Liu Hanxue

到北京旅游（Take #2）

2025-06-11T15:14:00.001+08:00

《北境切片》

机票价格在付款成功后自动蒸发。亚航的红色尾翼切开云层时，我正卡在两次失业的裂缝里。四个影子黏上我的行程单——包括某位同事的丈夫，他的结婚戒指在安检传送带上闪着冷光，像一枚多余的铆钉。

北京用干燥的九月绞紧我的喉管。大栅栏青旅的床编号为C-7，霉斑在墙壁上繁殖出地图。卷帘门外，打烊的餐馆像合拢的蚌壳。我在黎明狩猎驴肉，却只捕获油条的油腻反光。“早點只有这些。”蒸笼后的嘴开合着，水汽模糊所有面孔。

感冒病毒在第三日接管我的鼻腔。诊所白墙贴着告示：「发热患者右转至发热门诊」。穿粉色制服的护士从挂号口吐出问句：“什么病？”我报上流涕与低烧，她推出一张纸条：“药房自购。”

药房的荧光灯管在头顶嘶鸣。
“Paracetamol？”货架间游走的白大褂停顿。
“醋氨酚？”玻璃柜台映出我扭曲的下颌。
穿白褂的手指敲打感冒清热颗粒的纸盒：“风寒。”铝箔板里褐色颗粒散发苦味。我吞下三十颗象形文字，喉间升起祭祀般的烟雾。

慕田峪的索道将我们吊上峭壁。滑道像通往地狱的儿童滑梯，我们卡在弯道，看山脊的砖龙在雾中浮沉。终点处的老妇从皱纹里掏出纪念币：“长城砖磨的。”她的布袋坠向地面，缆绳在肩胛勒出深谷。我们买下三枚镀铜的北京，硬币在她掌心烙出红痕。“南方人客气。”她笑出豁牙，而我们正练习谎称新加坡的口型——如同王府井烤鸭店里，那只标价二十九元八角的鸭子，在油脂中坍缩成鸟类骨骼标本。

天坛的圆心石是枚巨型公章。站上去时回音壁传来历代皇帝的咳嗽声，穿保安制服的人用扩音器切割声波：“勿停留。”我鞋底沾着圜丘坛的霜，突然想起药房那些褐色颗粒。它们曾篡改我的白细胞，如同篡改账目的会计。

返程时国贸的玻璃幕墙啃噬夕阳。当年卖桃的马车已凝成五环外的化石，而大栅栏的泡芙店正被星巴克绿色人鱼吞食。收银机吐出拿铁与小票，纸杯温度恰似十年前装泡芙的塑料袋——此刻正挂在某棵国槐枝头，在风里抖成招魂幡。

飞机爬升时舷窗结出冰花。邻座问：“还来吗？”
我数着天坛地砖的裂缝：“九千九百九十九。”
他眼皮沉重地落下。
背包里长城纪念币突然发烫，烫穿夹层烙在背上。那铜片不知何时生出细密纹路——原是老妇掌心的褶皱，正在皮肉间蜿蜒成新的地图。

到北京旅遊 (初稿）

2025-06-11T15:10:00.000+08:00

便宜呀！

北京。中華共和人民國的首都。由我馬來西亞華裔的生分，说到北京就想起長城、紫禁城、天安門廣場、頤和園及天壇。當時我在轉換工作之間，有了閒空時間，亞航國際機票也有打折扣活動，雙程機票多少錢我不記得了，但肯定少於1,000馬幣，當時大概1,700人民幣以下。就這樣約了四個朋友，其中是同事的丈夫，五人到北京遊玩5天。

大同烤鸭

所有出名的地點幾乎抵達了，我還記得短短時間內還跟以為同事見了我們工作上認識的背景同事。哪位同事的辦公室就在國貿，約了在國貿見面，過後帶我們去吃大同烤鴨，我還記得點了很多餐，當時要掙著付錢但又不好意思，因為猜測餐費一定很高，最終感覺便宜了她一餐。

此外也記得我對北京景點還不是很熟悉，既然把安排半天的時間走頤和園，反而花了一整天逛故宮。沒想到頤和園那麼遠，整個的確那麼大，走的著急，看的也不多。那是內心對自己充滿信心，因為我曾經去過北京一趟：2008年去蒙古的時候再北京轉機，打算停留幾天，為了做些市場調差，同時也花了不少時間逛逛北京。一個人靈活性的廣新城市跟計劃旅行團是不一樣的概念。

初次見過北京市

首次到北京市都没有多大的期望，就想碰到不同社會階層人群，詢問或觀察他們的日常生活。那时候我在經歷人生樞軸點，充滿的希望，心理也自在。原來得我擁有保守的態度，任何事都必須纖細的計劃，甲計劃再加上乙、丙、丁備份計劃，擔心各種不良的可能。反而那時候的我什麼都不怕，基本上什麼計劃都沒有，簡單在谷歌搜索了便宜的住宿，就這樣走一步看一步。我定的青年旅社就在大柵欄街，離開前門地鐵站二十分鐘。第一晚抵達大柵欄街已經晚間了，街上看到好多餐館，可惜那時候都打烊了，期待的二天嘗試各種美食！

什麼早餐啦！

第二天一大早出門，見到有驢肉店。驢肉！在我國相見一隻驢都難，既然在北京有的嘗試驢肉。但我瞧了瞧店鋪，老闆只是擺上饅頭、油條和豆漿，沒見到驢肉。沒關係，就去嘗嘗別的食物吧，附近有一間重慶餐廳，問了老闆有什麼重慶特菜，老闆說沒有，只有饅頭、小米粥、和油條，我覺得好奇怪。就這樣一間一間店問，原來在北京上午早點買來買去就是這些平凡的早點，我肚子感覺受騙了！
雖然我主要的目的是市場調查，但同時也當作一趟旅遊。每當抵達新的地方，我喜歡徒步四處逛街，看看本地人的生活方式。當時的大柵欄地區有本土菜市場，顯出一種混沌之中的循序。我初次到北京市就在九月份的秋天，讓我碰到馬車擺攤賣桃子，後來2017年北漂的時期幾乎運氣好才能在北京五環外見到馬車了。

藥店沒有止痛藥？

我曉得是因為秋天的天氣過於乾燥或者在烏蘭巴托過於勞累心身，隔天在北京感覺自己感冒了，鼻涕不斷流下又稍微發燒。不就皮毛事，去私人診所看了醫生，讓醫生配藥。但我詢問診所在哪裡的時候，對方反問我需要什麼東西，知道我傷風了就直接叫我去藥房。對一個馬來西亞人這個情況好奇怪，因為藥房一般賣醫生出的處方，其他不用處方的藥物不多，而且我們的概念是不會給自己亂配藥，定是醫生開的藥房我們才敢服用。好吧，在羅馬時按照羅馬人方式做，到了藥店我問看有沒有paracetamol。啊，英文字不熟悉？沒問題，有沒有醋氨酚？既然那麼大件的藥房沒有買醋氨酸，哪怎辦？藥劑師問了問我究竟患上什麼疾病？我形容我的症狀過後，藥劑師推薦兩種中藥。當時我的華語很爛，別說藥品標簽，我連藥的名字也看不懂，只要信任藥劑師了。怎知道吃了一副藥我的症狀好轉，晚上吃了第二副藥幾乎痊癒了。這是我第一次經歷效率那麼高的傷風藥，而且也認識了中國買藥的方式，原來在中國你可以自己挑選藥劑，而且很多藥可以從藥房自己買，不用通過醫生配藥。

積極與放鬆

短短哪幾天在北京生活都能感受到北京的推動力。一大早就看見匆忙去上班的人群、或者已經在幹活的人物。當時的時代精神就像發現貴重金屬，前方是無限的機會，只要肯下苦工一切都可能的。反過來到了夜間，街上看到一些年輕人在街邊聚合，邊吃燒烤邊喝啤酒，嘻嘻哈哈過時間。走到胡同裡，快到半夜了還能見到當地居民在戶外聊天、賭博等，讓我感覺大家都隨著氣候輕鬆的過日子。

慕田峪

回到2011年，當時旅行研究資源較少，而對漢語是個文盲，只好靠Lonely Planet China.那時候Lonely Planet裡的資料還是很靠譜（不曉得現在什麼情況），書裡建議遊客不去八達嶺長城因為遊客太多了。而且有些馬來西亞朋友說去八達嶺就是人擠人的狀況，甚至問到臭尿味，所以我們選擇去慕田峪。當時慕田峪剛裝修好，有索道上山，滑道下山，人不多空氣也挺好的，一起跟朋友走了整個開放階段。我們走到末端那邊見到一個老婆婆擺著很多紀念品。一般來說，我跟朋友們一起出去玩都不喜歡買這些叮叮噹噹的物品，但更婆婆聊了幾句之後發現她每天得提著一大包物品上下山，年齡也挺大了，看了都可憐，所以買了一些紀念品。聊天當中老婆婆說我們的漢語很好，而且馬來西亞的南方習俗比較客氣就對我們的影響很好，當婆婆問我們來自那個作家的時候我們都熱情的回復【馬來西亞】！

VS新加坡

不像我們在王府井某間餐廳，看見北京烤鴨特優惠，整只烤鴨不到三十人民幣，我們五人只是點了烤鴨和一壺菊寶茶，看見青菜都要四五十以上所以厚著臉皮什麼都不點。當老闆問我們來自哪個國家，我們當然“光明真大”的告知來自新加坡。

天壇

首次在大柵欄住的時候發現走向地鐵站的路上有一間麵包店，買的泡芙一斤十塊，便宜又好吃。這次跟朋友一起旅遊，發現周邊新開了星巴克，而且好幾件店面都改到新的生意了。後來在北京北漂的日子倒回大柵欄，發現超於一半的店面變了新的店鋪。十年期間這麼大的變化，在吉隆坡可能50年都不會有那麼大的變化，中國發展的速度令我驚訝。
這一趟去北京遊玩都逛了不少景點。若要我挑選對我影響最深刻的景點，我不會選著故宮或長城，而會選天壇公園。天壇是皇帝祭天的地方，明清時代肯定不會開放。當我踏上天壇的那一瞬間，讓我感到敬畏，之前只能看視頻還是讀到的天壇終於讓我親自踏上，令我十分滿意，同時覺得就算將來過去中國遊玩，也不會再去北京了，多羨慕那些經常可以過來逛天壇的北京人，就是沒想到……

其實還沒放下

2025-06-06T20:33:00.006+08:00

2019年的秋末，寒露快到，葉落天涼，無意中讓我見了她。雖然自為北漂人生海海，但心裡不捨，就把她接了回家。後來有了情人，我們三似穩定不搖晃的金字塔，相生相剋就這樣在地安門內組成和諧無缺的生存。

一眨眼天地變化完成一圈，再大的力量都有消耗至盡頭的那一日，來得突然，走的也快。您讓我陪你一圈，是我心中最大的幸福。

所以我下定決心，一定把這場因果報應乾乾淨淨的解開，也許前世有緣，來世求空，別讓我不捨，別讓我依戀把妳纏著，放下吧，找到最總的自由。雖然柳某修行不濟，生死剎那助妳不到，但我也不再掛念，不想、不哭、無情無願，就把這段恩情放下。法式不雜，完成頭七，魂魄回歸源地，以在玄真上帝懷抱裡，之希望我後代不再重生此恩怨，解放所有恩情。

我認為做的完整，都已告別。

最近發現此事一相情願。原來在我心坎裡還是放不下，還沒完全放下。

人生啊人生，經常不知不覺與他人牽扯新的羯磨。由我癡心，眼球看得見而心理視不覺，糊糊塗塗地組成新的因果、新的業務。哪何時才能解脫苦海？

這是通過深深的苦覺，狠狠誠實問自己：您，已放下矣？

還沒，的確還放不下。

因此，受五戒、守五門、寧心神、臨事實，逐漸放下此恩情。

Experiment: Dynamically Adjust ZangFu Imbalance With Kidney Yin And Yang Deficiency

2025-04-30T11:42:00.012+08:00

This is an experimental TCM treatment protocol for treating ZangFu imbalances using TCM herbs. We will look at a patient case as I reflect upon TCM principles and my understanding of said principles.

Diagnosis and Background

The patient has been having different symptoms over the last 15 years with insomnia and poor sleep quality as the main complaint. Other symptoms (non-exhaustive) include poor digestion, no appetite, alternating between soft stool and hard stool with predominantly soft stool, lethargy, lassitude, occasional headache, occasional malar fever, constantly thirsty, constant irritability with occasional annoyance. With recent lifestyle changes and facing pressure, experiencing severe insomnia and bad sleep quality, symptoms of anxiety and anger, failure to concentrate, poor memory, lack of motivation and initiative, inability to complete tasks, severely impeded train of thoughts, "tongue-tied" - inability to express oneself clearly.

Patient started with modern medical treatment but with no lasting effects. Started TCM treatment since 2017, diagnosed as Yin Deficiency with Poor Appetite. Constant treatment over 8 months showed gradual improvement. Due to private reasons and inability to continue treatment, symptoms worsen over time.

In the past 3 months, acupuncture treatment has helped curb severe insomnia problem in the short term, but insomnia recurs after 1-2 weeks.

Five Elements Theory

Using the Five Elements theory to understand the relationship between ZangFu, and to treat deficient or excess syndrome, we can use the principle of

when facing Deficiency, nourish the Mother
when facing Excess, drain the Child

Image courtesy of https://www.meandqi.com

With this patient, there is a complex mix of both deficiency and excess in a single Zang, for example both Liver Blood Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation exist simultaneously, Heart Fire Excess and Heart Blood Deficiency, Stomach Fire Excess and Stomach Yin Deficiency coupled with Spleen Dampness and Spleen Qi Stagnation. The excess and deficient blood and qi also interact with each other, for instance Liver Fire attacking the Spleen.

If one wishes to use a simplistic Five Elements view, then the imbalances can be seen to stem from Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency --> Kidney Water is imbalanced with Liver Wood --> Liver Blood fails to be nourished --> Yin deficiency fails to control Yang (in Kidney) --> causes Liver Fire excess. And so on and so forth.

However, this is not a logical, cause-and-effect diagnosis, Five Elements principle is about the relationship and the changes of the different elements. So poor Stomach and Spleen functions (with poor Lung function) fail to re-supplement the Kidney Essence.

