Brotherhood of HuaXia

With reference to my estory of the “Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4″ (Brotherhood of HuaXia), I have set up a blog especially to continue sharing with you the saga of a group of warriors who have been working very hard and sacrificing so much the last 1000 years (since the Tang Dynasty) to protect and uphold the wisdom and legacy of the HuaXia.

So, who are the warriors of the HuaXia? What was the brotherhood for? What is their mission? Is the brotherhood still around today?
Hehe … be patient and stay tuned.

As I have been busy with my work and also my Mandarin classes, since resuming work after the Chinese New Year, I could not find the time to write. But don’t worry, I will resume very soon

cheers, HanYi

The Brotherhood of HuaXia (Hua Xia Zi Di) - Part 7

With such a mammoth task and great responsibility in front of them, Tang Tai Zong (Li Shi-Min, the Tang Dynasty Emperor Tai Zong), his trusted aides, ministers, and senior officials wondered, “So, what kind of qualities are needed in the people who will be entrusted with the gigantic task of protecting the legacies and wisdom of the Hua Xia (Chinese)?”

Many suggestions came forth from the “Wen2 Wu3 Bai3 Guan” (civil and military officials). After numerous discussions and debates, eventually some fundamental requirements were drafted out:

First of all, the selected candidates must be “Wen2 Wu3 Shuang Quan2″ (be well-versed in both literature and martial arts) to start with. Why? Because in order to ensure that these elite group of special guards selected can carry out the mission to their maximum potential, they must be able to appreciate what they are protecting in the first place (the knowledge, the literature, the philosophy, the arts and sciences, the wisdom of the HuaXia for the past thousands of years and the thousands of years to come) and themselves.

Next, those selected must also possess a high level of dignity and moral standing of a sufficiently educated person. Therefore, their family background and life path should be properly scrutinised. What kind of knowledge and skills have they learnt? Who are their teachers and masters? Have they studied and how much have they actually mastered of the “Si4 Shu” (The 4 books of Confucius)

1. The “Da4 Xue2″ - The Great Learning;
2. The “Zhong Yong” - The Doctrine of the Mean;
3. The “Lun4 Yu3″ - The Analects of Confucius;
4. The “Meng4 Zi3″ - The Mencius.

and “Wu3 Jing” (The 5 Classics)

1. The “Shi Jing” - The Book of Songs / Poems;
2. The “Shang4 Shu” - The Book of History;
3. The “Li3 Ji4″ - The Book of Rites;
4. The “Zhou Yi4″ - The Book of Changes (The Yi-Jing / I-Ching);
5. The “Chun Qiu Zuo3 Zhuan4″ - The Spring & Autumn Annals.

Eventhough they do not necessarily have to be excellent in the “Si4 Shu Wu3 Jing”, but are they well-educated to know the conduct of a “Jun Zi3″ (a man of benevolence; a true gentleman)?

Next, equally important is that they must also have exceptional level of self-discipline and self-control so that they are able to carry out their mission successfully regardless of what happens.

….. to be continued to Part 8

ps. names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals concerned and for other “obvious reasons”.

© Copyright Since 2005 (Gao HanYi) and All Rights Reserved.

The Brotherhood of HuaXia (Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4) - Part 6

The previous night, I could not sleep. There were so many things on my mind and so much excitement. Around 4.00 o’clock in the morning and I was still awake. But, maybe after that I fell asleep. I was very tired.

The next thing I knew, I was awoken by some people talking outside my room. It was almost 7.00 o’clock already. This is day 2 of my stay with Sun LaoShi. I took a quick shower and put on some new clothings. Then I walked out of the guest room. In the living room, I met LaoShi and another gentleman I have never seen before. He is about 50-60 years old and very tall (around 5′ 8″).

Sun LaoShi introduced us to one another. The gentleman is Zhang LaoShi from “Gao Xiong2″ (Kaushiung in Southern Taiwan). After the necessary formalities, LaoShi invited us to have our breakfast in the dining room. While having our porridge, some “Cou4 Dou4 Fu4″ (pungent beancurd), and green vegetable … LaoShi asked me whether I slept well the night before and I stuttered a quick “You3 De4″ (yes, I did). Then he asked us to enjoy our breakfast and “Chi Chi … Bu4 Yao4 Ke4 Qi4″ (eat eat … not to stand on ceremony … to help ourselves to the food).

