Introduction:
China has produced countless outstanding figures since ancient times, and Yao Guangxiao of the Ming Dynasty is a highly respected and mysterious figure.
He was praised as the "prime minister in black", and he had no desire to pursue fame and fortune, but he once instigated Zhu Di to launch an uprising. There have been questions about the monk's motives, what exactly is he after?
Off the beaten path
1335, this chaotic period in the last years of the Yuan Dynasty. He was born into a medical family in Bianliang.
The father is the eldest of the family, and he is the youngest child. However, Yao Guangxiao did not inherit the family business, but had a greater ambition - to make a contribution in troubled times.
In 1349, Yao Guangxiao, who was only 15 years old, shaved his hair and became a monk, and his legal name was Daoyan. In the days that followed, Dao Yan not only studied Buddhism in depth, but also dabbled extensively in astronomical gossip and the art Xi of war.
Dao Yan did not bury his talents and talents because he became a monk, on the contrary, he shone even more. His poetry, intellect, and even political strategy were fully cultivated.
In the social climate of the time, monks could also enter politics by passing exams. For Daoyan, this is not only an opportunity to enter the political arena, but also a process of honing his heart and wisdom.
Daoyan's life seems to have been preparing for a bigger stage. His wisdom and foresight bode well for his future prominence in the political arena. He aspires to be the one who makes a new break in troubled times.
Opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared
In 1382, after Zhu Yuanzhang established the Ming Dynasty, Dao Yan had the opportunity to achieve a career, but missed the opportunity due to illness. This mistake was a turning point in his life.
Fate made him throw himself into another ambitious figure - Zhu Di, the king of Yan.
In 1388, Dao Yan was invited by Zong Xi to go to Beijing and become the abbot of Qingshou Temple in Yanwangfu. Since then, Daoyan's life trajectory has been closely linked to Zhu Di's fate.
By the side of Zhu Di, the king of Yan, Dao Yan showed his intelligence and resourcefulness. He is not only Zhu Di's advisor, but also his spiritual mentor.
In 1402, shortly after Emperor Jianwen Zhu Yunwen ascended the throne, Zhu Di launched a rebellion. In this struggle, the role of Daoyan cannot be ignored.
Daoyan's life is full of twists and turns. Every step he takes seems to be preparing for the ultimate goal. He was not only a wise monk, but also a military strategist and spiritual leader par excellence.
Success doesn't have to be me, success must have me
However, when Zhu Di finally won the throne, what was Daoyan's inner scene? Why did he finally choose to retire and return to ordinary life? What is the breadth and depth of this former monk's inner world?
After Zhu Di successfully ascended the throne, he became suspicious and brutal. His behavior made Dao Yan feel very disappointed. Although Dao Yan helped Zhu Di seize power, this does not mean that he will always remain at the core of power. He has been pursuing a realm that transcends the power of the red dust. Therefore, he rejected the official position and wealth given by Zhu Di and chose to return to his hometown.
There, he distributed his wealth to help the poor, and together with his old friend Xie Jin, he compiled the Yongle Canon. This decision is not only a change in lifestyle, but also a deep reflection on the meaning of life.
The last years of Daoyan were spent in the embrace of Buddhism. He put on his monk's robe again and lived a life without desires.
His life seems to be a legend in the pursuit of inner peace and wisdom. He left us with many food for thought and inspiration.
Daoyan's choice reminds us that true wisdom is not just about holding power, but also about when to let go.
His life is like the old saying: "There is much help for the righteous, but little help for the unjust." When he attained enlightenment, he helped Zhu Di achieve success, but when he realized that he had lost his way, he chose to leave.
Epilogue:
Yao Guangxiao, or Daoyan, his life is a mystery. He was involved in secular political struggles, and eventually chose a career as a monk who was indifferent to fame and fortune. His story is not only a historical footprint, but also a profound reflection on human nature, power and wisdom. It is also an affirmation of the value of ordinary people's lives.
Daoyan's life course is like a long philosophical poem, which is thought-provoking.