In my experience, directly treating Kidney with herbs and/or acupuncture has limited efficacy. One gets more result by influencing the change in a different direction, and which directional change is optimal depends on the patients constitution. While one can use Five Elements as a basis, a more effective framework is to use Ten Heaven Branches and Twelve Earth Branches.

Orthodox Treatment

The patient reflects strong Fire attributes and has Double Earth Steam constitution. Instead of using a static interpretation of the Five Elements principle by looking at his symptoms and looking at which syndrome best matches, and then using the syndrome to find a matching herbal formula to restore balance, why not use the patient's innate ability to heal himself.

The patient exhibit symptoms of Heart Fire and Spleen Deficiency and can be treated with the principle of Strengthening the Spleen and Calming the Heart with Nourishing Qi and Blood, using a formula such as GuiPi Decoction 歸脾湯 or Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Nourishing the Middle and Increasing Qi Decoction) 補中益氣湯.

In TCM, there is the principle of

虛著補其母，實者洩其子。

nourishing the Mother when Deficient, draining the Child when in Excess [1].

Draining Heart Fire and Nourishing Spleen Qi Deficiency

Yet these herbal formulas do not have a lasting effect.

This treatment principle follows the orthodox TCM principles of the Five Zang's relationship with each other, and restoring the harmony of any relationship that is out of balance. I am speaking of the orthodox TCM Fundamentals, TCM Diagnosis, TCM Herbology and Formulation theory as taught in Chinese-language courses in TCM courses in China.

My use of "Orthodox" does not refer to the essence of Chinese Medicine in classical texts such as Huangdi Neijing and Shanghan Lun.

Return to Origin

On the contrary, I find contradictions in TCM textbooks when compared to classical texts. There is nothing wrong with modern TCM textbooks per se: they explain the various facets of TCM in an organized manner, serves as a reproducible and standardized training material that churns out tens of thousands of qualified TCM doctors every year. However, this approach of teaching TCM is sub-optimal, and is reflected by the (lack of) popularity and efficacy of Chinese medicine as opposed to modern medicine in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and mainland China.

If you are "Western educated" like myself, you will find that the standardized TCM textbooks are easy to understand, logical and melds seamlessly with biochemistry and modern medical science. On the other hand, by forcing a completely different way of thinking and philosophical system into modern Greco-Roman logic and rationality results in watered-down, two-dimensional and occasionally outright wrong concepts being taught to students.

Chinese medicine requires the mastery of Yin-Yang and Five Elements mastery. These are not descriptive theories, and to explain it using logical thinking, they focus on the relational aspect and juxtaposes opposing transformations.

Coming back to the patient case,

What are the forces/transformations we are working with?
How do we make changes based on the transformations to help the patient move towards the median/balance?

The first question is out of the scope of this blog, I recommend reading Treatise on Shanghan Lun 读过伤寒论 by Chen Botan [2] and a meticulously translated and one of the closest interpretation to the original text - Unschuld and Tessenow's translation of Huangdi Neijing [3].

Yin Yang Theory

Orthodox TCM has the concept of Eight Principles of Syndrome Deficiency 八綱辨證. A diagnosis is made based on the following 4 pairs

Interior-Exterior
Cold-Heat
Deficiency-Excess
Yin-Yang

Although we learn about Yin-Yang theory, we are probably taught to focus on the first three pairs and ignore the Yin-Yang pair, both in theory and in practice.

In my opinion, this approach takes away the crux of TCM principles. Yin-Yang IS the foundation of ZangFu theory, Six Channels (Shanghan Lun) theory, Six Qi, etc, and yes, even Eight Principles of Syndrome Deficiency itself.

In the patient's case, merely looking at the ZangFu symptom manifestations can make diagnosis tricky: Stomach Fire, Spleen Dampness and Qi Stagnation, Large Intestine and Gallbladder Damp Heat, Heart Fire Excess and Blood Deficiency, Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation and Blood Deficiency, Lung Yin Deficiency and Dampness, Urinary Bladder Qi Deficiency, Upper, Middle and Lower Jiao Qi Stagnation - almost a dictionary of everything that could go wrong.

Previous treatment sessions help curbed the immediate problems, yet in the long run it seems like a game of whack-a-mole - a few syndromes got addressed and new ones arises.

We are taught to identify the main complaint, or find the "root cause" of all the syndromes. Yet there is no long-lasting improvements.

Instead of jumping into Zangfu theory, let's look at it using the Yin-Yang principle. In Yi Jing (Book of Changes), we know that when the changes reaches an extreme (either Yin or Yang), it will revert to the mean. This is stated in Huangdi Neijing

「重陰必陽，重陽必陰」《黃帝內經素問·陰陽應象大論》

Extreme Yin must lead to Yang, extreme Yang must lead to Yin.

When we look at it from a Yin-Yang perspective, from a Full-Empty juxtaposition, the patient's Zang(s) are full. There is Turbidity in the Zang(s) hence Clear Essence / Qi / Spirit does not arise. All the deficiency symptoms need to be seen as "Fullness" in the sense of Turbidity, flush the Turbidity to allow the Clear to arise; seen another way, attack and drain the deficiency first.

Remove "Fullness" by draining/attacking the Mother's Qi and nourishing the Child's Blood

This can be done by methodically draining the fullness from each Zang, and utilizing the Mother-Child effects. We drain or attack the Mother's Qi / Yang and nourish the Child's Blood / Yin simultaneously.

The next article will go into detail of the treatment protocol and effects on the patient.

[1] Article with acupoints to use for Deficient or Excess cases in Mother-Child relationship http://www.360doc.com/content/23/1203/19/32712951_1106177125.shtml

[2] 读过伤寒论 ISBN 9787535950727 on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/%E8%AF%BB%E8%BF%87%E4%BC%A4%E5%AF%92%E8%AE%BA-%E7%AB%96%E6%8E%92%E7%89%88-%E5%A5%97%E8%A3%85%E5%85%B13%E5%86%8C/dp/7535950728

[3] Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen ISBN: 9780520266988 by Unschuld and Tessenow https://www.ucpress.edu/books/huang-di-nei-jing-su-wen/hardcover

Summary of Papers from 12th Shanghai International Symposium on Qigong Science, China

2025-04-07T01:07:00.003+08:00

Integrated Study and Prospect of Tradition Preserve One's Health Exercise of Respiratory Control

Traditional exercises such as Qigong, Taijiquan, Yoga etc is known to be beneficial for cardiovascular diseases and for lowering blood pressure. However, we find that there are 3 major problems that need to be rectified:

Distinguish between traditional cultural phenomena and medical science
To use modern research methods for scientific results, we need to combine basic research in the traditional arts with clinical practice
Design research on health preservation arts that strictly complies with evidence-based medicine, in order to produce convincing results

In the realm of Qigong practice, there is lack of clarity for "Psychological Regulation" （心理調節）and no way to truly control experimental conditions, hence the lack of convincing research results. Similarly, "Respiratory Regulation" （呼吸調節、調息）is a special trait of Qigong, if the public can generally accept and master this skill, we can proceed with effective experimentation. Therefore, in traditional arts, respiratory regulation is an important pathway to improve physiological states, achieve physiological, mental and physical balance, serving as one of the methods of principle research. For the past decade, this team has researched on traditional arts' respiratory regulation and clinical research, including these 6 research projects:

Research 1

Research Purpose: explore whether autonomous breathing regulation's effects on Heart Rate Variability affects the regulation of autonomic cardiovascular nerves, or whether through certain methods allow the autonomic nervous system's regulation of the cardiovascular system.

Am I Learning or Am I Training 我其實在培訓還是在學習？

2025-03-31T13:42:00.006+08:00

我在唸書當中發現有些同學的成績考得很好。對，在某個人群內都可以分高低，或許因為先天稟賦的利益，有些人真的比較聰明。但在同樣的教材，差不多同樣的文化背景，受到同一位老師的教授，同樣花長時間努力的複習，為什麼遊學同學成績那麼好，我和其他同學的成績較差呢？當我問了一位比較聰明同學的學習方式，就發現了她會提前看一篇教材，但重點就在於課後用習題練習。醫學逃避不了記憶事實，但是單單背書的效率很低，要輸出教材，想辦法讓自己了解才能掌握教材，比如說這個 YouTube頻道所分析的 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e06y0rZ1-Ws 唸書方式。

我還記得念中學的時候，媽媽送我到各種提高學業的課程，學習各種面對考試獲得更高的分數。這些技術可見有效。但我發現很久以後，大多數資料都還給老師了。而且雖然學習了很多【知識】，但在生活中套不上去。好像學習只是為了考試。

這也連接到我的工作經驗，常常在工作範圍遇到了問題，就尋找已存在的方案，用Google, StackOverlfow 等等找答案。如果找不到答案就卡著，要麼換一條套路去做，要麼借用其他方式勉強套上問題。另一方面我也發現為什麼有些軟件工程師能達到那麼高的境界，能夠解決特難得問題，或新奇問題，甚至經常發明新的軟件框架，新的算法。尤其是把我國的工程師比起美國的工程師，我發現其實我們的教育區別不多，而且我國的工程師技術水平也差不了那麼多。哪為什麼很少見到所謂的 10x 或 100x 工程師?

後來就發現了量大差異：

全面理解情形，而不是盡快解決面前的問題
不限制思路

我發現從小的教育係統已經把我鍛煉成【解答問題】的機械。我要把問題回答的對、快、標準。所以在狹窄、發展後的領域，我能高效率的解決問題。一旦遇到新奇問題就好像遇到障礙。在我回憶當中，工作上遇到的很多問題都能用計算機科學算法解決，我沒去用這些算法不是因為我忘了還是不懂，而是因為我只能會在狹窄的範圍上套的上去。後來我決定要改變我的思路，當我遇到問題的時候先不著急解決，反而去思考究竟官方要的是什麼？這是那一類似的軟件模式？已存在的軟件構架是否最有意義的構架嗎？然後再詳細的理解開發環境，前段、後端、軟件平台、甚至網絡和系統層。當我採取一個軟件包的時候不僅是讀了軟件概要，而深入探討為什麼製造者建立該軟件？究竟解決什麼現有軟件包解決不了的問題？看軟件文檔，讀軟件代碼，定下了思路才開始寫代碼。

回到我唸書的經驗，想到獲得好的成績是理所當然，我可以選擇死命背書，盡量多做習題，尤其是老師說考試一定會出現的問題。這是最直接，最有效的畢業方式。但很多時候我發現所謂的知識，當我遇到真實或者複雜的病案，還是一些特別的情況，我就套不上中醫理論了。另一方面，如果我遇到新的理論，不是很理解，繼續的翻【傷寒論】、【黃帝內經】等，或者看看中藥學、方劑學的書，多了解整體理論，就能相同了為什麼有此理論。當然能夠臨床用上去是最理想的學習方式。但是這個方法需要很長時間，要下很多苦工，在我們學習范圍上，是不可能掌握所有的學習材料。

最總問了自己：我究想要考一張紙照出來，還是想要掌握中醫學，但以為效率高的大夫？我要的是系統培訓還是好奇心激發的學習態度？

所以我每天都在調節培訓以及學習的平衡度。

Am I Learning or Am I Training

In the course of studying, I notice some classmates have much better results compared to others. This is in spite of having the same educational materials, teachers, similar cultural background, and putting in a lot of effort. So I decided to ask one of the smarter classmates, and she shared her technique: reviewing the material prior to the lecture, and more importantly working through questions after class. Sounds simple right? There are many educational material such as this YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e06y0rZ1-Ws that similarly emphasizes active learning.

I still recall when I was in primary and secondary school, my mother sent me to all sorts of courses to improve my studying skills, and of course to get excellent exam results. Those skills were, and are helpful. But I realize that after a long time, I have returned the materials to the teachers (i.e. forgotten). Additionally, most of my "knowledge" cannot be used in daily life. It's as though I studied for the sake of taking exams.

This is in relation to past my working experience. Whenever I faced a problem, I will immediately resort to Google and StackOverflow to find an answer. If I could not find an answer, I would either use another approach to solve the problem, or else use another solution to a somewhat similar problem to forcefully fit the problem to a solution. Over time, I realize that some software engineers often reach new heights in their capabilities, solving extremely hard problems, even inventing new software frameworks and algorithms. I can't help asking myself, why aren't other Malaysian software engineers and myself as good as these 10x or 100x engineers? The chasm is huge between my countrymen and women with American software engineers. Our software engineering and computer science education isn't much different from American education, and my peers here definitely has strong work ethics and very good programming skills - easily proven my many companies choosing to have their software development hub in Malaysia, and various contribution to open source projects by Malaysians.

Then I found out two large differences between these two groups:

Holistically understanding the problem domain, and not rushing into solving the problem
No restricting your way of thinking

I realized that the education that I experienced since young has trained me into a problem-solving machine. I am great at solving problems in narrow scopes or established domains in a correct, fast and accurate manner. But when I am faced with a novel problem, uh oh, that's a roadblock. When I look back to my previous work experience, I realize that there were many problems that could have been solved with known computer science algorithms. I didn't use those algorithms not because I had forgotten about them or I did not know about them, but it was a matter of only knowing how to use the algorithms in a specific way, and dare I say in academic settings only. So these days when faced with a software engineering problem, I will want to understand what the stakeholders hope to achieve. Does the problem domain matches with any known software patterns? Is the existing software framework the most appropriate one? Then I will seek to understand the deployment environment, the front-end and back-end requirements and restrictions, the software platform, and even the networking and operating system layer. When I choose to use a software package, I seek to understand what the software author seek to achieve. What unique problems does this software package solves that could not be solved by other older software packages? Instead of just skimming past the package description and selecting the most popular package, I would want to spend more time reading through the documentation, and sometimes even diving into the source code. I want to have clarity on what I am trying to solve or build, before I actually start on the how to build bit.

Coming back to my studying experience, I definitely want to have excellent results. I can choose to memorize the important facts and work on questions, especially those areas that the lecturer has earmarked to be likely to appear in exams. Now this is the most direct and effective approach to tackle this course. On the other hand, when I encounter a new theory that I don't really grasp, I can read through Shanghan Lun, or Huangdi Neijing, or read Herbal Medicine and TCM pharmacology books to better understand the new concept. Ideally the best learning experience is to apply the concepts to real world clinical experience. But this approach is time consuming, and requires a tremendous amount of effort, and for the courses that I go through, it is simply impossible to cover the entire syllabus.

