天涯明月刀 (Tiānyá Míngyuè Dāo)

「天生我材必有用，千金散尽还复来」

Heaven has given me this talent for a purpose; a thousand pieces of gold scattered will return again

— Li Bai, 'Bring in the Wine'

Heaven endowed me with talent that must serve a purpose; though a fortune be spent, it will come back — confidence and boundless spirit.

「天行健，君子以自强不息」

As heaven's motion is vigorous and unceasing, the gentleman strives endlessly for self-improvement

— I Ching (Book of Changes)

Heaven moves with vigor and never ceases; the gentleman should emulate this by ceaselessly striving for self-improvement.

「床前明月光，疑是地上霜」

Before my bed, a pool of moonlight; I wonder if it is frost upon the ground

— Li Bai, 'Quiet Night Thoughts'

Moonlight spills before my bed like a layer of frost — the most widely known Chinese poem of all time.

「明月几时有？把酒问青天」

When did the bright moon first appear? I raise my cup and ask the blue sky

— Su Shi, 'Water Melody'

When did the bright moon first arise? I raise my wine cup to ask the heavens — the eternal masterpiece for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

「山重水复疑无路，柳暗花明又一村」

Through endless mountains and winding rivers, I fear there is no way ahead; then through dark willows and bright flowers, another village appears

— Lu You, 'Visiting a Village West of the Mountain'

Just when the mountains and streams seem to block all paths, a village suddenly appears beyond the willows and flowers — hope found in the darkest moment.