Stir-Fried Eggplant with Oyster Mushrooms

Eggplant is a favorite ingredient in many vegetarian dishes, from salads and braises to simple stir-fries with mushrooms.  The secret to a flavorful eggplant stir-fry lies in a well-balanced sauce and proper cooking time—long enough for the eggplant to become tender and silky, yet not mushy.

Some larger globe eggplants can have a slight bitterness, which is why salting is often recommended to draw out excess moisture and reduce any astringency.  For this recipe, however, Japanese eggplants are ideal because they are naturally sweeter, more tender, and less bitter.

This dish is savory, lightly spicy, and wonderful served over hot steamed rice.

Ingredients:

2 Japanese eggplants

1 (16-ounce) can oyster mushrooms, drained (or fresh oyster mushrooms if available)

½ onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

A little chopped cilantro for garnish

1 tablespoon oil for stir-frying

Stir-Fry Sauce ingredients:

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon oyster sauce (use vegetarian oyster sauce if desired)

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon mushroom seasoning powder

1 teaspoon sriracha sauce

1 teaspoon ketchup

½ cup water

Directions:

Preparing the eggplant:

Trim off the ends of the eggplants.  Soak them in lightly salted water for 15–20 minutes, then rinse well and drain.  Cut into bite-sized diagonal slices or small chunks.

Making the sauce

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, mushroom seasoning, sriracha, ketchup, and water.  Set aside.

Stir-frying the aromatics:

Heat a nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat and add the oil.  Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.

Cooking the vegetables:

Add the oyster mushrooms and eggplant.  Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, allowing the eggplant to soften and lightly brown.

Adding the sauce:

Pour in the prepared sauce and toss well to coat everything evenly.  Cook another 4–5 minutes, until the eggplant is tender and the sauce has reduced slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving:

Turn off the heat, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and serve immediately with steamed white rice.

 

The eggplant turns rich and silky, the oyster mushrooms add a meaty texture, and the savory-spicy sauce ties everything together beautifully. A simple dish, but deeply satisfying.

Learning Not to Become Too Attached to Anyone

After a few years on the spiritual path, I began to feel as though I was gradually moving away from people—or perhaps people were drifting away from me.  I often reflected on this until one day, after listening to a teaching by the 14th Dalai Lama, something suddenly became clear.  I understood. And today, if you, too, have been searching for the truth of awakening as I have, then perhaps you may feel fortunate to encounter these reflections, adapted from his guidance.

We, ordinary human beings, are often driven to seek a strong bond with someone, and we spend much of our lives trying to build that connection.  We hope intimacy will bring us safety and comfort and fill the empty spaces within.  Yet the truth is, the more tightly we cling to that closeness, the more vulnerable we become to the changing tides of human emotion and circumstance.

He invites us toward a different way of living—not a cold or distant life, but one of complete inner sovereignty.  It is the art of learning not to become overly attached to anyone.  This is not a call to withdraw from society but a journey toward freedom amid relationships.  When we stop placing the burden of our happiness on others' shoulders, we discover a source of inner strength we may never have known.

Why is maintaining a wise inner distance so important?  Because in the stillness of that space, we begin to see the true nature of things.  Many people mistake intimacy for love when it is sometimes only a projection of the fear of loneliness.  In truth, undeveloped when we can stand alone and still feel whole, only then are we capable of loving others in the purest way—without possessiveness or demand.

Learning not to become too attached to anyone means reestablishing inner boundaries so that no emotional storm arising in another person can shake your peace.  When we expect less absolute understanding from others, disappointment fades.  A life without false external supports can become the most stable life of all.

There is a paradox: those who can live well in solitude are often the very people who bring the greatest warmth to the world.  They give without needing anything in return.  They are present without needing to possess.  This path requires great courage, because it asks us to face our own shadow.  But once we begin to master this art of living, we realize the world is no longer a place filled with threats and fears of little abandonment but a vast field for awakening.

