Story of Han Yu: Learning Lessons and Embracing the Divine

(Minghui.org) Han Yu, celebrated as one of the greatest scholars in Chinese history, was also a government official in the Tang Dynasty. In addition to his literary contributions, Han was also known for the legendary tales involving his grandnephew Han Xiangzi (also known as Han Xiang), who became one of the Eight Immortals in the Taoist pantheon.

Considering himself a loyal Confucian, Han Yu was initially opposed to spiritual pursuits. While serving as the magistrate of Henan, he encountered a young man who planned to abandon his family and pursue Taoism on Mount Wangwu. Both Han Xu and a local official advised the young man to stay at home and care for his family. Ultimately, Han Yu not only persuaded the young man to give up on Taoism, but also wrote a poem dismissing the divine as a warning to future generations.

Several years later, Han Yu faced the consequences of his stubborn ignorance. In 819, Emperor Xianzong issued an imperial decree to welcome a finger bone of the Buddha stored at Famen Temple—a public veneration that occurred only once every 30 years. Han Yu did not believe in Buddhism and wrote an article criticizing the incident, even recommending that the finger bone be destroyed. After reading the article, the Emperor was infuriated, and ordered Han’s execution. Other high officials intervened, however, and Han was instead demoted to the remote city of Chaozhou in southern China.

While traveling to Chaozhou, Han Yu first faced the daunting task of crossing the Qinling Mountains. It was winter, and the journey was made even more difficult due to snow and ice. As he passed through Languan (modern-day Lantian County), a heavy snowfall made the arduous trip almost impossible to continue. This episode marked the lowest point in his life.

Uncle and Nephew

Born into a poor family, Han Yu lost his father at a young age and was raised along with his nephew, Han Laocheng, by his elder brother, Han Hui. In time, both his nephew and brother passed away. Out of remorse and a sense of responsibility, Han Yu resolved to raise his grandnephew Han Xiang with great care.

But Han Xiang was no ordinary child. He disliked socializing and had little interest in following the rules. Han Yu found him a teacher, yet Han Xiang refused to study, and remarked, “What I study is not something you would understand.” Han Yu ignored this and asked Han Xiang to compose a poem. Without thinking, Han Xiang immediately wrote a poem about divinity.

Seeing that Han Yu remained unconvinced, Han Xiang gathered a small mound of earth, and tender shoots sprouted from it instantly. It then grew into a lush, green plant that flowered with a peony-like blossom. Two lines of words appeared on the plant:

“Unable to find destination with cloud spanning Qinling in front of meHorse stranded in snow-covered Languan could not move its knees”

“What does this mean?” Han Yu asked.

“You will understand this later,” replied Han Xiang with a smile.

A Chance Encounter

As Han Yu struggled through the snowstorm in Qinling Mountain, shivering and freezing cold, he noticed a person walking toward him. It was his grandnephew Han Xiang.

“Great-uncle, do you still remember words on the flower plant?” Han Xiang asked.

“Where is this place?” Han Yu asked.

“This is Languan,” Han Xiang replied.

Han Yu sighed. He thought for a while and completed a poem including the words:

At dawn I wrote a letter to Your Majesty,
at dusk I was demoted to Chaozhou in tragedy;
I sought only to purge corrupt policies although failed,
how could I grudge my remaining years, spent and frail?

Unable to find destination with cloud spanning Qinling in front of me,
horse stranded in snow-covered Languan could not move its knees;
Thank you for coming here from far away,
please take care of my remains later at the Zhang River bay.

(Note: Zhang River is near Chaozhou was notorious for its unhealthy and disease-causing water.)

Story of Crocodiles

Upon arriving in Chaozhou, Han Yu spoke to local residents to learn about their lives. He discovered that crocodiles in the region had devoured the majority of local livestock.

After inspecting the area, Han reflected that sincerity could move the divine. He prepared offerings for the deities, and wrote a “Sacrificial Address to the Crocodile.” In this address, he wrote that it was understandable that crocodiles had inhabited the area since ancient times. Nonetheless, he urged that under the virtuous ruling of the Tang Dynasty, the crocodiles should cease harming local residents and depart to another place within a few days, ideally several miles out to sea.

“Otherwise, as governor of this area, I shall select capable and skilled officials and citizens, arm them with powerful crossbows and poisoned arrows, and wage war against the crocodiles,” Han wrote. “I will not rest until every last one has been exterminated. When that time comes, don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

That night, a thunderstorm swept through the area—however, the river dried up. The crocodiles then left for other waters, and the river again began to flow.

Han’s tribulation in Languan prompted him to reflect on the existence of the divine, as evidenced in his address to the crocodiles and other articles he wrote about deities during his stay.

When living in Caozhou, Han also had close interactions with monk Dadian Baotong. He described the monk as “exceptionally intelligent and wise… a man who transcended physical constraints, remained undisturbed by external affairs, and possessed a profound grasp of truth.”

There is a saying, “Truth is lived, not taught.” Han Yu’s story offers valuable insights that can enrich our lives and understanding.