The "Meng" in the raw translation refers to the philosopher Meng Zi, known in the West, thanks to Jesuit missionaries, as Mencius. His mother was a widow who was said to be very concerned that her son be very diligent in his studies. Learning that he was influenced in his behaviors and goals by his surroundings, she moved their household several times, to try to find the best locality for his studies, their eventual destination being near an academy of scholars.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Once, Mencius returned home for a rest from his studies. Mencius' mother was disappointed with this lack of diligence in studying and illustrated her point in a graphic way. She had been weaving some cloth; she took a knife and severed the thread, thereby ruining the cloth, signifying that interruptions in continuity can be as disastrous in weaving as in scholarship.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Dou referred to here is Dou Yu Jun. His five sons became high officials, thanks, it is said, to his extreme severity in the conduct of his family life and his sons' education.