We can begin by noticing our daily psychological habits—the moments we seek comfort, validation, or praise.  These are often the subtle openings through which attachment enters.  Much of the suffering in relationships comes from over-identifying the self with something outside us.  The moment we think, "This person belongs to me," or "I cannot live without that person," we begin building a prison for ourselves.

The human mind naturally seeks stability in an impermanent world.   We want those close to us to always remain, always behave as we expect, and always understand our deepest feelings.  But reality moves according to its own laws.  Each person is a current shaped by their own karma, thoughts, and emotions.  How can we demand that a river stop flowing simply to satisfy our wishes?

When we choose not to become overly attached, we honor both our freedom and others' freedom.  This is a kind of noble solitude.  In this state, we can still communicate, still help others, still smile warmly at people—yet the heart is no longer bound to any particular individual.   It is a subtle protection that keeps the mind from unnecessary disturbance.

When we look deeply into the nature of closeness, we often see that it is built on delicate exchanges: we offer pleasant feelings and hope to receive them in return.  We open our hearts, share secrets, and hope to be trusted. But anything built upon exchange is fragile. The moment the balance shifts, cracks begin to appear.

A person who lives without clinging to such intimacy is not cold-hearted.  Rather, they have laid down that invisible contract.  They live from inner worth, not from the responses of others.  And when one no longer waits for approval or measures oneself against others, a quiet rhythm of peace naturally emerges, and each step in life becomes lighter.

Idle conversations and petty conflicts lose their power to occupy the mind.  There is more space to turn inward—to cultivate gratitude, humility, and patience and, above all, to look deeply into the true nature of the self.

This may be the quietest yet most enduring investment one can make in life. For when you understand yourself, you are no longer swept away by the demands of the world.  Life becomes simpler, and above all, your inner life becomes peaceful, free, and profoundly at ease.

Roast Duck

You’ll often see beautifully lacquered roast ducks hanging in the windows of Asian markets, their deep mahogany skin almost impossible to resist.  Re-creating the exact flavor and color of professional Chinese roast duck at home takes specialized equipment and skill, but with a prepared Peking duck marinade and a little patience, you can achieve a delicious homemade version with much of the same appeal.

This roast duck makes a wonderful alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving or any special meal.  It’s also easy to adapt for smaller family meals—simply divide the duck into portions before roasting if desired. Refrigerate each portion until needed.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck
• 1 packet Peking duck marinade mix
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons cooking wine
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt

For stuffing ingredients:

• 1 bunch green onions
• 1 ounce fresh ginger, sliced

For blanching ingredients:

• Water
• Maltose red wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar mixed with a little maltose, if available)

Directions:

1. Preparing the duck:
Wash the duck thoroughly and soak it briefly in salted water with a little vinegar.  Rinse well and pat dry, inside and out.

In a bowl, mix the Peking duck marinade powder with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, honey, hoisin sauce, and salt.  Rub some of the marinade over the duck and pour the rest into the cavity.  Stuff with green onions and sliced ginger.  Use metal skewers or kitchen twine to close the cavity so the marinade stays inside.

2. Crisping the skin:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a little maltose red wine vinegar.  Ladle or pour the hot liquid over the duck several times to tighten and crisp the skin.

Place the duck on a rack over a baking tray and refrigerate uncovered for 1 to 2 days to air-dry the skin. This step helps develop the rich color and crisp texture.

3. Roasting the duck:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). (Note: the original temperatures appear to have been listed in Celsius, but these are standard roasting temperatures in Fahrenheit.)

Place the duck breast-side down and roast for 15 minutes.  Turn the duck and continue roasting, flipping every 15 minutes for even browning.

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour, or until the duck is cooked through and the skin is crisp and richly browned.

4. Resting and serving:
Let the duck rest for 30 minutes before carving.  Spoon out the flavorful juices collected inside the cavity and serve them as a dipping sauce.

Serving Note:

This is not the traditional method for Chinese roast duck, but it produces a flavorful, satisfying homemade version that’s well worth making.  Serve with steamed rice, bao, or pancakes for a festive meal.

