Explore the ancient beginnings of Chinese philosophy and the lives of sage kings. Learn about Karl Jaspers's Theory of the Axial Age and the development of Confucianism up to the Tang Dynasty. Delve into the challenges of attributing ancient Chinese texts, the significance of virtues, villains in history, and the concept of Mandate of Heaven. Discover the origins of great thinkers like Confucius and the Buddha across different ancient civilizations.

For the Season 9 opener, we bring you a good one that takes place in the early years of the Southern Song Dynasty. Qin Hui, the reviled chancellor of Emperor Gaozong is back again, starring in another Chinese Saying, inspired by his historic perfidy. He conspired with his wife, Lady Wang, to have the great hero Yue Fei rubbed out. Their careful conspiracy, discussed in the utmost secrecy in a private spot in their residence, was somehow discovered. This is the story behind Dōng Chuāng Shì Fā 东窗事发. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an old topic I thought I'd present now to coincide with the recent release of the interview with the curators of "Clockwork Treasures From China's Forbidden City. Usually, I release new shows on Sundays at 5 AM L.A. Time. Since I'll be launching the first episode of Season 9 of the Chinese Sayings Podcast this Sunday, I figured I'd release this one Thursday, fresh on the heels of the interview. This is a quick and easy episode that traces the beginnings of timekeeping in China and will survey a few of the most notable horologists from Chinese history from the Han to the Qing Dynasties. The achievements of Zhang Heng, Yi Xing, Zhang Sixun, Su Song, and Zhan Xiyuan will be examined. Then we'll finish off with the arrival of the Jesuits and the zimingzhong 自鸣钟 clocks they brought with them. Thanks a bunch for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After hearing me talk about it for the longest time now, here's the interview with Tilly Blyth and Abbie MacKinnon at The London Science Museum. We discussed the Zimingzhong: Clockwork Treasures From China's Forbidden City that opened on February 1, 2024. The show will run until June 2, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Year of the Dragon, 新年快乐，龙年大吉! Just in time for the Lunar New Year here's, here's a look back at the 1960s when Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the nation of Tanzania, and Mao's China were fully engaged and setting the pace for future Sino-African Relations. This episode is useful in gaining a little context for today's China-Africa big picture. China's relationship with most African nations goes back to 1955. In this episode, the focus will be on PRC-Tanzania relations but from this relationship you can get a halfway decent big picture of the dynamic back in the Mao era. I hope you enjoy it. I'm back from London, all tanned and rested. Be looking for the interview with Tilly Blyth and Abbie MacKinnon recorded lived at the London Science Museum.The China Global South Projecthttps://chinaglobalsouth.com/Clockwork Treasures from China's Forbidden Cityhttps://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/zimingzhong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Part 5 episode, we'll look at the history of Chinese medicine during the Ming and Qing, as well as all the major works that came out of that period. There will be a spotlight on Li Shizhen and his Bencao Gangmu Compendium of Materia Medica. He's one of the most important figures in Chinese medicine going back to the beginning. Many other big names will be introduced: Wang Kentang, Chen Sicheng, Yang Jizhou, Wang Ji, Jiang Guan, Zhang Jiebin, and Li Zhongzi. Better download the Terms from this Episode pdf at the website. Thanks so much for listening. I know this was a rough series to get through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I wouldn't technically call this a Bonus Episode. We're in between seasons right now. And while Laszlo and Emma are busy brainstorming the chengyu lineup for Season 9, here's a re-recording of one of Laszlo's all-time favorite episodes from the seven-year history of the CSP. How can anyone forget Mr. Nanguo, 南郭先生, who posed as a musician for three years without knowing how to play his instrument? He was a Làn Yú Chōng Shù 滥竽充数. He got the gig because the band only needed one more musician. And it didn't matter who it was. Mr. Nanguo was indiscriminately chosen just to make up the required number. A great story and it comes from the Han Feizi. Season 9 should start, hopefully, by the time the Year of the Dragon rolls around on 2/10/2024. Thanks, everyone. I hope you enjoy this Chinese Saying as much as I do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the 2024 Year-End Closing episode, we continue on with the History of Chinese Medicine during the Sòng. Bi Sheng started a revolution in book printing with his invention of movable type printing. This led to an explosion of new printed titles and wider access to medical texts among the general (urban) populace. During the Song, it became downright respectable to enter the medical profession. Many young people aspiring for a career in officialdom, looked to a career in medicine as either an alternative to working in the government or something to do in addition to serving the emperor. Many advances were made in forensic medicine, pediatrics, and healthy nutrition. And with all the new knowledge and acquisition of new knowledge through interaction with physicians from other cultures, the understanding of human health and how the body operates kept inching forward. In the field of pharmacology, there were also many advances, particularly in the publication of new materia medica texts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emma, the narrator of the Chinese Sayings Podcast, presents a special bonus episode. She explores the meaning of 'Yewong, Dua-Li' and its connection to fishing. The episode also provides historical context on the end of the warring states period in China and features a diplomatic ambassador telling a compelling story to convince the king.

This podcast episode explores the history of Chinese medicine during the Song Dynasty by discussing the lives and contributions of figures like Sun Simiao, Wang Shuhe, Tao Hongjing, Ge Hong, Gong Qingxuan, and Chao Yuanfang. Topics include the concept of Pulsology, ancient remedies, lost texts, holistic approaches to wellness, and advancements in Chinese medicine during the Tang Dynasty.