorant, you will not understand these principles, and you can only live in vain and make people laugh like the ignorant people.

When it comes to the auxiliary words in ancient books, they are "yan", "zai", "hu" and "ye".

Appreciation of the work

The "Explanation of the Thousand-Character Essay" compiled by Wang Xiaoyin and annotated by Sun Qianyi divided "The Thousand-Character Essay" into four parts, which they called four chapters.

Starting from the first sentence "The sky and the earth are black and yellow" to the thirty-sixth sentence "Laying all directions" is the first part;

From the thirty-seventh sentence "covering this body" The second part begins with "发" and goes to the 102nd sentence "Hao Jue Zi Lian";

It starts from the 103rd sentence "Capital Huaxia" and ends with the 162nd sentence "Yan Xiu Yao Ming" is the third part;

Starting from the 163rd sentence "Treat the root cause of agriculture" to the 248th sentence "Foolish Meng Waiting for Criticism" is the fourth part .

There are two sentences at the end: "The predicate helps, it's so". They have no special meaning, so they are listed separately.

The first part of "The Thousand Character Essay" starts with the creation of heaven and earth. With the heaven and earth, there are the sun, moon, stars, clouds and rain, frost and fog, and the changes in the four seasons of cold and heat; there are also the gold and jade, iron tools (swords), treasures, fruits, vegetables, and rivers, lakes and seas that were born from the earth. Birds fly and fish swim; there are changes in people and times between heaven and earth. Here, "The Thousand Character Essay" tells the early history of mankind and the performance of the prosperous times during the reign of King Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou, which is what the text says: "Sitting in court and asking questions, hanging down the bow to make peace. Love to educate Li heads, ministers to Rong and Qiang." Far and near, the guests return to the king. The phoenix sings in the tree, and the white colt transforms into vegetation, reaching all directions."

The second part of "The Thousand Character Essay" focuses on the standards and principles of people's self-cultivation, that is, self-cultivation work. It points out that people should be filial to their parents, cherish the body passed down from their parents, "respectfully raise them, don't dare to damage them", be a good person, "know your mistakes and correct them", be trustworthy, maintain your innocence, establish a good image and credibility, "messengers can be overturned" "The desire for the instrument is difficult to measure. The ink is sad and the silk is dyed, the poem is praising the lamb" and the following four sentences are about this. Then the article gives an in-depth explanation of loyalty, filial piety, and people's speech and behavior, making friends, and keeping one's integrity.

The third part of "The Thousand Character Essay" talks about various issues related to rule. The first chapter of this chapter talks about the shape of the capital city and tries its best to describe the magnificence of the city. "The palaces are lush and the buildings are amazing." The capital has gathered a wealth of classics and a large number of talents. "It not only gathers tomb classics, but also gathers elites." This is the second meaning of the third part, which focuses on describing the luxurious life of the upper class and their cultural and martial arts. This part finally describes the vastness of the country's territory and the beauty of the scenery: "The traces of Yu in nine states, the union of hundreds of counties in Qin... The vastness is far away and the mountains are long, and the rocks are deep and dark."

The fourth part of "The Thousand-Character Essay" It mainly describes the tranquil pastoral life, praising those people who are willing to be lonely and not fettered by fame and fortune, and yearn for the warm human kindness among the people. Wang Xiaoyin and Sun Qianyi's "Interpretation of the Thousand Character Classic" believes that this part is about "the way a gentleman governs his family and conducts his life." Their view has some truth, but it seems far-fetched, so it is not adopted.

The content of "The Thousand Character Essay" integrates all kinds of knowledge, and runs through the whole text with unified thoughts, clear context, and concise language. Its advantages were later absorbed by the Three Character Classic.

About the author

Zhou Xingsi, also known as Si Zuan, was born in Xiang County, Chen County (now Shenqiu County, Henan Province). He died in the second year of Emperor Wu of Liang Dynasty. He has lived in Gushu for a long time, is erudite and good at literature. During the reign of Emperor Wu, he paid homage to the minister of the Ancheng Kingdom. Every time the emperor ordered his successors to write inscriptions, such as bronze inscriptions, gate and pond tablets, Wei inscriptions, and a thousand-character inscription written by Wang Yi. Every time he plays, he is always praised for his good deeds. The official is finally in trouble. Xingsi wrote more than 100 volumes of emperor's records, records of emperor's virtues, notes on daily life, and professional etiquette. He also wrote ten volumes of collected works (Liang Shu and Liang Tang Shu Zhi) which have been handed down to the world. But the most widely circulated and longest-lasting one is "The Thousand-Character Essay".