Sausage Stir-Fry

This quick and flavorful stir-fry is perfect for busy days. Using pre-cooked chicken sausage—such as the pineapple-flavored variety from Costco—adds a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory Asian-style sauce.  Serve it over hot steamed rice for a simple, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken sausages, sliced into 1-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup white onion, sliced
• 1 cup frozen stir-fry vegetable mix

Stir-Fry Sauce ingredients:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.  Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.

2. Add the sliced onion and frozen vegetables.  Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and slightly tender.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.  Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat.

4. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.  Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot over steamed rice.

Cilantro Pesto

• Pesto is one of the easiest ways to elevate everyday cooking.  A spoonful can brighten meatballs, add depth to grilled fish, or become a quick marinade for chicken or vegetables.  While store‑bought pesto is convenient, it can be pricey — and making your own at home is both economical and customizable.  With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a vibrant cilantro pesto that fits your family’s taste and budget.  Inserted through new it is Cooking isn’t difficult; it simply takes a little curiosity and the willingness to try recipes that bring joy to your table.

  Ingredients:

  2 bunches

  Fresh cilantro (Aldi is a great option)

  1/4 cup lemon juice

  1/2 cup roasted walnuts

  4 cloves of garlic.

  1 tsp salt

  1/4 tsp black pepper

  1 cup quality olive oil

  1/3 cup

  Grated Parmesan cheese

  Directions:

  Wash the cilantro thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

  Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor.

  Blend until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.

  Transfer the pesto to a glass jar with a tight‑fitting lid.

  Refrigerate and use within several days for best flavor.

   

  Quick Tips for Serving Pesto:

  • Toss with warm pasta for an instant sauce.  Add a splash of pasta water for creaminess.
  • Use as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp (15–30 minutes is enough).
  • Stir into salads by mixing pesto with lemon juice or olive oil.
  • Spread on toasted bread or sandwiches for extra flavor.
  • Mix into warm rice or quinoa to create a fragrant herb side dish.
  • Add a spoonful to soups like chicken soup or vegetable soup for depth.
  • Coat roasted vegetables right after they come out of the oven.
  • Drizzle over tacos or burrito bowls, especially fish or shrimp tacos.
  • Stir into scrambled eggs or omelets for a bright, herbal note.
  • Turn into a dip by mixing with yogurt or mayonnaise.

  Stir into scrambled eggs or omelets for a bright, herbal note.

Sweet Potato Muffins

I make these sweet potato muffins every fall—they’re soft, naturally sweet, and full of cozy flavor.  Adapted from a pumpkin muffin recipe, this version has a deeper, richer taste that sweet potatoes do beautifully. They’re also a wonderful way to use up leftover sweet potatoes.  You can easily customize them with nuts, dried fruits, or your favorite spices.

 Ingredients:

1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup coconut milk

1 large egg

1 cup self-rising flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/3 cup raisins

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).  Grease a 6-cup muffin pan or line with paper liners.

Blending the wet ingredients:

In a blender, combine the mashed sweet potato, egg, sugar, olive oil, and coconut milk.  Blend until smooth.

Mixing the dry ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins.

Combining:

Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined—do not overmix.

Filling the muffin cups:

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Baking:

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling:

Let the muffins cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations:

Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth

Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates

Use honey or coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness

For a healthier twist, substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour

 

Soft, fragrant, and lightly nutty – these muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy afternoon treat.

White Beans and Tuna Salad

This simple Spanish-inspired salad is one of my favorite quick meals—light, nourishing, and full of protein and fiber.  Most kitchens already have the essentials: a can of tuna and a can of white beans. Using high‑quality tuna packed in olive oil makes the flavors richer, but water‑packed tuna works too; you’ll just need a bit more olive oil to bring everything together.

It’s the perfect recipe for days when you don’t have much time but still want something wholesome.  It also pairs beautifully with a sandwich for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of tuna
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup black olives, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley or mint
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
• 1/4 cup good-quality olive oil

Directions:

1. Drain the tuna and place it in a large bowl.  Add the white beans and black olives, gently tossing to combine.

2. Add the red onion, parsley or mint, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice.  Mix lightly so the beans stay intact.

