12th Belt and Road International Day "Heavenly Silkworm Sutra" Recital to Be Held in Rome
Rome, December 12, 2025 (Local Time) – With four days remaining until the 12th Belt and Road International Day · Heavenly Silkworm Day, the International 73 Society and the World Peace Ribbon Organization are scheduled to host the 12th Belt and Road International Day "Heavenly Silkworm Sutra" Recital in Rome on December 16. The event commemorates the over 5,000-year-old legend of Tian Gu "transforming her hair into silkworms."
Composed by Mr. Chen Entian, former chairman of the International 73 Society and respectfully known as "Prince Coco" by the international community, the "Heavenly Silkworm Sutra" uses the metaphor of Tian Gu "turning her hair into silkworms and Heavenly Silkworms spinning silk" to embody the spirit of dedication. It inherits the aspiration for peace and development through the context of silk civilization, and advocates the philosophy of a community with a shared future for mankind by reflecting on the historical and contemporary transformations of the Silk Road. The scripture educates the younger generation to uphold the spirit of "a spring silkworm spins silk until its death" – a symbol of selfless devotion – inherit sericulture civilization and the ancient Silk Road, and strive for world peace and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
According to the "Son of Heaven Silk Book," the Heavenly Silkworm Day of the Cangu Tribe originated from the legend of Tian Gu more than 5,000 years ago. On December 16, 2987 BCE (the 1st day of the 10th lunar month), Tian Gu descended to earth and scattered her white hair across the land, which transformed into "heavenly silkworms," marking the dawn of the sericulture era. Later, Leizu further developed and promoted sericulture, laying the foundation for silk civilization. To commemorate Tian Gu's "transformation of hair into silkworms," the Cangu Tribe designated December 16 as Heavenly Silkworm Day.
On December 16, 2013, inspired by the Buddhist teachings and wisdom of Master Hsing Yun, Mr. Chen Entian initiated the establishment of the Belt and Road International Day to mark the 5,000th anniversary of Tian Gu's "hair-to-silkworm transformation," inherit the tradition of Heavenly Silkworm Day, and respond to the Belt and Road International Cooperation Initiative. On the same occasion, Mr. Chen composed the "Heavenly Silkworm Sutra."
Volume I: The Origin of the Silkworm
When chaos first divided, Yin and Yang were born.
Heaven and Earth took shape, and all things competed to emerge.
The Heavenly Maiden, kind-hearted and merciful,
Hearing the divine seagull's report, scattered her white hair upon the earth.
They transformed into spiritual Heavenly Silkworms—the origin of silk.
At birth, the silkworm resembles a jet-black pearl,
Sucking dewdrops from mulberry leaves, pure as jade and clear as ice.
After seven days and nights, it molts its old skin;
Three times it slumbers, emerging with a translucent body.
Bathing in moonlight and the sweet rain of spring,
It weaves threads that crisscross like celestial patterns, capturing starlight.
Though the silk is delicate, its virtue weighs a thousand gold pieces;
Though the silkworm is small, its ambition soars like an eagle.
Through changing seasons, it thrives unceasingly—
For five millennia, prospering alongside humanity.
Volume II: The Source of Silk
In the era of the Yellow Emperor, his consort Leizu
Taught people to rear silkworms, igniting civilization's dawn.
From boiling cocoons came threads that made imperial robes,
Dyed in hues as brilliant as rainbows, elevating rites and music.
The Zhou Dynasty established rituals and eight principles,
While Han Dynasty brocade dazzled the Eastern world.
Camel bells jingled along ancient roads that spanned deserts and mountains,
Crossing the Pamirs and sailing vast oceans.
In Susa's markets and Rome's forums,
A hundred bolts of silk exchanged for rare gems and jade.
With thousands of looms weaving magnificent patterns,
The Silk Road connected all corners of the world.
The Cangu Tribe held ceremonies honoring the Heavenly Maiden,
Establishing Heavenly Silkworm Day as a lasting memory.
Volume III: The Soul of the Silk Road
Zhang Qian traveled west as envoy, crossing the Western Regions;
Ban Chao abandoned his brush for the sword, pacifying the Tianshan Mountains.