Therefore I ask myself: am I going after a piece of certification, or do I really want to master Chinese Medicine and be an effective doctor? Do I want to be a well-trained medical practitioner, or do I want to study for the joy of understanding myself and the world, and motivated from curiosity and becoming a better person?

This is the struggle I face every day - to find a balance between these two.

TCM Qigong Research Areas

2025-03-21T23:38:00.002+08:00

TCM Traditional Qigong is linked with other research/scientific areas

Physiology and Metabolism Research

Focal Point: Impact of Qigong on Autonomic Nervous System as well as metabolic indicators.

Research Examples

2021 research published in Frontiers of Physiology shows that long term Taijiquan practice reduces sympathetic (nervous system) activity, increasing parasympathetic nervous activities (heart rate variability, HRV), reducing metabolic syndromes resulting from chronic stress (e.g. insulin resistance)
Research technique: combine wearable devices (e.g. Empatica E4) for real-time heart rate and galvanic skin response (electric conductivity)

Neural Plasticity and Brain Function

Research Breakthrough: How qigong affect's the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN)

Research Examples

In 2022, Beijing University uses fMRI proves that Baduanjin practitioners show increased functional connectivity during the brain's resting state, prefrontal cortex increases limbic system coordination. These are related to emotional regulation functions.
Technology used: Deep Learning MRI

Immune System Regulation and Epigenetics

New development: Qigong's impact on immune cell epigenesis (e.g. DNA methylation)

America's NIH research grant NCT03925311 shows that after 6 months of Qigong practice by breast cancer patients, CD4+ T cell's FOXP3 gene methylation level significantly reduced, resulting in immunosuppresion relief.
Methodology: Whole Gene Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) combined flow cytometry

Relationship between Biological Science and Energy Medicine

Controversy and Exploration: Exploring the physical aspects of Qigong's "External Qi"

Research Cases

Shanghai Jiao Tong University research team using S(QUID (Superconducting quantum interference) probing a Qigong master releasing Qi showing that there is an increase of low-frequency electromagnetic field (0.1-30Hz) by 10-100 times compared to a regular person. The frequency characteristics is similar to physiological rhythm.
Challenge: need to exclude environmental interference (for example: geomagnetic interference), there is some dispute on research reproducibility

Clinical Applications in Integrative Medicine

Empirical evidence direction: Qigong as auxillary treatment for cancer therapy and pain management.

Research Cases

MD Anderson Center's randomized control trial on combinatory radiotherapy and Qigong therapy can reduce Lung cancer patient's fatigue level (FACIT-F) by 40%, linked to IL-6 cytokine inflammation reduction
International co-operation: Sino-Italian cooperative project (e.g. Milan University and Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine) focus on using Qigong for fibromyalgia immunomodulation.

Exercise Biomechanics and AI Models

Integrative Technology: Maximizing Qigong practice using Motion Capture and Deep Learning

Research Cases

A Qinghua University research team developed AI Assessment of Taiji Movements system, using Kinect V4 to motion capture joint angles, using real-time LSTM Neural Network to give feedback on movement accuracy (inaccuracies of < 3°), increasing amateur Qigong practitioner's learning efficacy.

Psychological Neuroendocrinology

Cross-mechanism research: Using Qigong to regulate the HPA axis (Hypothalamus - Pituitary gland - Adrenal gland axis)

Research Cases

Oxford University's research shows that with 6 week's Qigong therapy intervention, the cortisol-circadian rhythm amplitude increase by 15%, with positive co-relation to Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), with the potential to fight depression.

Cutting Edge Trend and Research Direction

Crucial Points:

Qigong's "dosage" - standardization on the effect of Qigong practice frequency and duration on healing effects
Subjective experience: the feeling of Qi and the relationship with physical measurements
Combinatorial theory in Integrative Medicine: the connective between Qi and mitochondrial metabolism

Skill/Technology Harmonization:

Brain-like computing simulation for the neural dynamics of Qigong, quantum biology research on Qi as a basic unit

How to use VPN to more efficiently select classes in SHUTCM

2024-12-24T12:27:00.003+08:00

Use the university provided EasyConnect VPN to connect to the school network, because during the first few minutes of the course selection period, there are many people using the school's Wifi network, which results in slow or lagging connections, and you might miss out selecting courses with very limited spots.

How to Reset Your EasyConnect Password

1. Open up WeChat and search for this exact phrase: 上海中医药大学信息化办公室

Click on this result:

2. Select 关注 or Follow

3. Select 发信息 or Send Message

4. Under 信息服务/Messaging Services, select 统一认证密码找回/Password retrieval for Unified system

5. Fill in the following details

账号 / account number - your University ID
姓名 / full name
证件号 / official ID - Passport
找回方式 / retrieval method - 手机号 / mobile number
手机号 / phone number

Fill in the phone number and press 获取验证码

验证码 / verification code - the number you get in SMS in your phone, after pressing the 获取验证码 button above
确定 / Confirm

You should be able to reset your VPN / school access password.

Course Selection

2. Once you logged in, select我的选课/My Course Selection and then 选课/ Course Selection

3. In the course selection screen, leave the search parameters for Course ID or Course Name, because it will take too much time to go through each individual course!

Fill in the Captcha and select 搜索 / Search, and IMMEDIATELY select the courses you want.

Part 1 - TCM Course in Chinese is Difficult

2024-11-14T21:20:00.002+08:00

So, I have been studying Chinese Medicine at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM) for 3 months now, and I want to share my experience, with the hope that if you are in the similar situation as myself, you will not have to go through as much struggle as myself.

Here's why: I am on the brink of failing two of the most important subjects this semester: Anatomy and Chemistry Foundation.

Note: This is the first part of a three part series of article about studying Chinese Medicine in a Chinese language course.

Is It Worthwhile?

We will get there in a bit, but first, congratulations! You have taken a big step in your journey to be a Chinese Medicine doctor. And no matter what, it is going to be an experience that will enrich your life, and allow you to challenge yourself like you have never been challenged before. On top of that, you will acquire skills, knowledge and friendship that will lead you a long way to have a fulfilling vocation, and to help yourself as well as others heal. Even if you do not end up working in a hospital or have your own private practice.

Chinese Medicine is still regarded as "alternative medicine" all over the world. Even in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other places where Chinese Medicine is officially recognized as equivalent to Modern (Western) Medicine, Chinese Medicine practitioners get paid less in general, and are a lot less well-regarded compared to their peers. You already know this. Yet you decided to study Chinese Medicine. Never forget this intent and courage during your journey, because that is the strongest form of motivation for you to carry on and not quit. Because you know that logic, practicality or wealth are not your primary motivating factors. And you will succeed.

Chinese Medicine is Very Difficult

Yes, I may be stating the obvious here. Medical degrees are tough by default. More so when you study Chinese Medicine because most courses consist not just Chinese Medicine content, but also Modern Medicine. You already know it in the back of your mind, and you probably don't think much about it, because chances are you are an overachiever in your life. If you are like myself and you are curently switching from another profession or field fo study into Chinese Medicine, you are probably thinking to yourself, studying a Bachelor's course couldn't be that difficult, and it's just studying isn't it? You have gone through a lot of challenging situations, you might have survived a few crisis in your career and/or family, and surely coming to school and studying full time cannot be that hard right?

Please do yourself a favour and recognize don't blame yourself when you start struggling in your studies.

It's not you, it's the course itself.

But I Have Gone Through Tougher Challenges

Yes, you are one tough person. That is exactly what I thought too, I have done another Bachelor's before, I have worked in a country where I do not have proficiency in the local language. Been through intense situations and almost run into problems with China's Immigration and Public Security Bureau. Not to mention the usual money and survival problems. All these and more are hard problems, but remember that those knowledge and skills you gained are not directly transferable to studying Chinese Medicine.

You might even have a Bachelors in Medical Science, and qualified doctor. That does not make studying Chinese Medicine much easier. Don't give yourself reasons to doubt your own ability and attitude.

Right now, I am trying to accept the fact that the Chinese Medicine course I am taking is very difficult. I mean I look at classmates half my age, fresh out of high school. I have done high school before, I have completed Bachelors, and I have worked maybe as long as they are alive. So I should be able to dig deep, study hard and be at least as good as them right?

On top of that, I know that the Chinese Medicine course for international students is much easier than for the Chinese students. The course content and structure is practically similar, yet the exam is a lot easier - less exacting marking scheme, easier questions, and we are being tested in a more narrow scope. So I am already in a dumbed-down course and yet I am still failing? There must be something wrong with me right?

No, no, no, don't go down that downward spiral.

What I have stated above are factually true. But I did not consider the fact that I am not born in China, I did not go through the China education system, the 高考 university entrance exam, and even the way I study is almost completely different from a Chinese student. It is because I do not have 12-15 years of China education system's experience under my belt. It is okay to accept that studying Chinese Medicine in China is very difficult.

Chinese Language

Choosing to study Chinese medicine in a Chinese language course shows that you have confidence in your Chinese language ability. You might have passed HSK 4, heck you might even have scored very well in HSK 6. So your Chinese ability is almost-native right? I am sorry to disappoint you, but HSK has a different aim that Chinese language study in a Chinese school. HSK 6 simply shows that you are proficient in Chinese language in daily use, specifically living and working in China. Your Chinese language ability is probably equivalent to a Year 6 to Year 8 (junior high school) level. That is not including the skills to recite long passages and poems, ancient Chinese language, various styles of writing, and other Chinese literature abilities.

Specifically from my own experience, I am an ethnic Chinese and I grew up in a Chinese family. We use Mandarin to communicate, and I am immersed in many aspects of Chinese cultures. I thought, surely studying Chinese Medicine will be similar to other ethnic Chinese folks. I could not have been more wrong. I am English-educated, and I got my first degree from an Australian university. I have always communicated using English for the most part of my daily and professional life. I consume content primarily in English. Except for a few, narrow aspects in life, I think in English. So yes, I took the TOCFL exam in Taiwan (arguably harder than HSK), and I even achieved Band C1. Surely that means my Chinese is good enough to follow the lessons, read the textbooks and pass all the exams right?

Do you think in Chinese?

Turned out I struggled absorbing information in Chinese. Yes, I can understand what the teachers speak literally, and I can recognize most words in the textbooks. But my brain fail to internalize the information. They are all unrelated strands of Chinese facts, that I cannot understand in my own words.

Take for example, I understand the individual anatomical terms in Chinese, and I try to recite them, write them down, and go through quizzes, entirely in Chinese. The next day, I can barely remember 10% of the terms. Is it because my studying techniques are bad? Maybe. Yet I took steps to use different ways to remember. Techniques like using Memory Palaces, touching the relevant body parts when studying related anatomical terms, Mnemonics, Flashcards, watching Chinese anatomy videos, drawing anatomical diagrams. It all did not work. I simply cannot memorized the terms. I finally found a technique 6 weeks into the course, by writing down each anatomical term in Chinese and English. I will expand on my unorthodox technique in another post. But my point is, I asked for help from fellow students, looked for techniques online, and those worked well for people who think in Chinese, and it does not work because I think in English.

In the next post, I will share how best to prepare yourself for a Chinese language TCM course.

文章翻譯：網路爭論剖析

2024-10-07T12:53:00.011+08:00

其實社群媒體沒有毒性，而只不過大多數人還不了解遊戲規則

我在過去的六個月連續在網絡上跟他人辯論，也提高了我的辯論水平。我在Twitter上的辯論模式都是如此：

他們經常都給類似【哇，文明互動，難得！】，但對我來說這不罕見。甚
至我能經常達到這種狀態，而且我相信別人也能學習此辯論技術。

一般人有一種誤解，認為善意辯論只能在像LessWrong、HackerNews 的親密社群發生。但實際上我覺得每個網路上辯論者都擁有理智與真誠的辯論態度。若不是如此，也許您在用另外一套語言。

我們來看看兩個例子吧。

例子A

這就讓你想想：在一下唄諷刺的情況下，如何壤對方與你道歉？（在這個聯繫中我已經把【InGoodFaith】的回應屏蔽了）

https://x.com/DefenderOfBasic/status/1818091424744698262

有些不對的回應方式：

X 侮辱他們

* 這只能導致對方更生氣

X 告訴為什麼他們錯了

* （他們肯定不了解你所說的話因為他們在憤怒當中又被攻擊）

*（就算他們改變主意，他們也不會讓你知道他們已敗了）

X 告訴他們別無禮

*（沒人樂意的壤自己的語氣被調整，他們都會覺得自己說的有道理，因為1、他們發怒，2、你說的話就是他們發怒的原因。至少那就是他們對你的話得理解。）

以下是獲勝的步驟：

* 表明你真心想要了解他們，而不是攻擊他們

沒人曾經在受攻擊的情況下以改變自己的主意。反而但某個人覺得對方理解他們的時候他們願意改變自己的主意。重點不在於你理不理解他們，你需要證明給對方你真正的理解他們。

對，這需要你付出不少的精力。但如果你不願意付出這個代價，哪我覺得你不真誠的辯論。你的詞語就像一條棍，用對方不理解的字打他的頭。並且浪費了自己與他人的時間，也壤自己（誤解）認為別人愚蠢，不注重真相，等等。

這就是我以上交流時的回應：

sorry, I am too dumb to understand what "fortiori point" means! I think I'm just trying to understand the relationship of left/right towards Norway

I thought Norway = socialist policies = left-ist people aspire to it, but not republicans? right?