3. Adjust to taste: add more lemon juice for brightness, olive oil if dry, and salt as needed.

4. Adjust the seasoning:

o    Add more lemon juice for extra brightness.

o    If the salad seems dry, drizzle in extra olive oil until the texture is right.

o    Add salt to taste.

5. Refrigerate before serving to let the flavors meld.

 

Tips:

You can add cucumbers, lettuce, or cherry tomatoes.

Destiny or Choice?

Throughout history, many people have believed that a person’s destiny is predetermined and that we simply follow a path already laid out for us.  This raises a question that has long troubled humanity: Can destiny be changed?

What truly determines the course of our lives — our successes, failures, joys, and sorrows?  Are these shaped by external circumstances, or by a hidden force within us that we have yet to recognize?

In Eastern philosophy, human destiny is often explained through three elements: Heaven – Earth – Human (Thiên – Địa – Nhân).  These three factors are considered the foundation of one’s fate.  When we understand them correctly, our entire perspective on life begins to change.

To understand this more clearly, let us start with the two elements that are most familiar and easiest to recognize: Human and Earth.

Human — the inner factor

Human (Nhân) refers to who we are internally: our personality, health, behavior, habits, and the way we respond to life.

From our daily routines and lifestyle to our patterns of thinking and decision-making, all of these form the inner core of who we are.  This is the first foundation influencing our life’s direction.

Earth — the external environment

If Human represents the inner world, then Earth (Địa) represents everything surrounding us: our environment, work, relationships, social position, home, family, friends, and reputation.

In other words, Earth is the overall context in which we live — the opportunities and challenges that life places before us.

Heaven — the most mysterious element

Once we understand Human as the self and Earth as circumstance, the remaining element is Heaven (Thiên) — often viewed as the most mysterious and important factor.

Many people associate “Heaven” with God or a supernatural power capable of controlling destiny.  But is this truly the original meaning?

If we trace the word back to ancient Eastern characters carved on oracle bones, we find that the symbol for “Heaven” resembles a human head.  This suggests a different interpretation:

Heaven is not fate imposed from above, but the way humans think — the habits of the mind.

When this becomes clear, everything changes

If Heaven represents our patterns of thought, then the key to changing destiny lies within our own hands.

Imagine life as a triangle:

At the top is Heaven — our way of thinking.

At the two lower corners are Human (who we are) and Earth (our environment).

 

From the top of the triangle, our thinking influences both our character and our circumstances.  Destiny, therefore, is not a fixed road, but a path formed by the repeated patterns of thought we carry every day.

 

For example:

If a person constantly believes they are inadequate or destined to fail — that is Heaven.  Over time, they act timidly and lack confidence — that is Human.  As a result, they miss opportunities for growth or advancement — that is Earth.

Simply changing one’s thinking plants new seeds that gradually transform both the self and one’s circumstances.

A Buddhist perspective: The mind as the root

This idea resonates strongly with an important teaching in Buddhist philosophy: the mind is the root of experience.

The mind functions like a lens through which we perceive the world.  The external world may not change much, but our experience of it depends on the state of our mind.

This does not mean thoughts can magically alter physical reality.  Rather, it means:

What we experience in life is shaped by the condition of our mind.

For example:

If we view the workplace as a battlefield of competition, we naturally become defensive, which in turn creates tension in the environment.

If we see it as a place for cooperation and shared growth, we become more open — and that openness gradually influences the atmosphere around us.

The world itself may remain the same, yet our inner experience becomes entirely different.

So what is destiny?

Perhaps destiny is neither completely predetermined nor entirely random.

Destiny is the result of how we think, how we act, and how we relate to our circumstances each day.

When the mind changes, actions change.

When actions change, circumstances begin to change.

Destiny, then, is not something we must submit to – it is something we are quietly creating, moment by moment.

Quick Steamed Eggs for Breakfast

If you’re vegetarian, eggs are among the most nutritious and convenient foods you can add to your diet.  They’re versatile, affordable, and ideal for quick breakfast options. ²On busy mornings, even a simple egg can provide sustained energy and high-quality protein to start your day.