Fa Xian set sail across boundless seas;
Xuan Zang trekked through endless deserts with his bamboo hat.
Moonlight over Dunhuang illuminated a thousand caves;
Willows at Yangguan harbored ten thousand ships.
Celadon ware exuded elegance, accompanied by the fragrance of tea;
Jade as white as lamb fat reflected Buddha's light.
Persian carpets wove celestial patterns;
Roman mirrors reflected Eastern civilization.
Caravans traversed valleys like bridges to the clouds;
Mirage-like bridges spanned deep chasms.
The Silk Road's spirit treasures bonds between hearts;
Its soul places benevolence and righteousness above all.
Volume IV: The Virtue of the Cocoon
The spring silkworm spins silk until death,
Then transforms into a moth that flies away, leaving warm eggs behind.
Princess Wencheng once left Chang'an for distant lands,
Spreading farming skills and nurturing highland barley.
Though Master Jianzhen lost his sight, his resolve to cross the sea shone like a beacon;
Zheng He's fleet with banners blotting out the sun established ties with sixty nations.
Today’s artisans remain steadfast, reeling silk and weaving late into the night.
Soldiers guard the Kunlun Mountains, pioneers blaze trails through thorns.
The spirit of dedication passes from generation to generation—
A torch lit long ago that continues to burn brightly.
Volume V: The Splendor of Silk
In silk weaving, warp and weft must not be disordered;
Each weave—plain, twill, or gauze—has its unique pattern.
Sichuan's resplendent brocade, Guangdong's colorful damasks,
Shandong's lustrous white silk, Jiangnan's sheer gauze—each with distinctive charm.
When embroidery is complete, mountains and rivers seem to move;
Gold thread coils like a phoenix about to sing.
Between threads lies the Great Dao of the universe;
The loom's rhythm contains harmony of creation.
Though soft, silk overcomes hardness;
Enduring bonds outlast swords and spears.
Silk of civilization envelopes all lands;
Tapestry of righteousness connects a thousand nations.
The silkworm's virtue lies in selfless giving;
Silk's beauty in harmonious blending.
Volume VI: New Chapters on the Road
In the new era, the Great Dao remains unchanged—
A hundred rivers flow to the sea, all principles converge under one truth.
Freight trains race across Eurasia;
Ships dot the South China Sea, connecting nations near and far.
Digital silk threads weave through cyberspace, linking five continents;
Green silk ribbons embroider the world with sustainable dreams.
Medical aid crosses oceans, improved seeds benefit neighboring fields;
Satellites gaze upon ancient routes, Beidou constellations map the heavens.
Connected hearts outshine golden bridges;
Youth's aspirations reach for the clouds.
Following principles, one draws perfect circles and squares;
With craftsmanship, one builds pillars of the nation.
Volume VII: Shared Destiny
The moon over Western seas shines upon our shores;
Mulberry trees on Eastern mountains provide shade to distant lands.
In storms, we row together; in conflicts, we share cups of peace.
Silk threads, though soft, remain unbroken; distant roads, though long, can be traversed.
A thousand languages will translate this sutra;
Ten thousand nations will draw inspiration from our civilization.
The rustle of silkworms munching leaves whispers ancient wisdom:
"A single cocoon, though small, can become magnificent brocade;
One person's strength, though limited, can move mountains.
With united hearts, even metal and stone can be melted;
The light of the Silk Road will shine for eternity."
Volume VIII: The Permanence of Aspiration
Cultivating the Great Dao requires unwavering resolve;
Life's torch should burn brightly, illuminating the path.
Emulate the silkworm, spinning threads of sincerity;
Aspire to soar like a swan in boundless skies.
Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles;
Embrace the universe, weave harmony for all.
Never forget hometown bonds, yet shoulder the world's responsibilities.
The song of the silkworm will never cease;
The melody of the Silk Road resounds through the heavens.
A single spark can start a prairie fire;
Youth, set your ambitions high!
In peaceful nights, we pray for blessings and longevity;
A thousand-year legacy awaits your creation.