不好意思，我太笨了，無法理解什麼是"fortiori point"。其實我只不過想理解（美國）左派和右派與挪威的關係。
我以為挪威擁有社會主義政策，所以是（美國）做派思想人群的理想目標，但不是共和主義者（美國）的理想狀態，對吧？

我覺得【太笨了】那句助於他消氣，對他表示我不想打鬥，也許不需要這句。重點在於我表達我不明白的那點，並問他一個問題。我同事顯示了脆弱的一面，說明我的想法，再請他幫我糾正。

這種展現誠意的希望了解他是隱藏不了對方的。這就好像區塊鏈的【工作量證明】。僅僅說：

我真的想理解你的立場。你可以不用諷刺的語氣來解釋給我聽嗎？

因為對方聽到的是

你不允許如何跟我說話。你再重複說明你的易經說過的哪一點，但用我能理解的語言。還有，我不想告訴你我不理解的那部分，我要你自己去琢磨。

例子B

我呼籲任何遇到【惡意地爭論】著把爭論內容發給我，我能幫你分析，再幫你找個善良的方法。

KJ接受我的幫助。

https://x.com/KompendiumProj/status/1826776261353463824

這是我對他們整體溝通的分析：

axial age 發佈了反政府的言論，引用歐巴馬說的話

Where did all those billions supposed to be spent on EV charging stations go? I patiently await your response.

Obama: "The other side knows it's easier to play on people's fears and cynicism. They will tell you that government is inherently corrupt."

那些本應用於電動汽車充電站的數幾十億究竟去了哪裡？我那新等待你的回復。

歐巴馬：“另一方知道利用人們的恐懼感憤世嫉俗更容易。他們會告訴你政府天生腐敗。”

KJ 的回復

looks like grants have been going out! and round 2 is coming up! [link to source]

and not sure precisely the percentage that can be attributed to the CFI but there are certainly stations being built! [link to source 2]

(i patiently await ur response 😛)

政府撥款都發出去了！而且第二輪撥款也快要發出去！【連接到源】
不確定多少成分的充電站是來與CFI項目，但實際上都有建立充電站【連接到第二源】
（耐心地等待你的回復😛）

axial 的回復

How many built due to this program and at what cost? Press releases are cheap.

多少間充電站是於此項目而建，什麼成本呢？新聞稿不算數。

KJ 回復

ok so actually, it looks like NONE have been built due to this program yet, bc the first round of funding was only just announced...

but the plan is to fund 47 projects (~7500 chargers) using 623mil of the total 2.5bil

(avg 80k per charger)

啊，其實所有建立的充電站還沒通過此項目而建立，但第一批撥款才剛剛宣佈……
根據計劃將會為47項目（大概6700充電器）提供基金，總共25億使用6.53億
（平均8萬一個充電器）

axial 回復

this is why you're getting blocked

這就是我封閉你的原因

究竟出了什麼問題？

從KJ的角度看有點莫名其妙。KJ有禮又真誠，每當回復會貼上原文鏈接，而且也相對axial 提出的每一點回復。KJ 只能總結axial 這個人不注重真相。

這是個結對錯誤得總結。

若我們從axial 的角度而探討：

1. 他提的點針對歐巴馬的【稻草人】

a. 歐巴馬說，投民主黨，因為對方操縱你對於政府生成恐懼感！

b. KJ說，不、這不是操縱！而是正確的批評！

2. axial 的辯論點不在於恐懼感，而是表明從最好的角度看，(1)政府無能浪費了一大筆錢，最糟的角度看（2）惡心的任務通過此項目撥款而賺錢但是沒對社會付出任何貢獻。

3. KJ 跳進辯論中直接提供此項目的資金或計劃，沾沾自喜的說【耐心等待你的回復】

4. 這已經完全閃開重點。Axial 還耐心地解析：

a. 對，他們說這筆款本來對社會有益，但究竟達到了什麼好處呢？

b. 就算他們達到對社會的效益，但用了多少基本代價呢？真的需要領用那麼多金錢嗎？若通過私人管道會更省錢更有效率嗎？這些私人公司會不會在利用政府的項目而佔我們的便宜呢？

5. KJ 強調:

a. 堅持一定會多建立充電站，再補貼鏈接

b. 不承認此項目可能造成一些問題，有些公共項目無效，民主黨有可能利用花言巧語而向對方用【稻草人】這招。

此時axial打算封閉KJ, 因為他覺得KJ不誠實的辯論，也不看重真相。

更好的辦法

KJ 的問題在於他不理解對方的觀點就直接反駁，實際上不在爭論重點。我發現這是最普片的失敗方式。

在網路上辯論的第一個步驟是先理解對方。你必須驗證於對方確認你理解他的立場。比如，我會說：

“Where *did* those billions go? My understanding is a lot of it is going into building the initial infrastructure, so it’s slow going but we’ll see progress soon. Is that not true?”

那幾十億去了哪兒？知我所知大部分的基本向出事基礎設施透支，進度緩慢但我們將會看到發展。那不是這樣嗎？

你看，我們根本不知道axial 是否針對電動汽車和環境保護法規，或者他只是覺得政府執行不力。如果你對他的立場都不清楚，你怎樣能夠跟他辯論呢？

所以我們一開始就（1）問個問題，（2）明細的表達我們對此事的理解。第一點幫你理解對方，第二點表示你真正的希望能理解對方，把你的思想擺出來。你表示了你的思想，也顯示你願意被對方糾正。

而不是假裝扮演你願意改變主意。你所站上的立場是因為你覺得解決方案明晰，所以你不理解為什麼會有人反對你覺得對社會有利益的事情。

何必呢？

我曾經對人類深感絕望。曾經覺得，我“知道”人類懂得改善世界，不去做的原因只不過有些人很爛、很壞、惡心、愚蠢。

這不只是為難自己的生活，也是明確的假象。這不是造成世界無法改善的原因。當我跟所謂的惡心或令人討厭的人交流時我就發現了：

1. 其實有很好的理由能反對X方案

2. 很多人不明白X方案的利益，當別人解析給他們聽了他們願意改變主意

3. 其實X方案不良或無效。他們其實站在我的立場，也同樣地想解決問題，但他們懷疑X方案的利益。

別人經常問我，你為何耐心的對待網路上的巨魔與仇恨者？因為我不是為了他們而作，就是為了自己。我跟這些所謂卑鄙的任務共享同一個地球，他們的意見與行動多少都會影響我。選擇鼻炎閉嘴只不過傷害我自己。

當我越理解那些我討厭的東西或者我不理解的事情，我越發現其實大部分人都是善良，講理的人。其實我們不就是希望能把這世界改善給自己、家人和社會嗎？

讓我留給你這個提醒：

我從來沒在網路辯論敗過是因為我知道有金牌、銀牌、與銅牌
（1）說服他人
（2）讓他人理解你
（3）理解他人

我一直先追求（3）

原文：https://defenderofthebasic.substack.com/p/anatomy-of-an-internet-argument

Providence University Graduation Used Items For Sale May 2024

2024-05-24T00:49:00.018+08:00

The following items are for sale only on 2024/05/24 -05/25, on a first come first served basis.

以下的物品由『誰快誰強到』以銷售，只在 2024/05/24 與2024/05/25 這兩天賣掉。

照片 Photo	數量 Units	價錢 Price	原價 Original Price	備註 Description	賣了？ Sold?
	1	300	999	小米米家的USB風扇，用少過10次。能制動轉方向。 Xiaomi USB fan, used less than 10 times. Can oscilate and change direction	Available
	2	100	450	NITORI 挺大的存儲箱，可以疊起來，省空間又能裝進很多物品。 Large storage box that can fit a lot of things. Stackable, very efficient use of space.	Available
	2	500	1800	IKEA能移動的儲物托盤，下面有輪子，在小房間方便挪來挪去。 IKEA movable storage tray with wheels. Practical in small rooms.	Available
	1	10	99	家樂福買的衣架。 Clothes hanger bought from Carrefour.	Available
	1	50	399	IKEA 買的鞋架，已經清理消毒過。 Shoe rack from IKEA, already thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.	89
	1	50	399	好事多高品質的百米，省下6成。 High quality white rice from Costco, 60% left.	89
	1	100	699	家樂福買的電線，3米長。 Power cord from Carrefour, 3m long cable.	Available
3	1	1	90	93	89
	3	30	250+	NITORI買來的三個碗，全家買的湯匙。很新的狀態，沒用超過10次。 3 bowls bought from NITORI, spoon from Family Mart. In good condition, used less than 10 times.	89
	7	10	280	IKEA 的馬克杯和透明玻璃杯子，早上給自己沖一杯咖啡 ;-) IKEA mugs and small transparent glasses. Perfect for making a cup of coffee in the morning.	89
無	1	1	90	93	89
EMPTY	1	1	90	93	89
無	1	1	90	93	89
3	1	1	90	93	89
無	1	1	90	93	89
	1	1	90	93	89

還有…… More。。。

北港之道家文化交流

2024-05-23T23:48:00.000+08:00

我在臺灣過去的兩年，獲取最大的收入不是在台中或台北，而是在北港。表面上北港是一個小鎮，除了每年媽祖繞頸（進香）活動，一般人都不會過去北港玩。但如果你真正的探索北港的歷史以及文化，就會發現北港開基早於台南，而且這個小小的農業小鎮不單有大名鼎鼎的朝天宮，同時也有臥虎藏龍。

我第一次過去北港也是通過一位在武當山認識的朋友，當時情緒壓抑，覺得很久沒“見過”真武上帝，我的朋友就介紹我去北港參綠堂。當時只想拜拜，但是去到參錄堂就認識了該堂的堂主，自然依然的當成朋友。這次過去北港是我第三次過去，也是我離開台灣前的最後一趟了。

我原來是想再跟堂主多聊一次，同時把針灸手法傳給他，讓他試試看扎針，將來一定有機會幫到別人。而且去了北港兩趟，堂主不單對我分享寶貴的知識，還幫我解決生活裡的一個大難題，我也沒辦法答謝，希望我實踐獲取的經驗對他有意。

神明之事

之前在安排北港行程的時候，堂主邀請我週末在北港過夜，讓我參加法式。我本來只想看看，但因為堂主問我有什麼疑問，所以決定問兩個問題。也許堂主知道有些事我該說出來的？

我個人認為信仰是私人的事，更何況在目前的責怪他人文化下，我就不多說詳細的過程了。重點是法式辦完後我又一個重要的任務，可以說跟真武上帝結了更深的緣。

中醫治療演示

實話說，我沒想到在堂裡被呼籲治療別人。

中醫藥：嘗金花清感顆粒

2024-05-21T09:17:00.004+08:00

昨天我嘗了『金花清感顆粒』，目的就是為了嘗試不適合的藥對身體的反應。

成分：金銀花、石膏、密麻黃、炒苦杏仁、黃苓、連翹、浙貝母、知母、牛蒡子、青蒿、薄荷、甘草。

功能主治：疏風宣肺、清熱解毒。用於單純型感冒輕症。

用法、用量：一次1袋，一天3次。

規格：每袋裝5g

不良反應：可見噁心、嘔吐、腹瀉、胃部不適、燒心、納差等胃腸道不良反應。

我的體質最近有陰虛的症狀，偶爾出現肝鬱。最近忙著跨國搬家、考試和其他的私事，前兩天過去北港辦事情，熬夜睡眠不足、過度運動（走太多），疲勞乏力的情況。在陰虛加上耗神的情況下，本來適合的藥就是為滋陰養虛。

我一次過飲了4袋的藥。過了幾小時感覺頭有輕輕浮著，汗流的比一般多。過後快速徒步十多公里，運動當中冒汗特別多，身體比平常累的感覺。也許徒步屬於輕類運動，沒感覺吃了藥對運動功能降低。運動當中大量的流汗、感覺心跳更加快、口感、噁心、呃逆。吃藥之前本來頭的中部（百會穴那一帶）疼，吃了過後感覺疼痛移到頭的前部，眼球後部稍微痛、有高壓的感覺。無論是運動還是休息的狀態都會有點喘氣的感覺。

分析

首先讀者該注意：不要亂吃藥，『中醫藥就是草藥，草藥完全安全』是嚴重的錯誤。若您生病了，就去就醫。只能在醫療監督下嘗藥！

陰虛、肝鬱得滋陰養虛。反過來疏風宣肺就一定會傷到身體。心悸、大量冒汗、喘氣都是因為激動了上焦與肺臟。但我沒想到金花清感顆粒給我帶來一些好處。擠在拜會的內熱都疏通了一點，壓力往前挪到頭的前部，眼球後跟肝臟相聯。宣肺也恰好疏通我的上焦，尤其是我有點慢性喉嚨的感染。胃的逆氣也被藥疏通了。

可見吃錯中醫藥都有可能治愈某些症狀，這也是因為從現代醫學和科學思想的角度來看，中醫治療的方向和理論都是針對整體，藥物也是整體以及複雜。怪不得有些人覺得中醫治療效果還不如現代醫學，因為就算中醫師的八鋼辨證不准確，很大可能他的中醫治療方式照樣有點效果。

希望這個經驗是給自己鼓勵，一定要掌握好陰陽五行理論，才會當個好醫師。

知識與智慧

2023-04-30T02:15:00.003+08:00

知識與智慧，能怎樣分別呢？首先我寫這篇文章不是在表示讀者您沒有智慧，而是在分享本人的經驗。

你有智慧嗎？

什麼是智慧？當今各種各樣的書本、哲學道理、思想、課程、甚至宗教與各種門派的大師都說宣稱自己知道什麼是『智慧』。哪什麼是智慧呢？是不是從數目變成數據，再下一步把數據整理變成信息，然後把一堆信息整合起來變成知識，最後達到最深的階段就是智慧了？或者智慧跟信息或知識無關，卻是一種神秘的能力，只能通過別人傳給你？柳某沒有這個本事回答這個問題，而我對智慧的看法就是能給自己生活的意義的答案。

你還記得小時候覺得大人什麼都懂，沒有任何事情不知道得，如神一樣的才能？當我們再長大的當中，通過家人、教師等的教導是鄙視認為通過讀書，長大後上班工作就會得到智慧了？或者是覺得通過人生風浪的歲月就自然的得到智慧了？有些人，包裹我自己，也會認為通過課程、唸書、不斷的去深入思考就能得到智慧了。也有人認為只能通過宗教才能得到智慧。

通過自己的人生經驗，歷經過不少的絕境，我發現最求智慧沒有一定的路的。有些人的思考能力超強，靠分析經書就能突破新的境界。我也遇過不少人十分誠心，與宗教知道發揮智慧。當然智慧是通用的，所以西方也其它文化都有自己的智慧之道。無論哪種方法，我覺得必須有信仰才能得到智慧。再次提醒大家，所謂的信仰包裹多元文化，不只是華社認為是宗教的信仰而已。

