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was Chiang Yüan. How did she give birth to the people? She…

“was Chiang Yüan. How did she give birth to the people? She sacrificed and prayed That she might no longer be childless. She trod on the big toe of God’s footprint, Was accepted and got what she desired. Then in reverence, then in awe She gave birth, she nurtured; And this was Hou Chi. 1 The mother…” quote by Arthur Waley
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““was Chiang Yüan. How did she give birth to the people? She sacrificed and prayed That she might no longer be childless. She trod on the big toe of God’s footprint, Was accepted and got what she desired. Then in reverence, then in awe She gave birth, she nurtured; And this was Hou Chi. 1 The mother had fulfilled her months, And her first-born came like a lamb With no bursting or rending, With no hurt or harm. To make manifest His magic power God on high gave her ease. So blessed were her sacrifice””

Arthur Waley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A devoted mother’s sacrifice and prayer lead to the birth and nurturing of her people, symbolizing divine blessing.

In simple terms: A mother’s sacrifice brings blessings.

Key Takeaway

Honor selfless devotion.

Themes

sacrifice faith motherhood divine blessing nurturing

Mood

reverent hopeful

Type

mythic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • family life
  • community service
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

spirituality gratitude legacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does true nurturing look like today?
  • How can we support mothers without idealizing sacrifice?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may idealize suffering without addressing systemic issues.

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