About 60% of an egg’s protein is in the egg white, while the yolk contains the rest of the protein, along with healthy fats, essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — making eggs a balanced and nourishing food.

Here’s a simple, comforting quick steamed egg recipe you can make in just minutes.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 green onion, finely chopped

 

Directions:

1. Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil.

2. In a shallow, heatproof dish (about 2 inches deep), add the soy sauce and chopped green onion.

3. Crack the eggs directly into the dish.

4. Carefully cover the dish with a lid or foil to keep water droplets from dripping onto the eggs during steaming.

5. Place the dish in the steamer and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set.

6. Steam longer if you prefer firmer yolks.

Serve warm and enjoy a quick, nourishing breakfast.

Why Steamed Eggs Are a Healthy Choice:

• High-quality protein: helps keep you full longer, and stabilizes blood sugar.

• Brain-supporting nutrients: egg yolks contain choline, which is important for memory and nervous system health.

• Rich in vitamins: including vitamins A, D, B12, and folate.

• Easy to digest, steaming cooks eggs gently, making them soft and light on the stomach.

• Low-oil cooking method, no frying needed, reducing unnecessary fats.

This makes steamed eggs perfect for students, busy professionals, or anyone looking for a balanced vegetarian breakfast.

Second variation:

Vietnamese-Style Steamed Eggs (Trứng Hấp)

This version offers a gentle Vietnamese home-style flavor.  Vietnamese steamed eggs are soft, savory, and comforting — often enjoyed as a light breakfast or simple family meal served with warm rice.

The texture is silky and custard-like, closer to a savory egg pudding than a firm steamed egg.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 1/3 cup warm water or vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or light fish sauce (optional for non-vegetarian version)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 green onion, finely chopped

• Pinch of white pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. Gently beat the eggs in a bowl without creating too many bubbles.

2. Add warm water or broth and mix well for a smoother texture.

3. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.

4. Strain the mixture through a sieve (optional but recommended for extra smooth eggs).

5. Pour into a heatproof bowl and cover loosely with foil or a lid.

6. Steam over low heat for 8–10 minutes until the eggs set into a soft custard.

 

Serving Suggestions (Vietnamese Style):

• Serve with hot jasmine rice.

• Top with fried shallots or extra scallions.

• Add sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian protein boost in the egg white, while the yolk contains the remaining protein along with healthy fats, essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — making eggs a well-balanced and nourishing food.

 

Here’s a simple and comforting quick steamed egg recipe you can prepare in just minutes.

---

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 green onion, finely chopped

---

Directions:

1. Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil.

2. In a shallow heatproof dish (about 2 inches deep), add the soy sauce and chopped green onion.

3. Crack the eggs directly into the dish.

4. Carefully cover the dish with a lid or foil to prevent water droplets from dripping onto the eggs during steaming.

5. Place the dish in the steamer and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set.

6. Steam longer if you prefer firmer yolks.

Serve warm and enjoy a quick, nourishing breakfast.

Why Steamed Eggs Are a Healthy Choice:

• High-quality protein: Helps keep you full longer and stabilizes blood sugar.
• Brain-supporting nutrients: Egg yolks contain choline, important for memory and nervous system health.
• Rich in vitamins: Includes vitamins A, D, B12, and folate.
• Easy to digest: Steaming cooks eggs gently, making them soft and light on the stomach.
• Low oil cooking method: No frying needed, reducing unnecessary fats.

This makes steamed eggs ideal for students, busy professionals, or anyone looking for a balanced vegetarian breakfast.

 

Second variation

 Vietnamese-Style Steamed Eggs (Trứng Hấp):

This variation brings a gentle Vietnamese home-style flavor to the dish. Vietnamese steamed eggs are soft, savory, and comforting — often enjoyed as a light breakfast or simple family meal served with warm rice.

The texture is silky and custard-like, closer to a savory egg pudding than a firm steamed egg.

