I was wondering what the Chinese think of butterflies? Anyway, I did a web search and this is what I found...
The usual, Western, view is that the butterfly is a carefree creature. The Dalai Lama explains that, rather than carefree, it is uncaring:
"The butterfly never meets its mother. It must survive independently and remains a stranger to affection. An animal nurtured by mother's milk, however, is dependent on another for its basic survival. A child who grows up in a cold and detached home environment is similar to the butterfly, in that kindness is sparing. Once an adult, it will be very difficult for that person to show compassion."
I thought this was really amazing if you think of the orphans of China as butterflies. They are beautiful but must survive all alone!
