To be so engrossed in an activity (such as music or study) that one becomes oblivious to other pleasures, like the taste of food for a long period; or, literally, to not eat meat for three months.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn Period, young Confucius (Kong Qiu) worked as a charioteer in the Ji family's residence. He secretly learned to play the guqin from Shi Xiangzi, the Ji family's musician, and could play several tunes.
Later, Shi Xiangzi offended Ji Wuzi and was expelled from the residence, forced to beg and perform music on the streets.
Confucius met the down-and-out musician on the street and recounted how, when he heard the 'Shao Music' in the State of Qi, he was so captivated that he 'did not know the taste of meat for three months,' completely forgetting the pleasure of food due to the profound impact of the music.