Luoyang and geography

BY | 11-23-2016
(Chinese Social Sciences Today)

 

洛阳亲友如相问,一片冰心在玉壶
When my relatives and friends in Luoyang inquire about me, please tell them my heart is transparent like a piece of ice in a jade pot, without stains.
This originally comes from a poem written by Wang Changling in the Tang Dynasty. Although the character was subjected to banishment from the court, his moral character still remained pure and faithful as before. The phrase can be used to indicate that one retains moral character despite setbacks.

 

地从于城,城从于民,民从于贤
Rural areas will follow cities, cities will follow the people, and the people will follow people of virtue.
The proverb is used to mean that a ruler should attach the greatest importance to people of virtue and ability when ruling his country.

 

地利者,兵之助,犹天时不可恃也
Advantageous geological conditions are complementary elements for a war and cannot be entirely depended upon, just as the heavenly time cannot be depended upon.
The proverb indicates that one cannot just rely on fate or always look forward to being endowed with good luck by God.  

 

地势坤,君子以厚德载物
The tremendous thick earth is peaceful and submissive, and bears myriad things; likewise, the superior man should be kind and generous to accept all.
It comes from The Book of Changes in the Shang Dynasty. It states that outstanding people should increase their virtues, have a big heart and bear things within their capacity.

 

城门失火,殃及池鱼
A fire on the city gate brings disaster to the fish in the moat.
The proverb is commonly used to mean that innocent passersby often fall victim to a riot.