Jiang Ziya

China is one of the oldest living civilizations with over 5,000 years of monumental and unrivaled history. Throughout its many glorious dynasties, China has produced many inspirational figures. One such figure was Zhang Ziya. Let's take a look at Zhang Ziya's story. Zhang Ziya, also known as Jiang Taiguang, is revered in China as the old sage of the East Sea. Zhang Ziya lived around the early 11th century and was known to be a master of a hundred ways. He flourished in military affairs, politics, strategy, philosophy, writing and a plethora of other things. In his 30s, Zhang Ziya retired to the mountains where he spent 40 years cultivating Dao Jiao teachings. Around the time, the Shang dynasty was in full force. Its ruler, King Zhou, was despotic and cruel, unleashing strife upon the people. In his 70s, Zhang Ziya came down from the mountains and harboured an ambition to bring about a revolution predicated on virtue. To do this, he needed to be joined with King Wen of the Zhou state, whose generosity and magnanimity was known throughout the land. Now Zhang Ziya's method of achieving his goal was legendary but unorthodox. Here's what he did. Zhang Ziya began by moving to the Zhou state, which was west of the Weishui River. Here, Zhang Ziya deliberately went fishing on the Weishui knowing full well that King Wen would one day pass by. However, Zhang Ziya would fish in an unusual way. He hung a straight fish hook without bait three feet above the surface of the water whilst constantly singing, only those willing to be caught come to bite my hook. It took Zhang Ziya until he was in his 80s for King Wen to finally notice the mystical elderly man. Zhang Ziya taught King Wen how the world was collectively owned by all and not just a select few, and that rulers ought to govern through benevolent means. Impressed by Zhang Ziya's compassion, wisdom and devotion, King Wen enlisted Zhang Ziya as his strategist. Subsequently, war was waged with the despotic Sheng dynasty until it was vanquished, and the Zhou dynasty flourished under the guidance of Zhang Ziya, King Wen and his successor, King Wu. This led to the Zhou dynasty becoming one of China's greatest and longest standing dynasties in history. Undoubtedly, Zhang Ziya succeeded in many roles. As a nobleman, a statesman, an advisor and strategist, Zhang Ziya helped carve out an age of peace rooted in benevolence. Thanks to him, King Wen and later King Wu, the people enjoyed a long period of peace, affluence and prosperity. Personally, I really admire Zhang Ziya. His devotion and compassion towards every being is touching. His intelligence and commitment is inspirational. Zhang Ziya teaches us that benevolence and empathy produces true happiness and long-term peace. Zhang Ziya's verse, only those willing to be caught come to bite my hook, sums up life. What this means to me is that those things that are destined for you will come to you, regardless of how old you get or how much time it takes. And there we have it, the succinct story of Zhang Ziya. There is also a short book I recommend reading written by Frank Romans titled The Six Secret Teachings of Zhang Ziya. This book basically encapsulates Zhang Ziya's philosophy and applies it to the modern business world. There are six focal strategies that Zhang Ziya invites us to think about, and these six strategies are as follows. First is the civil strategy, this is about thinking bigger. Second is the military strategy, this is about benevolence. Third is the dragon strategy, this is about communication, organisation and leadership. Fourth is the tiger strategy, this is about commitment and guarding yourself. Fifth is the leopard strategy, this is about knowing yourself. And sixth and finally is the dog strategy, this is about timing and training yourself. Anyway, I hope you found this video insightful. Let me know in the comments box what you think. If you happen to find more material on Zhang Ziya, do link it in the description box, it'd be interesting to know. I'll catch you all next time, take care, stay safe and cheerio for now.