After breakfast, we adjourned to the living room again. Sun LaoShi informed me that Zhang LaoShi is also a Chinese language teacher. After Sun LaoShi returned to China, Zhang LaoShi will take over his classes and continued from where he left off.

After a short pause, LaoShi turned to me and asked whether I have given due consideration to the 9 conditions he mentioned to me the night before. He reminded me again that only if I am able to agree to all the 9 conditions, can he accept me as his disciple. And if I am not able to, it is ok. He said he would understand. He could just continue being my teacher, and I, as his student.

I looked at Sun LaoShi and answered that I have thought it over and decided that I am willing to abide by all the 9 conditions. I will stick to them for as long as I live. LaoShi was very very pleased. He turned to Zhang LaoShi and said, “Wo3 Dou Shuo Guo4 Le4 … Wo3 Mei2 Kan4 Cuo4 Ren2!” (I have said before … I have picked the right person). Zhang LaoShi then laughed heartily and said, “Hao3 De4. Zhe4 Yang4 Jiu4 Xing2 Le4. Ke3 Yi3 Kai3 Shi3 Le4!” (ok … this is fine indeed. can begin already).

Sun LaoShi and Zhang LaoShi then led me to the “secret room” that has always been kept locked. When I entered the room I was overwhelmed with what I saw. It was almost like a small treasure throve. In the room, there were book racks from the ceiling to the floor. There were hundreds of books and sutras almost completely filling up 3 walls of the room.

For the next 30 minutes, a brief but solemn ceremony was carried out on the far end of the room. During that ceremony I was officially initiated to become a disciple of Sun LaoShi (and more … which I was to find out only later). The ceremony started with me offering tea and expressing my gratitude to the “Tian Di4 Jun Qing Shi” (Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, & Teachers). And in between I was reminded of the 9 conditions I have been briefed earlier and a vow was made by me that I would abide by them for the rest of my life. And after some other formalities in between, it finally ended with my promise that I would do my best to learn all that Sun LaoShi will teach me and I would never ever betray his faith and trust in me. I then kowtowed to Sun LaoShi 3 times and then to Zhang LaoShi 1 time for the later’s assistance in conducting the ceremony for Sun LaoShi and I.

When it was all over, again we went back to the living room. Zhang LaoShi then excused himself.

Sun LaoShi then started to continue from where he left off the night before. He informed me that since I am now his disciple, he will tell me everything about the ring and the “Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4″ (Brotherhood of Huaxia).

It seemed that since the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, Emperor “Han4 Gao Zu3″ (Liu Bang), the succeeding Han Dynasty emperors have all attempted to put together a group of the best minds in the middle kingdom, to restore and eventually protect whatever knowledge (of the great minds of China) that is still around despite of Qin Shi Huang’s efforts of destroying them earlier. Suitable candidates were selected from among the ministers, generals, scholars, members of the royal family, etc. But eventually they were all proven to be unsuitable and not up to the heavy responsibility. Again and again the project was revived and then abandoned.

The only time when the project was almost finally going to succeed was around the time of Emperor “Han4 Wu3 Di4″ (Liu Che). As one of the most oustanding emperors of the Han Dynasty, Han Wu Di was also recognised as one of the best emperors in the history of China. Unfortunately, around circa 87BC, Han Wu Di died and again the project failed. Since then, no other emperors of the Han Dynasty has ever come close to doing anything to help realise this great dream of Liu Bang. The irony of life isn’t it … despite the almost 400 years history of the Han Dynasty, none of the emperors and his ministers could put together a suitable group of great minds to succeed in this very important mission.

Towards the end of the Han Dynasty, from the 3 Kingdoms period all the way to the Sui Dynasty, no other emperors of any dynasty could revive the project and carry out the mission either.

