Recently, I had the pleasure of reading The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones.
At one point, Sam Liang, one of the main characters, tells the story of the Sword-Grinding Rain to explain the meaning of guanxi (gwaang.shee), commonly translated as a deep connection.
The Story of the Sword-Grinding Rain
Guan Gong, a noble who lived long ago, is invited to a banquet hosted by his enemies. He knows they mean to kill him; he accepts the invitation anyway and goes alone. His hosts take his sword upon arrival. Gong enters the room, filled with his enemies. There are assassins in hidden wall panels, who have orders to kill him, but Gong bows low, paying homage to his enemies. He wishes their families well and starts to give a long speech, seeking to persuade them from their ill intentions. Once he has finished all applaud and even the assassins hug him. His hosts return Gong’s sword that is immediately swept up to heaven upon his departure. Each year the Gods grind the sword, causing the Sword-Grinding Rain. (Nicole Mones, The Last Chinese Chef, 104, 2007).
Guanxi
As I reflected on this story, I interpreted guanxi to be an unconditional love that is not possible except through Divine intervention. That kind of love is a willingness to leave yourself truly vulnerable out of an absolute love for another person. It is a risky type of love that contradicts and defies our deeply embedded survival instincts.
Therefore, to me, guanxi is the act of overriding those instincts to better connect with others. It does not come as the result of manipulation, forcing someone’s hand, or through fear; for, those actions do not and cannot yield true relationships.
I, of course, don’t mean to disparage the desire to survive, nor the act of surviving, nor am I encouraging anyone to abandon all discernment. We have our instincts for a reason. There comes a time, though, when the act of surviving is not enough.
Jesus
All this reminds me of Jesus’ last hours. He suffers as the crowd taunts Him, abuses Him. Some use His inaction and ultimate death as proof that He was no Divine being. I see God, rejected by His people, who chose to show love, unconditionally, anyway.
Parting Thoughts
Theology aside, I am grateful for the opportunity to become more familiar with a culture I know relatively little about. As a foodie, I’m also grateful for Mones’ beautifully description of the traditional dishes she chose to highlight. I was already looking forward to traveling to China and tasting authentic Chinese food. Now, I really can’t wait.
All in all, a wonderful read.