到回來我自己的經驗，智慧能讓我領悟到生活中真正的事實，能夠完全理解生活的意義。從另外一個角度來說，智慧能讓我醒起來，能感悟到真相，也不再迷糊的活下去。說道我人生之道：

真心，自在。

我個人沒有那種天分能後自己領悟到人生之意，且靠其他老師指導，把古人領會到的智慧傳接給我。我起初認為教學的過程當中，是老師的責任把知識叫給學生，所以學學不到味老師需要多下苦工讓學生明白。在這種自以為是的狀態中，我還覺得我的教導能力比我的老師更加厲害，因為我有耐心用各種辦法把新同學教到懂為止。而我的老師只是解析幾次，展現一下技術，就讓我們學生們自己反复的練習了。

拿我學習無極拳來說，我師兄或老師會展示招術給我看，解析一下每個動作的實際用法，然後就不多說了。也不會分享他們是怎樣達到如今的能力，學習當中一步一步的解開來分析。練習時如果遇到什麼問題是可以問老師，老師也不會不回答。練錯什麼動作老師都會改正。就是不知道怎樣能夠達到老師的能力。我知道基本的練功道理，也知道什麼是標準的招術，但怎樣練也練不出來標準的動作。甚至練了一兩年也覺得沒什麼效果，到我開始懷疑是不是師父或師兄沒教的好。

一直到有一次遇到我其中一個師兄時，他指點我應該怎樣練，把詳細的細節解析給我聽。我興奮的根據師兄的方法去練，想不到幾個月後發現自己突破了一個境界。那是不是表示我最初的懷疑是正確的，師父沒好好的教我，讓我浪費了這麼多時間？可不是這樣子。譬如說你有機會從文森特梵高學習畫畫，他只教你模仿他的圖畫。你想想看，就算你學的非常好，最終也只不過能夠畫成『像梵高的圖畫』的程度，不可能超過他的能力，也失去了你自己的潛力。我也同樣的發現雖然那位師兄給我一個捷徑，但是我這樣練下去也永遠不能達到師父的本領。當然我也不怪我的師兄，他是一顆好心的動力幫我進步，我也只能加多被努力的讓自己突破下一個境界。

我這個經歷展示到『知識』與『智慧』的區別了。

COVID-19: Higher Death Rates for Vaccinated People?

2021-11-24T19:03:00.007+08:00

I have been refraining from writing about COVID. Some of us are suffering greatly from the pandemic and might have lost loved ones. At the same time, there is a deluge of disinformation and heavily opinionated information floating around, and I notice more and more people in my social circles are more polarised.

Vaccine Lowers or Heightens Death Rate?

I am only writing because official statistics are are excellent primary information sources, yet they could be confusing. If you have taken the vaccine, and expect the vaccine to lower COVID death rates, you might be surprised by a graph such as this:

Source: https://covidnow.moh.gov.my/deaths/

See the dark green line representing Fully Vaccinated overtaking the grey line representing Unvaccinated? At first glance it looks weird to me too - does it mean those of us who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 is more likely to die from it compared to someone who is unvaccinated?

Well yes, assuming that there are same number of people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated.

Image source: https://ourworldindata.org/covid-deaths-by-vaccination

A Lot More Vaccinated People

That is a false assumption. There are a lot more people who are vaccinated now, than unvaccinated people.

Image source: https://ourworldindata.org/covid-deaths-by-vaccination

In this example, the death rate for unvaccinated people is 50%, and the death rate for vaccinated people is 10%. Another way to put it is you are 5x more likely to die from COVID if you are unvaccinated.

This article https://ourworldindata.org/covid-deaths-by-vaccination explains very well that the base rate does not explain the difference in death rate, and creates graphs of death rate differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID patients. In the countries shown, the difference in death rate often goes up to 10x or more.

Coming back to Malaysia, we have a very high rate of vaccination, 77% at the time of this article and climbing.

Source: https://covidnow.moh.gov.my/vaccinations/

So it should not come as a surprise that COVID deaths from vaccinated people keeps rising - because most of us are vaccinated.

Even with a high vaccination rate, it is comforting to know that the death rate for fully and partially vaccinated patients are still lower than unvaccinated patients.

Source: https://covidnow.moh.gov.my/deaths/

It's an interesting lesson for me to look past the surface graphs and to try to better understand the actual impact of COVID vaccination in Malaysia, and hopefully helpful to you too.

100 days

2021-02-08T17:52:00.005+08:00

No matter what kind of martial arts of cultivation method, persistence is key. One of the reasons I could not progress much in Wujiquan is the lack of consistent, daily practice. There are 3 components for Wujiquan training: neigong or standing meditation, forms and push hands. Progression comes with daily practice, especially with neigong.

I am re-reading The Secret of Golden Flowers. The author emphasized:

Only after a hundred days of concentrated work is the light real; only then is it the fire of spirit. After a hundred days, the light is spontaneous: a point of true positive energy suddenly produces a pearl, just as an embryo forms from the intercourse of a man and a woman. Then you should attend it calmly and quietly.
The turning around of the light is the "firing process.”

With determination and focused practice in a relax manner, practicing in the way that your teacher taught you, one is bound to have progress within 100 days.

100 days is not that long; we simply need to be persistent for one Season. Yet unplanned events happens. We fall sick, we feel bored, we get distracted. The key is not giving up.

My teacher shared from his own experience that sometimes on the verge of breakthrough, he felt discouraged and on the verge of giving up. It is that moment that makes or breaks the cultivator. Often progress comes right after the frustrating period.

Accepting Non-Ideal Condition

There are times when we could not physically contiunue training. We might be seriously ill, major life events such as a loved one getting sick or injured, and other mundane responsibilities.

Throughout 2020, I tried very hard to not miss any training days. Work got very hectic and there were days and nights where I barely slept. In those situation, there is no time for training. Not unless I want to ignore my professional responsibilities and negatively impact other people’s lives. Because of that, my progress was slow. I remember the frustration and anger I felt towards myself when I last met my master and he said my lack of progress was due to inconsistent training.

Sometimes we have to accept the situation we are in, and be conscious about our choices.
I am learning to forgive myself, and to be less demanding from myself.

The path of cultivation is simple but difficult. The difficulties lies in staying in the middle path. Being disciplined and persistent, but not going overboard and being harsh to yourself when you cannot meet your own expectations.

I am still learning - to have a general direction I am moving towards and have less expectation on how I get there.

100 days

Coming back to persistence and continuous practice, whilst we face many challenges and differences in life, if we sincerely want to progress, the only way is to make time and never give up.

Ajahn Kalyano - Bodhivana Monastery

What is your Path?

2021-01-23T03:34:00.000+08:00

2020 was a watershed year. The covid pandemic wrought untold changes that will play out for decades. I know it has not been easy for a lot of you. Surprisingly for myself, the past year and a half has been fruitful.

I was fortunate to meet someone who share the same values as myself and who deeply appreciates me for who I am. That has been a big help to see the good in myself, and to help me learn to love myself more. Through another fortunate coincidence, we share our lives through a complete cycle of the seasons with Xuanwu. Deep inside, I feel that there is a deep karmic bond with Xuanwu; between the three of us. This period of time is best describe as the longest, deepest nights interspersed with brilliant, ephemereal days.

Xuanwu hugging Irina

There were challenges with my work visa, work, with relationships, money. In short, life is never easy in Beijing as a foreigner, especially if you are not an expatriate. Despite all the challenges, I have never felt as settled as I am now.

Leap of Faith

A brief walk through my background: I come from a solidly middle-class Malaysian family. As with typical ethnic-Chinese families, my family members are hard working, honest, kind and on top of that high-achievers. My parents sacrificed a lot to send my brother and I overseas to obtain Western education and experience. I return to Malaysia with a good university degree, worked at one of the best multinational company in the world and was in a relationship with an amazing person. Career progression, car, house and marriage follows.

A typical, if not a picture-perfect Southeast Asian middle class life.

From the outside, it looks as though I made a 180 degrees turn in my life. Throwing away a bright future, a stable life in an amazing country for... martial arts? Spiritual cultivation?

To infinity and beyond!

Who Am I

Who am I? Is that not a question we often ask ourselves? Why are we here on Earth? Surely it is more than making a living, surviving, pro-creating and living the cocoon of a family?

Occasionally we come across people who are full of life. They live every day filled with joy and zest. There is purpose to their job or calling. They seemed to be very sure of the meaning of life. At least their own life.

Do you ever wonder?

I don't.

Because I know from a young age what I want. What I need to do. There is an inexorable pull to martial arts and spiritual cultivation. I recall clearly when I was in the intellectually inquisitive phase of life, and explored the various religions and faiths. The path that speaks out most loudly to me is Buddhism, yet the Daodejing is the book that makes most sense to me.

As the autumn leaves shed and pile up on the ground, so too societal expectations snuff out the flames of truth and determination. The more achievements I have, the emptier is my heart. So deep are the layers of desires and expectation that nary a flicker of ember remain. Thus with a perfect life on the outside, I am depressed and unfeeling in the inside.

When the tides go out to its lowest ebb, it will naturally rise again. With fortune I have met a martial artist at work who graciously shared all that he knows. Unknowingly a seed is planted, biding its time to bloom. There came a day when I asked myself what is it I want in my life, and demanded only an honest answer. The answer was: martial arts and spiritual cultivation.

Don't Look At the Road, Walk the Path

What do I mean by martial arts and spiritual cultivation? Do I want to win martial arts championships? Be the strongest fighter in Malaysia, in Asia or in the world? Do I want to be a guru or an enlightened being?

I don't know.

Even today there is no exact answer.

I know that salvation and happiness is through martial arts and spiritual cultivation. That is my Dao, my path.

When I am sincere in seeking the Dao, doors naturally open. Many teachers and friends has helped me along. Someday I will be fortunate enough to show others along too.

I wanted to go to Wudang Mountains, live in a Daoist martial arts school for a year and train intensively. Initially I planned to master as many techniques as I can; keep training over the years and someday open a martial arts school in Malaysia.

During my stay I realized I cannot get what I seek at Wudang. In a chain of coincidences, I came to know my teacher in Beijing. To continue learning, I need to have a long-term visa and a stable life.

“First establish a firm foothold in daily activities within society. Only then can you cultivate reality and understand essence.” -Secret of the Golden Flower

That is how I am where I am now - a software engineering in Beijing who is trying to squeeze in as much martial arts practice and spiritual cultivation as possible.

If you ask me just 5 years ago if I will work long term in Beijing, I would have said it is more likely for me to be working long-term in, say, Reykjavik or Gaborone.

Do I have plans for the next year, the next 5 years and 10 years? Yes, of course. But I am not going to sweat it if circumstances changes, whether it be disaster or opportunities. Whatever the case, I will still be striving to train martial arts and spiritual cultivation.

Me, demonstrating Instagram filters

What Is The Right Religion

Let's go back to the point in life where I had a strong conviction, an almost unshakeable faith. In the winter of May 2003, I was feeling stressed out with my studies. I have always been curious about meditation but never officially learn any meditation techniques. Some random Googling brought me to the Goenka tradition of meditation. It was an amazing experience; after the 10 days of intensive meditation, I felt like I manage to chisel a small crack in the wall of defilements and experience just the tiniest bit of light. And that was sufficient to keep me going for the rest of my life.

From then onwards, I have been practicing anapana, vipasanna and metta. What the Buddha taught to let go of suffering.

Back in Malaysia, I struggled and did not practice much. Those days were filled with misery. With one of the few escapes being talking to my close friend and complaining about life. One thing he said stuck with me; even if I do not have the chance to further my practice and learn from a wise teacher, I can still undertake the five precepts. Even since then, I have tried to avoid breaking the 5 precepts.

On the other hand, I am not comfortable with the religious and cultural aspects of Buddhism. Buddhist temples of different traditions abound in Malaysia, yet those who are keen to practice what the Buddha taught are few. It's like teenager and sex; everyone is talking about it, but no one is actually doing it.

Clearly dressed up like a Buddhist

Dao and Dhamma

Skipping forward to my days in Wudang, I was practicing Wudang martial arts, with clear connections to Daoism. I knew that if I really wanted to gain deeper insights into the arts, I need to understand the essence of Daoist cultivation.

And I got myself to a crossroad: do I continue with Buddhist cultivation, or do I switch to Daoist cultivation?

This is a contradiction that I still have today. I am not going to pretend and write those feel-good things like "all paths lead to the same destination", "religions are different in the surface only". Because that is simply untrue.

What I understand at this point of time is imagine cultivation as a journey to the peak of the mountain. Climbing up from one route is akin to a religion, another route is another religion. Does it make sense to say, "I want to climb up Everest from the South face today, and the North face tomorrow?"

Goenka explained it better with his simile of digging a well. If you dig a well and do not find water, it is ok to move to another spot and try again. Yet if you only dig 5 feet at every spot, you will never be able to reach any water source.

My path is inexorably linked with both paths. Instead of questioning it, I have embraced the juxtaposition. I train Wujiquan a lot, which is a Daoist art. Applying concepts from Satthipatthana sutta helps me to clear blockages. Likewise when I am not getting anywhere with anapana and vipassana, The Secret of the Golden Flower clears off some doubts and inspires my spirit.

Whichever path one chooses, the key is to have a good teacher.

Pizza exemplifies the Dharma wheel and Taiji perfectly

How to Progress

Let me re-share the lessons my teacher said about progressing in practice

Building up a habit
Less is more - regular habit
Small goals with continuous progress (from rough movement to details)

Consistency is key. I will post about 100-days next.

Fear of Loneliness

2019-09-10T13:09:00.001+08:00

I had a vivid dream of finding myself with an hour left in my life and not having anyone to share the last hour with. Friends simply want to go on with their regular life and I am left feeling alone in my last hour of existence. What gives birth to this strong feeling of loneliness?

Feeling of Loneliness

Humans are social animals, but that should not preclude the joys of solitude and alone time for introspection. As functioning, independent adults, why do we fear being left alone? A couple of years in my career, I remember having a mamak session with friends. Typical Friday night for a lot of Malaysians. As usual, we talk about our dumb bosses, workplace idiocy and current events. But I had the distinct feeling that we weren't there because of a specific reason. We were there to stall time. To fill in the endless hours, before we had to do the grown up chores again - going to work, paying bills, buying groceries, keeping the family in order.