* Circa 206BC - 24AD Western “Han4″ Dynasty
* Circa 25AD - 220AD Eastern “Han4″ Dynasty

* Circa 220 - 280 “San Guo2″ (3 Kingdoms Period)

* Circa 265 - 316 Western “Jin4″ Dynasty
* Circa 317 - 420 Eastern “Jin4″ Dynasty

* Circa 420 - 581 “Nan2 Bei3 Chao2″ (Northern & Southern Dynasties Period)

* Circa 581 - 618 “Sui2″ Dynasty

* Circa 618 - 907 “Tang2″ Dynasty

Finally, almost 800 years after the first Emperor of the Han Dynasty (Liu Bang), came another great emperor, Emperor “Tang2 Tai3 Zong” (Li3 Shi4 Min2). He was the 2nd emperor in the Tang Dynasty. When his father, Emperor “Tang2 Gao Zu3″ (Li Yuan) first came across records of attempts to carry out this mission during the Han Dynasty, he immediately talked to Tang Tai Zong about it. They liked the idea very much but have no idea how best to go about doing it since the many attempts by the different Han emperors have all failed. They agreed that it was their responsibility towards the middle kingdom and the HuaXia (Chinese) race to attempt to revive this project and to succeed in this great mission.

After the death of Tang Gao Zu, Tang Tai Zong became the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty. And eventually it was him that successfully revived the project and eventually succeeded in the great mission … with the setting up of the “Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4″ (Brotherhood of HuaXia). As one of the most brilliant emperors the Chinese ever had, Tang Tai Zong has the foresight to know that none of the people in the palace and court would be able to accomplish this mission. The only people suitable must be of a certain calibre and training. What are the requirements and where could he find them? And how to ensure that the people eventually selected would not fail him?

….. to be continued to Part 7

ps. names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals concerned and for other “obvious reasons”.

© Copyright Since 2005 (Gao HanYi) and All Rights Reserved.

The Brotherhood of HuaXia (Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4) - Part 5

It is already almost 11.00pm. Contrary to our usual practice, Sun LaoShi suggested that we should retire early because we have a “long day” ahead.

Just before we end our conversation, LaoShi told me that it has always been the dream of any teacher to find that one student whom they can relate to … that one single student whom they knew they can impart all their knowledge to. That one student who will have more than a mere “(Lao3) Shi - (Xue2) Sheng” (teacher-student) kind of relationshionship. That student will be a “Ru4 Men2 Di4 Zi3″ (the initiated) who enjoys a “Shi Fu4 - Di4 Zi3″ (master - disciple) kind of special bonding with his mentor. The teacher will become more than a teacher or mentor to his disciple. He will become like his father … that’s why the word “Shi Fu4″ (teacher father).

This very special and precious relationship and bonding is supposed to last a whole lifetime. And of course the teaching and learning too will last that long. Why? Because some day, that special student will take over his master’s responsibility and to carry on the mission … the mission of imparting the precious knowledge from one generation to another.

Sun LaoShi then told me has has finally come across one such student and he is ready to “initiate” him as a disciple. Then LaoShi looked at me with a smile on his face and asked me whether I am willing to acknowledge him as a “Shi Fu4″ instead of just a mere “Lao Shi”.

Without hesitation (as though I have waited a long time for this moment to come) I answered, “Yi Ri4 Wei2 Shi, Zhong Sheng Wei2 Fu4 … Tian Di4 Wei2 Zheng4, Wu2 Yan4 Wu2 Hui3!!!” (1 day my teacher, like my father for life; the heaven and earth can be my witness; with no regrets!!!)

And he laughed heartily, “Hen3 Hao3!!! Hen3 Hao3!!! Fei Chang2 Hao3!!!”. (very good, very good, extremely good)

Immediately I stepped back one step, knelt down with a slight thump on the marble floor … and then kowtowed very sincerely to LaoShi for 3 times. Sun LaoShi, quickly held my arms and holding me up, he brimmed, “Hao3 Le4!!! Qi3 Lai2, Qi3 Lai2!!!”. (ok! stand up! stand up!)

