SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The Peach Blossom Spring

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    Ana

    — by Tao Yuanming (Jin) During the Taiyuan era of the Jin Dynasty, a fisherman from Wuling made his living by fishing. One day, he sailed along a stream, forgetting how far he had traveled. Suddenly, he came upon a grove of peach trees lining both banks for several hundred paces. There were no…

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.24

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    Ana

    Zengzi said, “The noble person gathers friends through shared study of cultural texts, and uses friendship to support the cultivation of humaneness.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.23

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    Ana

    Zigong asked about friendship. The Master said, “Give loyal advice and guide gently; if he does not accept it, stop—do not humiliate yourself.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.22

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    Ana

    Fan Chi asked about humaneness. The Master said, “It is to love others.”He then asked about wisdom. The Master said, “It is to know people.”Fan Chi did not fully grasp this. The Master added, “Raise the upright and place them above the crooked—this will cause the crooked to become upright.”After leaving, Fan Chi went…

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.21

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    Ana

    While walking with Confucius beneath the Wuyu altar, Fan Chi asked, “May I ask how one can elevate virtue, correct hidden faults, and discern confusion?”

  • The Analects – Chapter 12.20

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    Ana

    Zi Zhang asked, “What must a scholar-official be like to be considered ‘influential’ (illustrious, truly accomplished or genuinely influential)?”The Master asked in return, “What do you mean by ‘influential’?”Zi Zhang replied, “Someone who is well-known in the state and well-known in his family.”Confucius said, “That is merely fame or reputation, not true ‘influential’.True ‘influential’…