We were there to be accepted. To commiserate with each other. To say nice things to make each other feel good, rather than to face reality. We did not have the courage to share our pain, our worries and our struggles. We did not have dreams born of wisdom and compassion worth fighting for. We thought what we did was "right". Being responsible and productive members of the society. Contributing to the organization we were in, paying taxes, providing financial support to our families.

If we were doing what we truly wanted to do in life, why then the loneliness and emptiness?

What causes the feeling of loneliness?

We want to be accepted. To be liked and loved. To be respected. For others to praise us as a good person. Better yet for others to look upon us with awe. Some of us who stay humble, who hold our peace, are addicted to the high we feel when someone else praise our humility. We act not from pure, selfless intention flowing naturally from our hearts. But from being told how to act since we are young, and being given the constant positive feedback from the people around us. Are we still real, or an image crafted to perfection?

We are lonely because we seek human connection. Yet that is only scratching the surface. What do we want from those human connections? Do we act to empower others, to help others free themselves from their own suffering? Do we truly love others unconditionally as a mother would love her child?

Because if we are not, then the love is conditioned. The acts of kindness is a camouflaged transaction.

We are being nice because we want praise.

What is Loneliness?

Why do we want praise and acceptance? Why do we crave to be liked? What is there to be liked about "you"? When we can still our mind enough, we will realize there is a powerful motivating factor that leads to all our daily thoughts, speech and actions.

That is our ego.

Deep inside, we have this all-powerful mental construct of "I", or "self". This "self" is always insecure because of the myriad things in the world that is not under its control. Even its own existence is constantly threaten: that "we" think in terms of and seek to live in a continuously blissful life. Yet nature dictates that we fall sick, we grow old and we eventually die. Every one of us, deep inside, we are struggling against existence.

We can only experience fleeting escapes from reality by convening with like-minded people, to try to seek pleasure in the moment and stall the inevitable for as long as possible.

That is why we feel bored. That is why we become lonely.

Despite us being complete, wholesome people who can experience the simple joy of life whether in company with others, or alone.

Health Benefits of Sweating Out During Summer

2019-07-25T03:56:00.003+08:00

It's mid-summer in Beijing and the hottest days of the year is here. We sometimes experience 40C+ temperatures - definitely hotter than Malaysia. We often hide indoors to escape the summer heat - and for those who can afford it, take a vacation to a place with a cooler climate.

However, sweating out during summer is beneficial to our health. I am translating this article titled "Summer Sweat is Worth Its Weight in Gold" from Chinese - text at the end.

Summer Sweat Is Gold

We have arrived at the 3 periods of mid-summer - early summer (mid-July), middle summer (late-July to early-August) and late summer (mid-August). Everyone is complaining about the heat and want to escape summer. But let me remind everyone, summer is not merely avoiding the heat, summer sweat is worth gold.

Why is it so? The word Summer (暑) consist of two Sun words on top and below, and in the middle is Earth. In the Five Elements / Five Energies theory, Fire gives birth to Earth. There is a saying, "A right-handed turn is the way of heaven." The word Summer refers to a special period and condition in natural laws and its impact to all living beings: it is the most important growth period for animals and plants throughout the year. The blistering summer heat is the necessary condition for the renewal and growth of heart tissues. To reject the summer heat is to deny natural growth.

Don't worry if you do not understand. The Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor explains that during Summer, everything naturally emanate upward and outward. The illnesses in our body, the diseases in our bone marrow surfaces, they lose their foundation. But if you use air conditioner your pores will close up. The diseases leave the bone marrow but cannot be expelled from the body and will be wandering outside of the bones and within the skin. Therefore you will feel ache and discomfort from the top of your head to your toes and miserable all the time - can't sit well and can't sleep well.

If you do not experience the summer heat and sweat it out, it will soon be cold during Autumn and Winter. And you are planting the roots for thrombosis, stroke, dementia and other hematoma related illnesses. Because Summer is the period of growth for all living things, avoiding Summer heat is going against the natural way.

So what should we do? Open up the pores! Expel the acidic (harmful) sweat and fluids from the body. Eliminate the poisonous Qi and odour from your body. During the Summer period, avoid any raw or cold food, exercise appropriately, sweat out more often and discharge the extraneous moistness from the body. That is the most effective way to cultivate your health.

These are the Summer periods for 2019

Initial Summer：13th July - 22nd July
Mid Summer：23rd July - 1st August
Late Mid Summer: 2nd August - 11th August
End Summer：12th August - 21st August

In these 38 days, avoid iced and cold drinks and food because they will cause cold Qi to enter your body and fail to be removed. As a result you will be afraid of the cold during Winter. Failing to take care of your body during the Summer period will cause coldness in your feet. Think of ways to eliminate the cold Qi from your body. Please persevere and avoid cold drinks, drink ginger and jujube tea and warm water. That will help to expel the cold Qi that has accumulated in your body for years.

Summer period only comes once a year, so cherish it! Have hot water foot bath daily, massage your meridians and try to sleep at fixed hours and avoid staying up late. Cherish these limited 38 days. Let yourself, your friends and family be healthy always.

Original Chinese Text

进入三伏天了，大家都在说：热啊热啊热啊！避暑避暑避暑啊！……但我想提醒大家：暑天不避暑，暑汗赛黄金。怎么讲呢？
“暑”字上下两“日”，中间为“土”，火能生土；一撇右旋，实乃天道。“暑”字诠释了自然界一段特殊的时空状态，乃至它
看不明白的别急，《黄帝内经》讲了个道理，到夏天的时候万物是向上向外发散，人体内的病、骨髓里的病都浮上来了，它失去了根基，但如果你吹着空调，毛孔关闭，病走出了骨髓，却不能排出身体，就会在骨之外、皮之内游荡，所以感觉浑身那么酸、那么难受，坐不好，躺不下。
所以，夏不炎热，不出透汗，秋冬必然寒凉，为今后的血栓、中风、痴呆等一系列瘀阻之证埋下祸根。因为暑期是万物生长的季节，避暑是逆“天”而行。
怎么办？把毛孔打开！使酸性的汗液走出去，使身上的毒气和味道散发出去。
三伏天请远离一切生冷寒凉，适当运动，，把汗出透，把湿气排出，才是最重要的养生事项。今年三伏时间表

初    伏：7月13日-7月22日
中    伏：7月23日-8月 1日
闰中伏 : 8月 2日-8月11日
末    伏：8月12日-8月21日
         38天时间请您不要喝冰镇一类的水饮料和食物，会使寒气入侵不能排出，冬天之所以怕冷、脚凉都是三伏天不注意导致，要想使体内的寒气排出，请坚持在伏天喝热水，姜枣茶，常温水，会把体内多少年深入骨隨的寒气逼出来。
         一年一度的伏天请您珍惜！（温暖传递）每天热水泡脚，经络按摩、尽量按时睡觉，不熬夜！珍惜这短短38天。让自己的身边人，自己关心的和关心自己的人身体健康！
对生物的影响：暑期是动植物生长一年之中的最重要时段，暑期的炎热是人身心细胞生长更替的必要条件，排斥炎热即是否定生长。

The Lesser Known Beach in Northern Selangor

2019-05-12T22:44:00.002+08:00

Beach and Selangor do not go well together, do they? If you live in the Klang Valley, I bet you would be hard pressed to name a beach in Selangor. The Morib beach used to be a popular destination, say, 50 years ago. When I was growing up, Morib was already infamous for being dirty, and other more nefarious reasons.

But there is actually a beach along the coastal route from Klang to Kuala Selangor.

Jeram

The last time I visited Jeram was more than 10 years ago. The only memory I had is some stretch of land with some sand, that looks muddy, and was surrounded by tall weeds. If I remember correctly, I did not even bother to work along the water line.

So it came as a surprised when I revisit Jeram again that there is a long stretch of sandy beach. Sure, it is nothing like the beautiful beaches in Pulau Redang or Langkawi. But a beach is a beach!

Made a new friend

The local government has done a greab job clearing up the sea facing land and extending the stretch of beach. As hot as it is during the early afternoon, there are families who were having picnics and hanging out at the beach. A view that gladdens my heart.

Having frequented Port Dickson beaches, I rarely see locals taking advantage of the beaches right at their door step. Most of the beach goers and swimmers are either from another town or are foreigners. For a beach that is just over an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, I am surprised to not see more locals coming here.

Another pleasant surprise at Jeram: Chinese families hanging out here. I was starting to think that ethnic Chinese have a fatal allergy to the sea. Finding a local Chinese in Port Dickson or Morib is almost as rare as seeing a unicorn. Is it because the sand is not white and smooth enough? The water not clear enough?

What shall we call them, sea kittens?

Cats and seas do not go well together. Hence I was surprised to see so many cats around. They seemed to be taken care off. Some kind-hearted soul left some kibbles and clean water for the cats. Pretty sure those are left by the Malay traders.

Another cuddly target

Seafood Market

Across the road from the parking bay is a mini wet market. Yet another excellent effort by the local government in creating business opportunities for the locals.

Get your fresh seafood here

I just realized from the photo above that the beach is called Pantai Remis. Besides the wet market, there is a restaurant that operates at night.

Seafood!

Do check out the seafood. They are not only fresh but cheap as well. 3 packs of lala is only MYR 10.00 (USD 2.50), and the shells are removed for you.

Monkeys Galore

2019-05-12T21:48:00.002+08:00

Hot days is back in Malaysia. I needed to escape the heat and to find a quiet place to get some work done.

Real good Bah Kut Teh at Under-the-Bridge restaurant

After a sumptuous brunch at Seng Huat Bah Kut Teh, better known as Under-the-Bridge Bah Kut Teh, I went for a lazy drive to Kuala Selangor, including a stop at Jeram beach. With the 3rd Klang bridge, improved roads and less traffic during the month of Ramadan, one can drive from Klang to Kuala Selangor in as little as 50 minutes.

First stop: a cafe. I was driving around the area with newer shop lots and could not find a cosy cafe. Surprisingly there are two cafes right at the foot hill of Bukit Malawati. Ice Station Cafe it is.

How about some fruits because fruits are healthy?

They have a good selection of fruit ice shakes and Western food. But I opted for something "healthy" instead 😛Just the place for me to do some research and work on a proposal on a hot Sunday afternoon.

Bukit Malawati

I've always shared all the beautiful places in Malaysia with local and foreign friends. It's such a shame that the natural beauty is right there, yet most of us spend an inordinate amount of time chasing for abstract concepts such as success, productivity, acceptance and adulation. Given a chance, I would love to travel everywhere in the world. But at the same time, why not take in the natural beauty that is all around?

Bukit Malawati is the landmark in Kuala Selangor. The name Kuala Selangor is self-descriptive. Kuala usually means the river mouth, or down river. Rivers are the lifeblood of Malay kingdoms of yonder. Besides providing transport and irrigation, the royal family can exert control over the local populations and traders. The royal palace is almost always built on a hill overlooking the river, close to the river mouth or between the confluences of two important rivers. The Perak royal town of Kuala Kangsar is an excellent example: the palace is built on the hill top overlooking the confluence of the Kangsar and Perak rivers. Likewise, Bukit Malawati is the birth place of the Selangor sultanate.

Early in the history of the sultanate, Sultan Ibrahim, the second Sultan of Selangor built a fort on top of Bukit Malawati to secure the kingdom. By then, the seafaring European powers such as the Portuguese, British and the Dutch has extended their influence and dominion over this region. There were a couple of wars between the Selangor sultanate and the Dutch forces in the late 1700s, and the fort was eventually destroyed in the 1871 after a British attack. While the Selangor sultanate relocated to Klang, parts of the fort remained standing until today.

When the British took control of Selangor, Bukit Malawati is used as the district's administrative capital. In present times, the district officer's official residence is located on top of Bukit Melawati, overlooking the Straits of Malacca. It is also a popular tourist destination. On most evenings, the tram (adult MYR 3.00, child MYR 2.00) that loop around the hill is almost always full. You can even drive up there after the trams' service has terminated around 6.30 PM. That route of around 2.5 KM is great to train uphill running. Rush up the hill to the peak, and take in the coastal view. The meandering road leading downwards will pass by the remnants of the fort and the royal mausoleum.

Silvered Leaf Monkey

Ah, but you are not here to read all about the history of Kuala Selangor, are you? What's unique with Bukit Malawati is the massive population of monkeys. As I write this article, I just realized that there are 10 unique species of monkeys in Malaysia. The most common brown monkeys are actually macaques. While foreigners think they are cute, we locals know better. They are a nuisance, they are aggressive and sometimes charge towards humans. They don't deserve more words here, and sorry, no photo for you.

The silvered leaf monkey though, they are charming creatures.

Hey humans, come sit with me, will ya?

They are gentle, herbivorous cousins of the macaques. They are always in a relaxed, languorous pose. Looking at them, one cannot help reflecting, what's the rush in life? Be in the present moment and chill out, dude.

Did you know that Cristiano Ronaldo copied my hairstyle?

Now they are chill as duck. Maybe it's the leaf they eat? Perhaps when we are not looking they carefully smoke them? Whatever the case, they never fight amongst themselves, they respond coolly to humans. But please, please, please leave them alone. I know they look all soft and cuddly, but they hate being petted or touched. Just imagine you are in the African Savannah, surrounded by a herd of elephants, and the elephants start nudging you around with their trunk. Not that fun anymore is it? Especially knowing the other guy is 10 times as large as you and can crush you anytime.

And I don't want the world to see me, 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

Do you know that these cool folks also moonlight as punk rockers when the sun goes down? Yep, no way they can hide it with their hairstyle. Although these folks look similar to the silvery lutung, they are unique enough that primatalogists categorize them as a unique species. Better learn their cool name now: Trachypithecus selangorensis.

During my last road trip, I saw a bunch of them at the Batu Ferringhi beach in Penang island. Can't help wondering if they hop on the train and took the ferry there, or manage to secure cheap AirAsia tickets during the promotion period.

Democratic Causes is in session now. Have you registered to vote?

Did I say that they are chill folks? See the congregration in the photo aboe? I went and sat amongst them, and my phone was inches away from them when I snap the photos. But no petting and no sudden movements. I must have increased their tension a little, but I really don't want to interrupt their peaceful moment.