Sun LaoShi then mentioned that I am finally ready for him to tell me the secret behind the ring … the secret about the “Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4″ (Brotherhood of HuaXia). But before all that, he asked me to ponder over the “9 conditions” he has set down for me. If I could agree to ALL 9 of them … then the next day (the 2nd day), he will officially “initiate” me and tell me what I have wanted to know all these while. LaoShi then asked me to sleep early and excused himself.

I then retired to the guest room. That whole evening until the next morning … I could not sleep. Why?
I was pondering over the 9 conditions LaoShi has set down for me and searched deep inside my heart whether I could actually satisfy ALL of them or not, since LaoShi told me that they are not negotiable and once I agreed, I would need to abide by them for the rest of my life until I die.

I am also very very excited about the fact that Sun LaoShi is finally going to tell me about the secret of the ring and the “Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4″ (Brotherhood of HuaXia …. whatever that is).

….. to be continued to Part 6

ps. names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals concerned and for other “obvious reasons”.

© Copyright Since 2005 (Gao HanYi) and All Rights Reserved.

The Brotherhood of HuaXia (Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4) - Part 4

After inviting me to make myself feel at home and to put away my personal things in the guestroom, Sun LaoShi suggested that I should go get a shower while he gets ready dinner. I wanted to help him and suggested that I would make dinner instead but he insisted that I am the guest, so he will do it. So, I just nodded my head and say, “Hao3 De4, LaoShi.” (ok, teacher)

After a very light dinner of just fruits and some chinese biscuits from Shanghai, we adjourned to the living room for a chat.

We spent the next 30 minutes talking about our Mandarin language classes and Chinese culture … as usual. Then Sun LaoShi told me that he has been very impressed with my enthusiasm in learning the Chinese language and especially my very humble character. He reminded me that many a man of calibre tend to be exceptionally humble, whereas many an arrogant person are actually fools.

(Hehe … at this juncture, I was beginning to get a bit impatient for Sun LaoShi to actually start telling me what’s the secret behind his ring.)

Well, the irony of life indeed. As though LaoShi could sense my impatience, he suddenly excused himself for about 15 minutes minutes while I was left appreciating some chinese calligraphies and paintings on the wall.

When Sun LaoShi next appeared, he was holding an antique earthern chinese tea set and a can of “Dong4 Ding3″ chinese tea. He again invited me to sit down. He told me that the chinese calligraphy I was appreciating just now was done by the famous Singapore calligrapher, “Pan Sou4″, and the 2 flanking it on the right and left were done by “Zhu Tian Cai2″ and “Zhang Da4 Qian” of China. Well, I was very impressed. These are all calligraphies done by famous calligraphers who are all masters in their own right.

LaoShi then starts boiling water on a small electric stove and carefully used the tea set to brew the very precious “Dong4 Ding3 Cha2″. The fragrance of the tea is so nice and refreshing.

While we were enjoying the tea, Sun LaoShi started to talk again. He said he knew that I must be very anxious to know the secret behind his ring, but before he get to that, he wants to “prepare” me for it by discussing with me some background information that will make it easier for me to comprehend later.

LaoShi, started by telling me that the history of China has been a long and illustrious one. But unfortunately so far we could only trace its history back to around circa 2000BC (which is roughly 4000 years ago).

And for the 4000 years history that we have so far discovered, we could see that China has been split up and united, again and again under different dynasties and rulers. China has never enjoyed any true peace. Regardless of which dynasty ruled China … regardless who was the king or emperor, China was always at war one way or another.

* Circa 2100BC - 1600BC “Xia4″ Dynasty

* Circa 1600BC - 1100BC “Shang” Dynasty

* Circa 1100BC - 256BC “Zhou” Dynasty

* Circa 770BC - 476BC “Chun Qiu” (Spring & Autumn Period)
* Circa 475BC - 221BC “Zhan4 Guo2″ (Warring States Period)

* Circa 221BC - 207 BC “Qin2″ Dynasty

The “Chun Qiu” (Spring & Autumn) and “Zhan4 Guo2″ (Warring States) periods with a total of 550 years, were among the most chaotic and exciting in the history of China. It was precisely during this time that many well-known figures, heroes and great minds were found. Among them were “Lao3 Zi3″ (Lao Tzu) , “Kong3 Zi3″ (Confucius), “Sun Wu3″ (of the Sun Tzu’s Art of War), “Sun Bin4″, “Wu2 Zi3 Xu”, etc. The very famous Chinese saying, “Luan4 Shi4 Chu Ying Xiong2″ (chaotic time produces heroes) is true indeed.

