To look at the sky through a bamboo tube; to have a very narrow or limited view of things; to see only a small part of a bigger picture, thus having a partial or incomplete understanding.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, the famous physician Bian Que passed through the state of Guo and heard that its Crown Prince had suddenly died.
He inquired about the Prince's symptoms from a middle official and concluded that the Prince was only in a state of suspended animation and could be revived. The official, however, was skeptical.
Bian Que criticized him, saying he was like 'looking at the sky through a bamboo tube,' meaning he had a very narrow and limited understanding. Bian Que then proceeded to perform acupuncture on the Prince's vital points.
Soon after, the Prince regained consciousness. After further treatment with herbal medicine, he fully recovered within 20 days.