SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.43

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    Ana

    Gongdu Zi wonders why Mencius ignores Teng Geng’s questions. Mencius refuses those who ask relying on rank, talent, age, merits or old ties. Teng Geng bears two such biases, as learning demands humility free from worldly privilege.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.42

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    Ana

    Mencius states gentlemen practice the Dao when the world is upright, and sacrifice themselves to defend it amid chaos. He firmly rejects compromising moral truth to cater to worldly interests, stressing the Dao’s supreme dignity.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.41

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    Ana

    Gongsun Chou asks Mencius to simplify the lofty Way for ordinary people. Mencius refuses to lower moral standards, comparing teachers to skilled craftsmen. He uses heuristic teaching, holding the Middle Way for capable learners to follow.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.40

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    Ana

    Mencius lists five teaching approaches for gentlemen: transformative timely rain influence, nurturing virtue, developing talents, answering queries, and remote self-study inspired by a master’s legacy, covering diverse forms of tailored education.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.39

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    Ana

    Mencius differentiates two mourning cases. Those who voluntarily cut mourning deserve rebuke; those blocked by rules to observe full rites merit praise for any mourning they can manage, embodying flexible moral judgment.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.38

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    Ana

    Human bodily form is innate nature, yet only sages fully realize it. Through lifelong moral cultivation, their inner virtues permeate every part of their physique, achieving perfect harmony between outward appearance and inner spiritual essence.