Towards the end of the “Zhan4 Guo2″ (Warring States period), one hero rose among the rest. He successfully eliminated the last 6 vessel states and their kings: the “Chu3 Guo2″ (State of Chu), “Qi2 Guo2″ (State of Qi), “Yan Guo2″ (State of Yan), “Han2 Guo2″ (State of Han), “Wei4 Guo2″ (State of Wei), and “Zhao4 Guo2″ (State of Zhao). He united China under the Dynasty of Qin.

As the first ruler of the Qin Dynasty, he called himself “Qin2 Shi3 Huang2 Di4″ (or the first Emperor of the Qins). In fact, “Qin Shi Huang” has indeed been recognised as the first emperor of a united China compared to his predecessors because most of them before him actually ruled as kings of a certain part of the middle kingdom, instead of emperor of the whole land.

“Qin Shi Huang” was a great ruler. Apart from the fact that he was the first emperor to successfully unite the whole of China, he was also credited with starting one of the greatest marvel of construction in the history of the world: the “Wan4 Li3 Chang2 Cheng2″ (”the 10,000 mile long wall” - the Great Wall of China). Eventhough the wall was actually created to keep out the barbarians from the North, it was basically a very expensive construction project since so much manpower and resources were exhausted to build it. The irony of it all, eventhough “Qin Shi Huang” might have successfully used the great wall to protect the middle kingdom from enemies without, but it was also precisely because of it that many enemies were created within China.

As we have all learnt, “Qin Shi Huang” was also a very ruthless ruler. In order to make sure the Dynasty he has worked so hard to build would not be threatened in any way, he basically did all he could to completely wipe out all threats. Among the biggest damage “Qin Shi Huang” has inflicted on China was to put to death thousands and thousands of scholars all over the nation and also to destroy ALL the literatures he could lay his hand on. Many precious records of researches carried out the previous 2000 years and all sorts of writings related (but not limited to) medicine, astrology, philosophies, war strategies, etc. were destroyed. Most of what we have today, were actually remnants of the originals which were almost fully destroyed.

In the 4000 years history of China, there has never been any one person who could inflict such serious damage on the valuable knowledge of the Chinese, as “Qin Shi Huang”. He is indeed a “Wan4 Gu3 Zui4 Ren2″ (a sinner for eternity). Of course, nothing could be done to recover what have been destroyed by the tyrant, but many vowed that should there be a chance, they will make sure that no one be allowed to repeat this hideous act. Many vowed with their life and an oath to heaven.

Well, as the saying goes, “Mou2 Shi4 Zai4 Ren2, Cheng2 Shi4 Zai4 Tian” (man proposes, God disposes), regardless of the extreme that “Qin Shi Huang” has gone to to protect his Dynasty and kingdom, the Qin Dynasty only lasted for 14 years and was indeed one of the most short-lived dynasty ever!!! The irony of life isn’t it?

With the death of “Qin Shi Huang”, the dynasty was greatly weakened and especially after his son was murdered by a eunuch, the whole nation was thrown into chaos and rebellions arose everywhere. During this time, many heroes came forth to stake their claims and build up their strengths. Eventually towards the end, it was a 2-power struggle between “Liu2 Bang” and “Xiang4 Yu3″ (the Conqueror of Western Chu).

Circa 206BC, “Liu Bang” successfully defeated “Xiang Yu” and setup the Han Dynasty. It was to become the longest lasting dynasty in the history of China (425 Years: Western Han Circa 206BC - 24AD & Eastern Han Circa 25AD - 220AD).

When “Liu Bang” became the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, he was faced with the gigantic task of rebuilding a nation that has been abused and ravaged for so long by the previous Qin Dynasty. Among one of his biggest headache and heartache was the fact that “Qin Shi Huang” has almost destroyed all the works of science and literature that has been created the last 2000 years!!!