---

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup warm water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or light fish sauce (optional for non-vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• Pinch of white pepper (optional)

---

Directions:

1. Beat the eggs gently in a bowl without creating too many bubbles.

2. Add warm water or broth and mix well for a smoother texture.

3. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.

4. Strain the mixture through a sieve (optional but recommended for extra smooth eggs).

5. Pour into a heatproof bowl and cover loosely with foil or a lid.

6. Steam over low heat for 8–10 minutes until the eggs set into a soft custard.

---

Serving Suggestions (Vietnamese Style):

• Serve with hot jasmine rice.
• Top with fried shallots or extra scallions.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian protein boost.

Should We Tell the Whole Truth?

We are taught that we must always be honest in every situation.  Yet after going through enough hardships and failures, we begin to realize that the problem is not a lack of intelligence or being too sincere.  Many troubles begin simply with a careless sentence spoken in anger, or a personal confession shared with someone unworthy of trust.

At first glance, words are just words.  But once spoken, they are like an arrow released from a bow — they cannot return.  And sometimes, that very arrow turns back toward the one who fired it. In life, we see countless stories like this:

• opportunities lost because of an unrestrained remark,
• friendships broken by excessive bluntness,
• positions lost because we said something others were not ready to hear.

When we are young, we are taught that telling the truth is integrity.  That is not wrong.  But the ancients viewed life more deeply.  They did not deny the value of truth; they simply understood that truth spoken at the wrong time can become a disaster.  Therefore, telling the whole truth is not necessarily wisdom.  The wisdom of experience lies in knowing when to speak, when to remain silent, and when to keep part of the truth within — not to deceive, but to protect oneself and preserve harmony.

In Chinese history during the Warring States period, one man who clearly understood this was Sima Yi.  He lived in a royal court where every word could become evidence for accusation.  A single careless remark could cost an entire family their lives.  Throughout his lifetime, he witnessed many courageous and upright individuals lose their lives not because they were wrong, but because they spoke at the wrong moment.  Thus, he believed that a wise person should not reveal the whole truth.  This was not dishonesty; rather, it was the ancient lesson that speech must align with timing, circumstance, and human nature.

In human society, words are like the wind. Sometimes they are gentle, like a cool breeze in:

• a timely encouragement can warm someone’s heart,
• a sincere compliment can ease another’s exhaustion.

Yet the same wind, when it changes direction, can become a storm.

Criticism offered at the wrong moment easily turns into humiliation.
A seemingly harmless comment may leave a lasting scar in someone’s heart.

As words pass from one person to another, they often become distorted.  Emotions, assumptions, and gaps in memory cause stories to lose their original truth as they spread.

That is why the ancients said:

“Words touch only the surface; intention lies at the depth.”

A wise person does not quickly believe what is merely told.  Even the Buddha taught not to accept his words blindly pay, but to investigate, observe, and contemplate for oneself — to understand what is trustworthy and how much trust it deserves.

When we reveal the whole truth, we also open the doors of our inner world. In politics or business, this means allowing others to see what we want and what we think, making it easier for them to counter us.  Therefore, speaking less is not a lack of honesty; it is a form of self-protection — an essential skill in a complex world.

In everyday life, this is even more evident.  There are arguments where speaking everything in our heart instantly creates distance.  There are relationships where excessive openness leads to cracks and misunderstandings.  Wise people do not speak more truth than necessary; they speak accurately, sufficiently, and at the right time.  A well-timed sentence can save a relationship; a well-spoken word can dissolve conflict.

All of us want to shine, to be recognized, to prove our abilities — this is natural.  But with experience, we learn that shining too early is not always fortunate.  The taller a tree grows, the more wind it faces; a small tree in the forest attracts little attention.  Only when it becomes strong enough does it rise and stand firm.  Human beings are the same: when we shine before gaining strength, we attract jealousy and resentment and may become targets of those in power.

People can lie, embellish, or justify their actions. But one thing cannot be hidden — results. A person may speak beautifully and boast of talent, but if years pass without creating real value, the truth will reveal itself.