The Long Tail Theory

But a monkey has to monkey around. Silver leafed monkeys look the most elegant when they are climbing and moving in trees or other high structures. I did not realize there are monkeys above until one of them dropped some remnant food right in front of me. Look at those long, long tails. How I wish they can be my room mates.

Taman Alam

Another place worth visiting is the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. For some reason or another, I have never visited this park even though I have visited Kuala Selangor more than a dozen times. What's unique about this park is the well designed trails and facilities, built in conjunction with the Malaysian Nature Society. On a side note, if you are into conservation causes, consider contributing to MNS instead of WWF Malaysia. While WWF does a great job, I am not comfortable with the inordinate amount of money they spend on marketing and paying third-party companies to sell knick-knacks for fund raising. The actual scientists and rangers in the jungles facing danger and difficulties are paid as little as 1/10 over the staff who are in charge of "strategy" and PR & marketing. Don't take my word for it, you can read WWF's annual reports and public news articles.

Bird watching tower

There are a couple of trails that brings you deeper into the jungle and mangrove swamps. In certain locations, there are watch towers for your perusal for quiet moments of bird watching. I had a great time running amidst swooping herons and skittering crabs.

Main trail around the Nature Park

The trail here is perfect for runners who are not that much into hardcore trail running, but would love to run in nature. The roads are even, and some parts even rocky, but there are no tree stumps and no surprises. Give it a try, it's an enjoyable 3km loop around the park.

Wait, What?

Most visitors to Kuala Selangor don't go there to chill with the monkeys. Not everyone's idea of a vacation is to huff and puff up a hill, into the jungle and sit and chill with some monkeys, however cute they may be.

Kuala Selangor is famous for its seafood. Fresh off the boats daily, there is a good selection of seafood restaurants in Pasir Penampang. Be sure to inquire the price of dishes - they are no longer cheap due to the high demand over the years.

Fireflies

Strike up the band, and make the fireflies dance
Silvermoon's sparkling
So kiss me

Another unique attraction is the fireflies in the mangrove swamp. They used to be the reason I visit Kuala Selangor. You know those large, yellow blinking fireflies you see in American movies? You will not see them in Kuala Selangor. We leave the loud and noxious to.... other folks. The fireflies here are of the pteroptye tener species, and they live a short charmed life of 2-3 months. Yes, months! They only live off the Berembang trees in mangrove swamp, and the fireflies population is at a precarious level due to pollution from industrial development and clearing of mangrove swamps. Do visit them while they are still around.

So what's so unique about the fireflies here? They all blink in synchrony. It's amazing to see hundreds of them blinking at the same time all over the trees.

While I was visiting Kuala Selangor, I got recommendation to visit the Sky Mirror, and try out some of the excellent Chinese desert.

So if you ever plan to visit Kuala Selangor, do consider the paths less travelled.

Malaysiaku

There is a particular rustic feel about Kuala Selangor.

Locals are unfailingly polite and friendly. Take for instance when enquired the stall owner with two packs of teh tarik (pulled tea) how much they cost. He bought them for his personal consumption after a long day of fasting. Yet so polite he was that he hesitated before answering that I can buy them at another stall, and then apologized to me. When I am clearly the presumptuous party.

Please don't come to Kuala Selangor only for the photo opportunities and the food. Spend a bit of time to chill with the tree dwelling part time punk rockers, and say hello to the lovely locals.

梦回大唐歌词 Returning to Tang Dynasty lyrics translation

2019-03-08T05:02:00.001+08:00

词：崔恕
曲：程池
演唱：刘可

Lyrics: Cui Shu
Tune: Cheng Chi
Performer: Liu Ke

前世风雨
Qiánshì fēngyǔ
后世尘烟
Hòushì chényān
亭台宫阙
Tíng tái gōngjué
都成残垣
Dōu chéng cán yuán

Tempest from before,
Cloud dust thereafter,
Pavilions and watch towers,
All fell into ruins.

繁华落尽
Fánhuá luò jǐn
王侯长眠
Wánghóu chángmián
谁的功过
Shéi de gōngguò
万世流传
Wànshì liúchuán

Blooming and withering,
The regal now takes the endless slumber,
Who's worthy who's unworthy,
Generation after generation.

时间蔓延
Shíjiān mànyán
万代千年
Wàndài qiānnián
人生太短暂
Rénshēng tài duǎnzàn
怎守江山
Zěn shǒu jiāngshān

Time stretches endlessly,
Over generations and centuries,
Such is the briefness of life!
How to treasure the rivers and mountains?

我站在人间
Wǒ zhàn zài rénjiān
看风云变幻
Kàn fēngyún biànhuàn
任由残砖碎瓦
Rèn yóu cán zhuān suì wǎ
铭刻变迁
Míngkè biànqiān

Standing amidst civilization,
Looking at the changes of the winds and clouds,
Broken bricks and tiles turning into ruins,
Carving the endless cycles and changes.

岁月流淌
Suìyuè liútǎng
历尽沧桑
Lìjìn cāngsāng
昨日辉煌
Zuórì huīhuáng
今在何方
Jīn zài héfāng

Gentle flow of the years,
Been through the hardships,
And the gloriousness of yesteryears,
Wherewith is today?

我思我想
Wǒ sī wǒ xiǎng
亦歌亦狂
Yì gē yì kuáng
才闻欢笑
Cái wén huānxiào
又见泪光
Yòu jiàn lèi guāng

I think and I ponder,
So absurd oh this song,
Hearing mirthful laughter,
Seeing glistening tears.

时间蔓延
Shíjiān mànyán
万代千年
Wàndài qiānnián
岁月走不完
Suìyuè zǒu bù wán
朝代轮转
Cháodài lúnzhuǎn

Time stretches endlessly,
Over generations and centuries,
Stretches into an endless walk,
Ebb and flow of dynasties.

我站在人世间
Wǒ zhàn zài rén shìjiān
数兴衰的循环
Shù xīngshuāi de xúnhuán
多想长生不老
Duō xiǎng chángshēng bùlǎo
再看江山
Zài kàn jiāngshān

Mighty I stand amidst humanity,
Counting the successions of prosperity and decline,
Contemplating Immortality,
To see again the mountains and rivers.

金碧辉煌
Jīnbìhuīhuáng
羽衣霓裳
Yǔyī níshang
人间天上
Rénjiān tiānshàng
唯你无双
Wéi nǐ wúshuāng

Gold and jade in glorious splendor,
Draped with Rainment of Rainbows and Feathers,
Heaven on Earth,
There is but only you.

耀眼光芒
Yàoyǎn guāngmáng
无尽惆怅
Wújìn chóuchàng
萦绕着每颗心
Yíngràozhe měi kē xīn
梦回大唐
Mèng huí dà táng

Dazzling rays of light,
Yet incessant melancholy,
Lingering on every heart,
Dreaming of the return to Great Tang Dynasty.

Translator's note

This song is the theme song for the Chinese documentary Daming Palace. The Daming Palace is the biggest royal palace in the history of humanity, with an area 3.5 times that of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Tang Dynasty, alongside the Han Dynasty, is often seen as the zenith of Chinese civilization. Chinese identity and nationalism has only arisen roughly 150 years ago. Prior to that, the Chinese identify more to their dynasty. Even today, many Chinese such as the Fujianese and Cantonese identify themselves as "People of the Tang [Dynasty]" in their mother tongue.

The lyrics of this song is in fact a Chinese poem. The author has meticulously chosen the words and turns of phrases so that it resembles written Classical Chinese, yet bringing to life the flavours of the Tang Dynasty. The poem is not merely celebrating the greatness of the path; it acknowledges the ebb and flow of dynasties and humanity, of the impermanence of not just a kingdom but of nature and existence itself.

From whom's perspective is this poem written? An observer over centuries or an archaeologist longing for the past? Subtly the author hints that the passing of generations and dynasties are actually seen by the Daming Palace herself. Her meaning of existence, her whole purpose as the seat of power is no longer there - hence the yearning to be able to protect and cherish her precious mountains and rivers, a Chinese euphemism for the land of the kingdom.

On a personal note, I have visited the Daming Palace a couple of times, en-route to Wudang mountains. The core palace grounds is well-maintained, and with a little bit of imagination, one can imagine the splendours of the past.

Asian Parents, Stop Giving Your Children Crutches

2019-01-21T18:34:00.002+08:00

I am very fortunate to grow up in an Asian family. My family emphasize the importance of getting a good education to secure a bright future. My parents worked very, very hard to save up for both my brother and my education. For someone hailing from a lower middle class family to be able to study overseas is an amazing feat of tenacity and frugality.

Neither is my scenario unique. All across Malaysia and Asia, especially in East Asian nations, parents instil the value of academic achievement as a marker for success. Do well in school and university, secure a good job, keep working hard and you are set for life. Simple right?

Lazy Bums

Not so fast. Most parents complain that despite all their efforts to send their children to tuition, extra-curricular activities and additional classes, their children do not appreciate what they do. Moreover, they blame us (the parents) when things go wrong in life. What am I to do with my children? I have done everything in the best possible way, I try to give them the best future and yet they resent me!

So how did the adorable, obedient and beautiful child suddenly turn into an ungrateful monster?

Two common reasons that parents claim are friends and hormones. Do teenagers hang out together and make plans on who can annoy and hate their parents more? Do they think adults are enemies, and band together to be disrespectful to adults? Do hormonal changes trigger some unfilial switch in their brain?

Now I am not saying friends and hormones do not affect teenagers and youths. This is the period of a major developmental spurt. Teenagers are often struggling to find their identities, to make sense of the world around them and what are expected of them. In fact, this is the period of time when they need the most emotional support from their parents. So what do parents do instead? We castigate them for their unruly behaviour. We call them lazy for sleeping in, when their body is affected by hormonal changes and with brain growth spurt requires an immense amount of energy, hence it is not their choice to sleep more and "laze around".

Given that you are struggling so much trying to find your place in the world, trying to explore your own sexuality in a society full of taboos, basically just trying to survive the next day, your parents will not stop heckling and judging you. Is it then surprising for a teenager to turn to their peers for support instead of to an adult?

Magical Thinking

Aren't we a teenager once? Surely it is not that difficult to recall our own struggles with parents and authoritative figures at that age. If we are willing to put in the effort to recall our own experiences, we will be more compassionate to our children. Instead of listening and opening our hearts, we expect our children to

magically change from an obedient 10-year-old to a mature, responsible adult.

These magical thinking has to stop. We criticize our children for not developing essential life skills such as taking public transportation, cooking, sewing and budgeting when we had those skills at the same age. Let's recall for a moment how did you obtain those skills? Do you turn 16 one day and magically you know how to cook and take the bus to town? Or is it because your parents had to work late and you were forced to cook, and you learn by observation? Where are those learning opportunities when you employ a house maid to do all the cleaning and cooking work at home? How will they know how to take the bus when you either ferry them everywhere or arrange private transportation for them?

Outmoded Thinking

Sure, you say, you have those rebellious moments too. But you still obey your parents, complete your chores and be a well-behaved child to your parents. How do you explain your children's inane actions? Bear in mind that when we look at the past, we look at it through rose-tinted glass. I would want to remember my teenage years as the halcyon days - playing competitive chess, basketball and Taekwondo, raising a cat, feeling the wind in the hair as I cycle top speed to the seaside. I certainly would not recall my asshole behaviour to friends, the always frowning face at family gathering, intentionally entering the school late so that I can stand by the roadside to be punished singing the school song, playing truant, and on and on. No, I am pretty sure you weren't such a goody two shoes. So cut your kid some slack, okay?

But I also believe you when you said you were an obedient kid. Look, times were different then. In the 70s and 80s, there were a lot of uncertainties and overt racism in Malaysia. Your parents were happy to just keep the job they have, and take on as much overtime as possible, or figure out some way to earn a second income just to keep your family afloat. Could you chuck your schoolbag aside after school and sit in front of the television for hours every day? No, your parents do not need to tell you what you need to do. You either help your parents with their small business, or take charge of the housework and take care of your younger siblings. It is not even a matter of choice, but of necessity. You do not have much free time, and neither do you have distractions such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.

Here's Your Crutch

So instead of exposing your children to the challenges of the real world, you instead wrap them up in a cocoon. You send them to the best school, pay for the best tuition teachers, buy the most nutritious food. Hire help to do anything possible, so that your children can spend their life free of suffering and hardship, and in their perfect joy need only be obedient and do well academically.

You want your children to be successful and happy? By loosening the chain on their destiny, let them face the world and learn from mistakes. Can a baby learn to walk without falling? Certainly not! If you are going to put your child on a walker all the time, then you are accountable for their failing to learn to walk.

Your child is a gift from the Heavens, and we have only so little time together in this finite life. Someday he/she will soar high and free in the sky. But only if you hold your breathe and bite your tongue, as you see them plunging down the cliff.

I cannot say it better than Bruce Lee,

Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.

No Excuses

So Asian parents, you do not have any excuses in your children's failure to grow up and face the world. Stop giving them crutches and blame them for failing to walk on their own.

Remember that your child is turning into an adult. An equal person, with different dreams, aspirations and values than yours. Start by opening up your heart and listen when they speak. Give them comfort when they need it, and the space they need to grow. And I assure you your relationship with your children will be so much healthier.

Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, Who Is The Better Man?

2019-01-21T02:19:00.003+08:00

We Chinese people are always proud of our heritage, tradition and especially the cultural values passed down from generation to generation. Anywhere you go in the world with a Chinese diaspora, you can often hear the proud boast

Five Thousand Years of (Glorious) Civilization!

Growing up in a society that treasures Chinese values, I am often reminded of how important it is to be hard-working, frugal, to be well-educated, tolerant, respect to authority, being filial and so on. Being fortunate to live in a prosperous country, I even have the opportunity to travel to China to learn traditional martial arts, and the subtler aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, philosophy and spiritual cultivation. The accumulated wisdom in Chinese society is a valuable source in the pursuit of health and happiness in life.

But one aspect of the accumulated wisdom that I do not value is Chinese ethics.

Chinese Heroes

Now ethics is a very broad topic, and my direct experience with neo-Confucian values in modern Chinese society is enough to write a book. This article will focus only on how the Chinese define ethical conduct.