“Liu Bang” vowed that as the “Huang2 Di4″ (emperor), he will henceforth take it upon himself to do everything he could to protect the wisdom of the “Hua2 Xia4″ (the Chinese) from any further damage or decline. If he has a choice, he will make sure that the wisdom and knowledge of the Chinese will last for eternity. Without realising it, “Liu Bang” has successfully planted the seed for the creation of the “Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4″ (Brotherhood of HuaXia) 800 years later in the Tang Dynasty.

….. to be continued to Part 5

ps. names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals concerned and for other “obvious reasons”.

© Copyright Since 2005 (Gao HanYi) and All Rights Reserved.

The Brotherhood of HuaXia (Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4) - Part 3

Exactly 1 month before Sun LaoShi left Singapore and went back to Shanghai, he called me and asked me whether I am interested to know more about his special ring. I was taken aback and completely caught off guard. In fact, I was even embarrassed that my curiosity had caused an old man to decide to tell me something which I should not know. Somehow, I just blurted out, “Errrh, Lao3 Shi, Yao4 … Dang Ran2 Yao4!” (of course want).

He then instructed me to take 3 days leave from my work and to go over to Singapore to meet him. I was warned never to tell anyone about our 3-day meeting … not the other fellow Mandarin students, my friends or even family (and not even my girlfriend!!!). There is no compromise … if I could not keep this meeting a secret, then I can forget about the whole thing. Wow!!! I was really excited about it all. Of course, I promised him. (and for your information, anything you promised Sun LaoShi, you DO!!! You keep your promise!!!).

After I have applied for the 3-day emergency leave, and made all the necessary arrangements for the trip … I left Johor Bahru for Singapore (with so much excitement, I could actually felt my heart wanting to jump out!!!)

At the arranged time, I met Sun LaoShi at a vegetarian restaurant in “Yu4 Lang3 Dong” (Jurong East).
(Why a vegetarian restaurant in Jurong East? Well, Sun LaoShi is a vegetarian that’s why … but I have no idea why Jurong East. I just followed LaoShi’s instruction.)

The vegetarian restaurant we went to is one run by a Buddhist couple and the food served there are traditional “simple” vegetarian food without all those artificial “mock meats” that are so common in most vegetarian restaurants today (unfortunately!). The couple seemed to know Sun LaoShi very well and called him by the affectionate addrress of “Sun Da4 Bo2″ (uncle Sun). Eventhough at that time, I was not a vegetarian, I enjoyed vegetarian food very much. We ate our simple lunch over a pot of “Gao Shan Tie4 Guan Yin” chinese tea. Then we left.

Along the way to Sun LaoShi’s house, we stopped at a few places all over Singapore. All the time, LaoShi made me wait in his car while he went around meeting people … and especially picking up parcels and bags of things. Finally after almost 5 hours of very little talking between us while travelling in his car, we ended up at his flat in Toa Payoh.

….. to be continued to Part 4

ps. names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals concerned and for other “obvious reasons”.

© Copyright Since 2005 (Gao HanYi) and All Rights Reserved.

The Brotherhood of HuaXia (Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4) - Part 2

When I was learning Mandarin with Sun LaoShi, he was teaching a class that started with almost 40 people from all races and backgrounds. Every Tuesday, I would travel to a community centre in “Hong2 Mao4 Qiao2″ (Ang Mo Kio) for my Chinese language lessons. Despite the need to travel almost 2 hours by public transportation from Johor Bahru all the way to my class in Singapore … I was very rarely late for my class and I am proud to say I have never missed a single lesson.

In the beginning, most of us in the class noticed that Sun LaoShi is very unapproacheable and we would not dare to ask him too many questions … just in case he might actually lose his temper and whack us. Afterall, we knew that he is also well-versed with the art of Taijiquan and as most Chinese masters and teachers tend to be … he might actually possess many more formidable and deadly skills that we do not know. We don’t want to experiment. We don’t want to find the answer … the hard way. We just wanna learn Mandarin.