Honesty is a virtue.  Wisdom lies in how truth is used.  Not telling the whole truth is not deception.  Sometimes it is understanding human nature, protecting relationships, and safeguarding oneself.

A wise person is not one who speaks more or speaks less,
but one who knows which words should be spoken, when they should be spoken, and what should remain in silence.

So let rumors pass like the wind.  The only thing truly worth investing in is one’s own effort: do what should be done, say what should be said, and remain silent when necessary.  When we can uphold these three things, we can stand firmly and succeed in any environment.

Thiên Lan

Chicken and Potato Stir‑Fry

Chicken and potato stir‑fry is a simple, delicious, and budget‑friendly dish you can make right in your kitchen.  ‘s You can easily substitute chicken with other meats or seafood and add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.

Instead of deep‑frying the potatoes, a quick pan‑fry keeps the dish lighter while still preserving their creamy texture.  Though this dish may be new to some, the combination of tender chicken, soft potatoes, and savory sauce creates a comforting, irresistible flavor.

Here’s how to make this flavorful and family‑friendly stir‑fry.

Ingredients:

Protein & Vegetables:

• 3 chicken breasts, sliced into 2‑inch strips
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into 2‑inch strips
• 1 tomato, peeled and cut into wedges
• 1 cup bell pepper, cut into bite‑sized pieces
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 white onion cut into wedges
• 2 green onions, cut into 3 cm pieces

Chicken Marinade ingredients:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Chicken seasoning powder

Sauce ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Directions:

1.                        Preparing the sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

2.                        Marinating the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and chicken seasoning powder.  Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3.                        Coating the chicken: Lightly dust the marinated chicken with cornstarch.

4.                        Pan‑frying the chicken: Heat a little oil in a pan.  Add the chicken and fry until lightly golden.  Remove and set aside.

5.                        Cooking the potatoes: In the same pan, fry the potatoes until golden and slightly crispy.

6.                        Combining ingredients: Add the chicken back into the pan.  Add onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers.  Stir‑fry for a few minutes.

7.                        Adding the sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce and toss well so everything is evenly coated.

8.                        Finishing: Turn off the heat and add the sliced green onions Mix gently.

Serving & Notes:

The finished dish has beautiful color, creamy potatoes, tender chicken, and a rich, savory sauce.  Serve hot with steamed white rice for the best flavor.

Wishing you success and a delicious meal with this chicken and potato stir‑fry!

Fried Tilapia Fish Fillet

One of my go-to dishes whenever I want a quick, yet delicious, meal is crispy fried tilapia.  With just a few simple ingredients, a thin batter, and a few minutes in a hot pan, the fish turns golden brown, fragrant, and perfectly crispy.  Even though air fryers are now more convenient and use less oil, I still prefer the deep-frying method—the rich flavor of the fish and the crispy crust always make a meal special.  This dish pairs well with hot rice and is a great accompaniment to salad for a quick dinner.

 

Prep time 10 min.

Cook time 10 min.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 fillets of tilapia, thawed if frozen

1/3 cup oil for frying

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp cornmeal powder

Seasoning to taste:

Dry oregano, garlic powder, onion powder,  salt & pepper

1 egg

2 tbsp milk

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and all seasonings.  Mix well.

In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk.

Pat the fish fillets dry.  Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the flour–cornmeal mixture.  Let it rest for 10 minutes.

Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).  Fry the fillets until golden brown on both sides.

Remove and drain excess oil.  Serve with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Air Fryer Instructions:

Mixing the coating:  

In a small bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and all seasonings.

Preparing the wet mixture:  

Beat the egg with milk in another bowl.

Coating the fish:  

Pat the fish dry.  Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the flour–cornmeal mixture.

Let the coated fish rest for 5–10 minutes so the crust sticks better.

Preheating the air fryer:  

Set to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Air frying:  

Lightly spray the basket with oil.  Place the fish in a single layer and spray a thin mist of oil on top.

Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Serving:  

Enjoy with rice, salad, or steamed vegetables for a light and balanced meal.