What is Ma Qian Ke?

诸葛亮 · 约公元227年

Ma Qian Ke (马前课, 'Lessons Before the Saddle') is traditionally attributed to Zhuge Liang (181-234 AD), the legendary chancellor and chief strategist of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming and known as the 'Sleeping Dragon,' is one of the most celebrated political and military figures in Chinese history, revered as the embodiment of wisdom and loyalty.

The complete work comprises 14 lessons, each consisting of a four-line heptasyllabic poem. Arranged in chronological order, the verses are believed to predict major dynastic transitions in Chinese history from the Three Kingdoms era into the future. The title 'Ma Qian Ke' literally means 'divination lessons before mounting the horse,' or 'lessons calculated on horseback during a military campaign,' reflecting Zhuge Liang's identity as a military strategist. Each lesson is concise, using cryptic metaphors to allude to dynasties and historical figures.

Ma Qian Ke is regarded as one of the three great Chinese prophetic texts, alongside Tui Bei Tu and Shaobing Song. However, its authenticity remains hotly debated among scholars — some believe the surviving text may have been composed by later authors under Zhuge Liang's name, with earlier 'fulfilled' lessons possibly added retroactively. This site presents all 14 lessons with verification analysis for reference.

Core Message
"To rescue the world from peril and save it from calamity — this is the work of the sage. When yang returns, order is restored; when darkness reaches its extreme, light is born." — Ma Qian Ke, Lesson 12
Key Timeline
  • Lesson 1 — Three Kingdoms and the rise and fall of Shu Han
  • Lesson 3 — North-South Dynasties division
  • Lesson 4 — Sui-Tang grand unification
  • Lesson 8 — Founding and reign of the Ming Dynasty
  • Lesson 10 — Fall of the Qing and birth of the Republic
Data Sources
  • Original text sourced from the transmitted version of Ma Qian Ke; authenticity and date of composition remain debated (Wikipedia)
  • Zhuge Liang biography reference (Wikipedia: Zhuge Liang)
  • Verification based on historical records and public sources; editorial opinions do not represent academic consensus
  • Site icon: Bagua (Eight Trigrams) symbol — Zhuge Liang was a master of the I Ching and Qimen Dunjia; the Bagua is the core symbol of his divination system

Disclaimer: This site is for academic research and cultural reference only. It does not constitute advice or guidance of any kind. We assume no responsibility for any judgments, decisions, or consequences arising from the use of this content.