One of the irony of life is that when we least expected it, there always tends to be “bonuses” here and there. Just like when we found money on the floor or found a parking lot that someone has just fed the meter for the next 1 hour!!! Those are the things in life that basically made our day … made our life easier … bring a smile on our face.

So, what’s the “bonus” of learning from Sun LaoShi?

Haha … the irony of it all is that despite being an old gentleman from China that is so … eerh …eerrh … “Chinaman”, Sun LaoShi is actually very fluent in the English and French language. And among the diversified interests of his, I noticed that he actually liked western philosophy very very much. This has basically made it so much easier (we thought!!!) for us to learn the Mandarin language from him. Why? Because afterall, for most of us, that was the first time we were learning the Chinese language and he was our first LaoShi.

For those of you who have never learnt anything from a teacher of the”old school” … and especially one who is a “Chinaman”, let me tell you: It is a killing experience that either makes or breaks you. In the first couple of months, it was really tough to learn from Sun LaoShi. Many a female student have actually broke down in the class after being berated by him over some minor (but careless mistakes). He would basically jumped at us loudly, “Ben4 Dan4!”, “Lan3 Duo4!”, and at one time, even “Wang2 Ba Dan4!”. And of course, in return we actually frustrated him so much that very often he would mumble to himself, “Qi4 Si3 Wo3 Le4! Qi4 Si3 Wo3 Le4!”. I normally bore the brunt of most of his anger because I always sitted in the from row … right under his watchful eyes.

After the first half a year, almost 1/4 of all the students have basically dropped out … with a majority of them being women. Yep, we men are more thick-skinned. We won’t give up so easily. We wanna see what this wily old fox could do to us. Hehe … like we always say in Malaysia and Singapore, “Mei2 You3 Shi3 Guo4″ (never die before).

Well … the irony of life indeed. For those of us who successfully sustained ourselves through the first 6 months, we were in for a surprise. From then on, Sun LaoShi changed almost 180 degrees. Yep, he completely changed from a bad-tempered and unapproacheable (plus unreasonable) teacher to one who is more humane and caring. He suddenly became someone whom we could all relate to as a father figure or older brother. We could not believe it and simply have no idea what happened. Sun LaoShi never bothered to explain to us why and we didn’t actually ask him in the class. We just enjoy the “changed” LaoShi in front of us and make the best of em when it still lasts!!!

Over the next 2 years, almost another 1/2 of the class dropped out. By the time we were in the 30th month of our learning under Sun LaoShi, there were only 12 of us left. Yep, we were the best among the best. We were the most persistent and the most enthusiastic students. We have also became very very good friends and fellow students. And we were all well-rewarded because Sun LaoShi has helped us to build up a very strong foundation in the Chinese language and others.

Among all of us … I was the one who felt the luckiest because many a time, after class … I would have the opportunity to accompany Sun LaoShi back to his 5-room HDB flat at “Da4 Ba Yao2″ (Toa Payoh in Singapore). We would sometime discuss the Chinese language, culture, history and philosophy until the early morning. Sun LaoShi always reassured me that as an old man, he needed very little sleep … therefore we could continue talking. And I was never too tired or sleepy to continue from 12.00 am all the way to almost 3.00am. I really enjoyed myself very much learning from the many talks and chats I had with LaoShi. Even until today, I still relished those moments we spent together.

Despite the fact that we could talk about almost ANYTHING about China or things Chinese … there were still certain things that I knew Sun LaoShi did not like to talk about. Things related to religions and politics are among the taboos. And very early on, I have learnt to avoid them for my own good. I don’t want my LaoShi to talk about anything he didn’t like. I am already very grateful to him for sharing so much of his precious knowledge and life experience with me. Therefore I don’t want to “De2 Cun4 Jin4 Chi3″.

But during all those time, I am especially curious about a few things related to Sun LaoShi. For example, the one room in his flat that he always kept locked and never once showed me what is inside. Even during the times when I helped him to do spring cleaning before Chinese New Year, I still never get to enter that room.

And the next thing I was curious about was his ring.

Right from the first lesson, I have noticed that Sun LaoShi wore a very unique and special gold ring on the middle finger of his left hand. I was greatly attracted to the ring because I noticed that it actually has the sign of the “Taiji” on it. Eventhough I knew that Sun LaoShi teaches the Taijiquan, but somehow the ring has this special aura about it that I simply could not describe in words.