A unique aspect of Chinese culture is we do not see ourselves only as individual. Who we are is a function or how we are connected with those around us. For example, no matter how poor or downtrodden you are in China, there will be sparkle in your eyes and your heart is filled with optimism because of China's rapid rise in the world. More importantly, the leader of our country also represent our hopes and ambitions. In Xi Jinping, every Chinese can be proud of his plans to continue developing China as a nation and instil benevolent values in Chinese society.

Likewise, a Chinese person do not see themselves as an individual of their own achievements. They also take pride in the past achievements of the Chinese nation. The high watermark of Chinese civilization is often pin-pointed to the Han Dynasty. So much so that in China and most Chinese diaspora today, Chinese people refer themselves as the Han people. No figure in the Han Dynasty is as exalted as Liu Bang, or Emperor Gaozu.

Liu Bang

In the aftermath of the Qin Dynasty, the whole country is in turmoil. Princes, Marquises and warlords or all stripes vie to take control of the nation, or at least a part of the nation. It is in the midst of this chaos that two warlords that eventually rose to prominent appeared: Liu Bang and Xiang Yu.

Liu Bang was of peasant stock from Peiyu County. He was not born in a family with a history of civil and military service. This is the description of Liu Bang from the Records of the Grand Historian

...Liu Bang was outspoken, charismatic and of great generosity and forbearance. However, he enjoyed loafing, disliked reading, showed no interest in farming and manual labour and frequently ran into trouble with the law, hence his father often called him a "little rascal" for his lazy lifestyle. Liu Bang persisted in his idling ways and depended on his brother's family for food and lodging.

On a side note, The Records of the Grand Historian is one of the most comprehensive historical record of the early dynastic periods, especially of the Qin and Han dynasties. One has to understand that Chinese histology is very different from Western historical records. Chinese official records are commissioned by the royal house to create a chronology that is favourable to their standing in history. Therefore, official historical records are hagiographic by nature. Bear in mind that the description of Liu Bang above is done in the context of glorifying his character and disparaging the Qin dynasty.

Now Liu Bang himself is not of warrior stocks. Description and illustration of Liu Bang has always portrayed him as rotund. While he has always been the leader of his forces, there was no record of him directly participating in the battlefield. His battlefield successes therefore can only be attributed to his trusted allies from his hometown, or to other military leaders such as Han Xin. Being preternaturally weak militarily, his first turning point occurred when his forces took over Guanzhong.

King of Guanzhong

In the aftermath of the fall of Qin, King Huai of Chu was the designated successor. He is well aware of the fast rising support of these two young warlords, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu. Since he is not powerful enough to confront them head on, he came up with the brilliant idea of making both of these rivals fight against each other. King Huai promised to bestow the title King of Guanzhong to whomever manage to secure Xianyang, the old capital of the Qin Dynasty. Now Xiang Yu approached Liu Bang and discussed the best way to defeat the remaining Qin forces. Confident of his military prowess, Xiang Yu marshalled his forces to fight against the strongest Qin forces head on, and tasked Liu Bang with securing the perimeter of Guanzhong. The implicit understanding is after bearing the brunt of the conflict against Qin forces, Xiang Yu will rendezvous with Liu Bang and enter Xianyang together.

So what did Liu Bang do? With such an attractive prize within his eyesight, he marshalled his vanguard to defeat the remaining forces in Xianyang, entered the old imperial palace and proclaimed himself the King of Guanzhong. So much for promises and trust.

Perhaps his action can be justified that during war times, it is every man for himself. Or perhaps with the excuse that if I did not grab this opportunity, any other fool in my shoes would have done it. Oh well.

Feast At Hong Gate

Imagine if you were Xiang Yu. You were jointly tasked with a military objective, and you work out a plan with your ally. Your ally betrayed you without even coming up with a flimsy excuse. You know he is out of your own, and there is no way this is the last time he will betray you. In addition, he has stolen your most valuable advisor, Zhang Liang, as well as a talented military commander, Han Xin. During times of war, betrayal means death. While you are in the upper hand, you want to eliminate such a dangerous rival.

What happens next is one of the most famous banquet in all of Chinese history - the Feast at Hong Gate. Xiang Yu invited Liu Bang to a banquet with the intention to assassinate him. Without him realizing, his uncle was bought over by his enemy. Xiang Bo thwarted Xiang Yu's plan to assassinate Liu Bang. Liu Bang pretend to excuse himself to the toilet and took the opportunity to ran away. Now that is not an embarrassing action; survival is paramount. But what happened next exposes Liu Bang's true character.

Liu Bang pushed his own children out of his carriage to lighten it in a desperate attempt to escape in a chase from Xiang Yu's men.

I know it is important to save your skin, and it is foolish to try to be a hero and then to die in vain. But to sacrifice your children for your own safety? Wow!

Eliminating Han Xin

Since this article is not about the Chu-Han Contention, I will skip the part of the decline of Xiang Yu's forces and the rise of Liu Bang's. Eventually, Xiang Yu was defeated by Liu Bang, and the later was crowned the new Emperor and founder of the Han Dynasty. Having founded a new dynasty from scratch is no easy feat. Liu Bang's eye for talent and delegation of power to his lieutenants has been instrumental to his success.

While Liu Bang and his successor's reign gave rise to one of the most peaceful and prosperous period of Chinese history, Liu Bang's personal life was not so peaceful. There is a Chinese expression 心里有鬼 (xīnli yǒuguǐ), literally translated ghost in the heart, meaning harbouring evil intentions. Having had his shares of betrayal acts, Liu Bang is fearful that the men that brought him to the pinnacle of power might also want the power for himself. As his chief strategist, Zhang Liang is instrumental in helping him avoid danger and taking each step towards the throne. Knowing his master's character, Zhang Liang was wise enough to keep a low profile in the imperial court. Although seen as a valuable member of Liu Bang's cabinet, Zhang Liang twice retired to avoid the complexities and dangers of palace life.

That cannot be said of Han Xin, perhaps the most talented military commander in Chinese history. During Han Xin's distinguished military career, he has never lost a single battle. Knowing his own capabilities, Han Xin is not shy to stake his claim on battlefield accomplishments. In Chinese courts, even up to the modern day, it is customary to reward capable lieutenants with a title and fiefdom of their own. Initially Han Xin was given the title King of Qi. But wary of Han Xin's military prowess, Liu Bang stripped him of that title and moved him to be King of Chu instead.

The first part of his downfall came when he was accused to hide one of Xiang Yu's generals, Zhongli Mo, in his residence. Zhongli Mo committed suicide to avoid implicating Han Xin. Bringing Zhongli Mo's head to meet Liu Bang, Han Xin explained his innocence. Still suspicious of Han Xin, Liu Bang demoted him to the title of Marquis. Probably sensing his impending doom, Han Xin said

It is true when people say: The hunting dog becomes food as well after it is used to hunt game; a good bow is discarded when there are no birds left for shooting; an advisor dies after he helps his lord conquer a rival kingdom. Now that the empire is in place, I no longer serve any purpose!

True enough, Han Xin was arrested on the pretext of rebellion, and was tortured and executed. Han Xin's clan was also exterminated. The method of execution was savage.

Han Xin was suspended in a large bell and was slowly pierced to death with bamboo and wooden swords. Hence, he died neither facing Heaven nor standing firm on Earth.

How unfortunate for the greatest Chinese general to meet such an ignominious end.

Other than Zhang Liang and Han Xin, Xiao He is the third member of the Three Heroes of the Han Dynasty (漢初三傑 hànchū sānjié). Xiao He is among the most trusted of Liu Bang's liuetenants, hailing from the same village and accompanying him throughout his journey to the pinnacle of power. After gaining the throne, Xiao He was Liu Bang's designated hatchet man - helping the Emperor to get rid of powerful allies who might threaten his rule. Even the loyal Xiao He was not exempted from punishment. When Xiao He suggested to the emperor to convert some of the imperial gardens to peasants as farmland, he was summarily jailed. After Xiao He was released, Liu Bang said to him

The chancellor was asking for the fields in the imperial garden out of interest for the people, but I did not approve. This showed that I'm only like Jie and Zhou", and that you're the most understanding chancellor. Therefore, I intentionally imprisoned you to show the people that I'm a tyrant.

If there is one thing worth learning from Liu Bang, it is his prowess in double-speak.

Xiang Yu

Unfortunately, Xiang Yu was the loser of the Chu-Han contention. Although a great leader, he was not without faults. His pride prevented him from empowering talented individuals under his service. Two of Liu Bang's best lieutenants, Zhang Liang and Han Xin, started out service in Xiang Yu's camp. He also focused too much on battles and ignored political machinations. Although a great conqueror and invincible until the Battle of Gaixia, he failed to eliminate his most dangerous rival, Liu Bang.

Having said that, Xiang Yu was a capable and charismatic leader. As ann accomplished warrior, he has never been defeated in direct clashes on the battlefield. Xiang Yu was well known to personally lead his forces during clashes. Believing in his destiny to restore the hegemony of the Chu Kingdom, he has never stood down from unfavourable and risky battles, including his failed attempt to assassinate the Qin Emperor and fighting the Qin forces even when numerically disadvantaged.

While Xiang Yu expects loyalty from his subordinates, he was in turn loyal and just to them. After defeating the remaining Qin forces, he appointed several generals from his coalition to be vassal kings.

Coming back to The Record of the Grand Historian, Xiang Yu is portrayed as a prideful man. Even in the hagiographic account of his opponent's version of history, Xiang Yu is described as courageous and capable. Yet in contemporary Chinese culture, Liu Bang is unanimously praised as a great man and a great leader because of his embodiment of Confucian values.

Moral and Ethics

The adulation of Liu Bang's character brings to question what do the Chinese value highly in an individual? That as long as you eventually win, the end justify the means. From the neo-Confucian viewpoint, the leader has the ultimate authority. He has the prerogative to reward or punish his subordinates, and he can justify his actions however he wants.

Likewise, one learns to see only flaws in the loser. Xiang Yu's self-belief in making his own destiny and his loyalty to comrades are seen as lesser values. His military prowess, outright and frank character is seen as flaws rather than strength.

Without understanding how the Chinese view themselves and their own history, one can be quick to judge that the Chinese are always conniving, think only in terms of zero-sum scenarios and their principles are as solid as shifting sands. One has to understand that Chinese thinking is reflected in their view of history: that a lot of weight is put on who and how you are related to someone, and decisions are made based on fluid factors that changes all the time.

Unfortunately much of Chinese ethics is based on a man that although successful for his time, is a conniving and paranoid man.

The day that the Chinese has learned to let go of neo-Confucianist values and to appreciate the virtues of Xiang Yu is when Chinese society will shed its insular shell.

Depiction of Xiang Yu, Hegemon King of the Chu Kingdom

How does running impact internal martial arts?

2019-01-19T01:07:00.002+08:00

Training Notes - 18 January 2019

With the more intense training the last two weeks, my body became exhausted. Yesterday was catch up on sleep day. Nothing beats the feeling of purposeful effort and a good rest to recover. I am feeling a lot more energetic now.

On a side note, we know that exercise creates clarity of mind, and is effective in stemming the excesses of anxiety, depression, negative mood and low self-esteem, among others. On the flip side, if you are having major issues in life and stuck in a mire, losing a sense of direction or simply being too idle, the lack of physical and mental exertion can lead to fuzzy thinking. I am glad that the field of psychiatry is making large strides towards recognizing the subtle aspects of different mental states, leading to better understanding of causes and effects of these symptoms.

Running and Internal Martial Arts

Usually running is an important foundation building exercise for martial arts. For example, running is an important element of training for boxing, Muay Thai or Sanda. Even when I was training wudangquan, we have almost daily running sessions.

The martial arts style that I am training now does not emphasize running at all. In fact, running is almost discouraged. One of the core philosophies of internal martial arts is to return the body-mind to its healthy, natural state. As a runner myself, I can attest to how much injuries runners face. In fact, injuries is a fact of life for amateur and professional runners alike. More specifically, running is a high impact exercise. Jolting the brain that much through impact on a hard surface is not healthy in the long term.

Even knowing that, having a friend sponsor my participation in a road race (thanks, LK!) is an irresistible offer. So I have been training for the road race for a bit.

Running Is Too ‘Hard’

Internal martial arts is a form of exercise, so is running. No harm doing both right? After doing both for a while, I realize that they do not complement each other. In fact, running is detrimental to my internal martial arts training.

There is no doubt that running is excellent for building up stamina and endurance. When we run though, we use the overt strength of our muscle groups in our core and legs. Mainly the major muscle groups such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, ITBs and the core muscles are engaged. There is not much fine control; you want to pump your muscle output up to 11. We have scientific evidence that better runners have stiffer muscles. One of the most prominent runners in recent time, Paula Radcliffe, has reduced her flexibility as she improved over time.

An intriguing but probably a less important factor was the deterioration in Paula’s lower body flexibility over the period from 1991 to 2003. Andrew Jones reports that in 1991, in the sit-and-reach test she reached 8cm beyond her toes in 1996, but only 4cm beyond her toes in 2003. This observation demonstrates that a high degree of flexibility is not essential for world class performance, and raises the possibility that too much flexibility might actually be associated with diminished efficiency.

Major muscle groups when running

On the other hand, internal martial arts utilizes more body parts. Beyond the major muscle groups, the minor muscle groups and tendons are utilized in a purposeful, relaxed manner. Moving the hips correctly will require at least fine control of the Psoas as well as sufficiently relaxed tendons - what we call opening of joints

Hip muscles and tendons

Hence running is anathema to internal martial arts’ aim of relaxation and natural flexibility.

Difference Mechanism

After every running session, I have a hard time trying to relax all my muscles and joints. For some reason, the elevated heart rate also does not help when I am practicing the forms. While shuaijiao and wudangquan drills can be just as intensive, if not more tiring than running, they jive in more naturally with internal martial arts forms.

Just to be sure, after two days rest, I went for a moderately challenging running workout. After that, I struggle to feel my body connection when performing the forms. My training session is was ineffective.

Run, But…

If you are like me and love running a lot, you don’t have to give up running for good. But try to avoid having running workouts and internal martial arts training sessions on the same day.