Chinese Idiom: 顽石点头 (Wan Shi Dian Tou)
English Translation: Stubborn stones nodding
pīn yīn: wán shí diǎn tóu
Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies that if something is reasoned well, even the most unyielding entities (like stone) can be moved. It is often used to describe explanations that are vivid and compelling.
Historical Source: From the Qing dynasty text Tongsu Bian (《通俗编·地理 ·顽石点头》).
Idiom Story:
During the Jin dynasty, there was a highly learned monk named Sheng Gong. He spent seven years in Lushan, Jiangxi, dedicating himself to the study of Buddhist scriptures. Later, he traveled to Chang’an and authored several works; however, many of his peers disagreed with his theories. At that time, the Nirvana Sutra had just been introduced to China, and although Sheng Gong translated part of it, he received little recognition.
Feeling disheartened, he eventually spent his lonely later years on Tiger Hill. It was here that he left behind a relic known as the “Sheng Gong Stone” along with a remarkable legend.
During his life, frustrated by the lack of listeners to his teachings, Sheng Gong began to gather numerous stones on Tiger Hill, arranging them as if they were an audience. He would then lecture to the stones, passionately expounding on his views and interpretations of Buddhist teachings. As he spoke with great fervor, he would often pause and ask, “What do you think? Does my interpretation align with the true meaning of the scriptures?”
Remarkably, it is said that the stones were so moved by his eloquence that they nodded in agreement.
This extraordinary tale gives rise to the idiom “顽石点头,” illustrating that reasoned argument can touch even the hardest of hearts, and that passionate, heartfelt explanations can resonate deeply with listeners, no matter how unyielding they may appear.