I have actually attempted to ask Sun LaoShi about the ring a few times … but he always ignored me. Sometimes he looked agitated or displeased. Eventually I stopped trying to find out.

….. to be continued to Part 3

ps. names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals concerned and for other “obvious reasons”.

© Copyright Since 2005 (Gao HanYi) and All Rights Reserved.

The Brotherhood of HuaXia (Hua2 Xia4 Zi3 Di4) - Part 1

“Now is 28 Jan 2005 Friday, 11.50pm. … Only less than 18 hours ago, I have received a very urgent phone call from Shanghai. Sun Ping called to tell me that his dad, Sun LaoShi is very unhappy with my recent very emotional involvement with a young lady in West Malaysia. It has so greatly affected my “work” and I have to put a stop to it. Immediately. Period.

Who is Sun Ping? Who is Sun LaoShi? What happened? Why do I have to obey Sun LaoShi’s instruction without question?”

As of today, I have been teaching Mandarin Conversation for exactly 5 years. Yep, 5 years already. It seemed like only yesterday that I started conducting my first class in Johor Bahru. Time sure flies. Looking back, I am amazed that I have actually taught more than 1000 people the Mandarin language in Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and now Kuching.

The irony of it all is the fact that actually I have never learnt the Chinese language in school. Not in primary school. Not in secondary school. I have actually only started learning the Chinese language many years (almost 7-8 years) after I left school. That’s the reason why whenever any of my schoolmates or old friends get to know that I am teaching the Mandarin language, they will be amazed. How could an English / BahasaMalaysia educated person be teaching the Chinese language?!!! And why am I so devoted and dedicated to promoting the Chinese language and culture.

Well, of course that is possible. Possible because I actually spent 8 long years learning the language diligently. And along the way, on top of mastering the Mandarin language, I have also picked up much knowledge on the Chinese culture, tradition, history, philosophy, etc. What happened along my very exciting journey of learning the language have basically changed my life and altered the path of my life journey. I have discovered my mission in life and knew exactly what needs to be done to ensure that I do not fail myself and those who have entrusted me with the heavy responsibility of carrying a life work that will benefit thousands of people all over the world. Life sure works in miraculous ways. In my quest to master a language, I have actually found myself. Found my calling.

And what better way to celebrate the 5th anniversary of my becoming a Mandarin LaoShi then to tell you how it all happened. Well, for those of you (especially my students and friends), here’s what you have been requesting, begging and threatening me to tell you. Sit tight and please read with an open mind.

13 years ago, I started my journey of actually learning the Mandarin language. This great journey of discovery and learning eventually stretched over a period of 8 long years through 5 different teachers in Singapore and Johor Bahru (Malaysia). Among my teachers were a Singaporean, a Taiwanese, a Chinese and 2 Malaysians.

Among the 5 teachers, the one I liked and respected most was Sun LaoShi from China. Sun LaoShi was the one who taught me the “Sun Zi3 Bing Fa3″ (SunZi BingFa is commonly known as “Sun Tzu’s Art of War”), the “Dao4 De2 Jing” (DaoDeJing is commonly known as “Tao Te Ching”), and also the “Si4 Shu” (4 books of Confucianism), on top of the Chinese language. He is a great man of much learning and a very very strict disciplinarian.

A Shanghainese gentleman of almost 80, Sun LaoShi possessed an air of dignity that is so rare among teachers today. Apart from expecting (without compromise) the best efforts from his students in both the Chinese language and Taijiquan, Sun LaoShi also demands 100% respect. That’s the reason why despite the fact that I am not the brightest among his students, he still liked me the best. I respected him 100% … at all time. And of course, my NOT missing even one lesson in my 3 years of learning the Chinese language under him must have greatly won his respect and admiration. Maybe … I was like him when he was my age. Maybe.

….. to be continued to Part 2

ps. names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals concerned and for other “obvious reasons”.

© Copyright Since 2005 (Gao HanYi) and All Rights Reserved.