SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The Analects – Chapter 17.24

    •

    Ana

    Confucius and Zigong list detestable conducts. Confucius condemns slanderers, insubordinates, reckless brave and stubborn men; Zigong loathes those masking plagiarism, arrogance and harsh criticism as wisdom, courage and candor, warning against fake virtues.

  • The Analects – Chapter 17.23

    •

    Ana

    Confucius tells Zilu righteousness outweighs courage. Without moral guidance, a bold gentleman stirs unrest, while a fearless petty man turns to theft. True bravery must be governed by righteousness to avoid harming society.

  • The Analects – Chapter 17.22

    •

    Ana

    Confucius criticizes those who laze around full yet never think. He claims even board games demand mental focus and beat utter idleness, stressing people ought to keep their minds active instead of sinking into hollow, wasted days.

  • The Analects – Chapter 17.21

    •

    Ana

    Zai Wo suggests cutting parental mourning to one year over ritual decay worries. Confucius argues three years repay parents’ early care, criticizing Zai Wo’s lack of heartfelt filial benevolence, holding true rituals spring from sincere inner grief rather than superficial forms.

  • The Analects – Chapter 17.20

    •

    Ana

    Confucius pretended to be sick to avoid Ru Bei, yet played and sang on the lute once the messenger left. This silent rebuke saved Ru Bei’s dignity while prompting self-reflection, showing his subtle, deed-based educational wisdom instead of harsh verbal criticism.

  • Lǘ Dǎ Gǔn (Rolling Donkey): Beijing’s Sweetest Snack With the Strangest Name

    •

    Ana

    This article introduces Lǘ Dǎ Gǔn, a chewy Beijing glutinous rice snack filled with red bean paste and dusted with soybean flour. It explains its whimsical name, Manchu imperial origin, festival custom and its appearance at the APEC state banquet.