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Laba Festival - Hot Porridge

Author

LI Min

Editor

Publisher

Longshine Publishing

Publication Date

ISBN

There are many legends about Laba Porridge, and while the stories may vary, the core remains the same: Laba Porridge has always brought warmth and hope to those in desperate need. Laba Festival - Hot Porridge primarily tells the story of a young monk and the significance of Laba Porridge.
"Descending the mountain" symbolizes independence and responsibility. Before descending, as instructed by the elder monk, the young monk diligently worked throughout the year, gathering various ingredients from the fields and mountains. However, was this harvest merely for his own benefit upon descending the mountain?
"Descending the mountain" also signifies giving and taking on responsibilities. After descending, the young monk encountered many impoverished people and, without hesitation, used the ingredients he had gathered to cook porridge and share it with everyone. In that moment, his labor extended beyond himself to benefit others. Through the hot Laba Porridge, we witness compassion, care, and warmth.
"Descending the mountain" carries multiple meanings. It represents not only the young monk's personal experience but also the journey of an individual entering society. It is the encounter between the self and others and the realization of one's value.

Associate Professor at the College of Chinese Language and Culture, Jinan University, with a PhD in Modern and Contemporary Literature. Member of the Chinese Children's Literature Recommendation Committee at the National Library of Singapore.
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