SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Pò Fǔ Chén Zhōu (破釜沉舟)

    •

    Ana

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 破釜沉舟Pinyin: pò fǔ chén zhōuLiteral Meaning: Smash cooking pots and sink sailing boats.Figurative Meaning: Fight a decisive battle with no retreat. It also means making a firm resolution to carry things through regardless of difficulties. Cultural Background Derived from a well-known ancient military story – Xiang Yu’s Gamble at Julu.…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 20.20

    •

    Juan

    This passage from Han Feizi explains Legalist governance. A virtuous ruler pursues peace via ritual diplomacy, prioritizes agriculture, curbs extravagance, and turns war horses to farm work, embodying “retire war-horses to fertilize fields.”

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 20.19

    •

    Juan

    This excerpt from Han Feizi interprets Daoist thought through Legalist governance. It argues good rule curbs punishment, calms people’s desires, dispels ghostly superstition, and fosters harmony between ruler and people, human and ghost.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 20.18

    •

    Juan

    This Han Feizi passage argues governing a large state needs stable laws. Frequent legal changes harm people, waste labor, like stirring small fish while cooking.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 20.17

    •

    Juan

    This Han Feizi passage uses the tree-root metaphor. The Dao is the state’s mother; virtue as taproot ensures long life and enduring rule.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 20.16

    •

    Juan

    This Han Feizi excerpt argues rulers must embody the Dao. Gaining deep wisdom and hidden limits secures both state and self.