SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.20

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    Ana

    Zi Gong asked, “What must one be like to be called a ‘shi’ (a morally responsible scholar-official)?”The Master said, “One who acts with a sense of shame and, when sent on missions abroad, fulfills his ruler’s charge without disgracing it—such a person may be called a shi.”Zi Gong asked, “May I ask about the…

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.19

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    Ana

    Fan Chi asked about benevolence/humaneness. The Master said, “Be respectful in daily life, diligent in your duties, and loyal in your dealings with others. Even if you go to barbarian lands, do not abandon these virtues.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.18

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    Ana

    Duke Ye said to Confucius, “In my region, there is a man known for his uprightness: when his father stole a sheep, the son testified against him.”Confucius replied, “The kind of uprightness we value is different. A father conceals for his son, and a son conceals for his father—uprightness lies precisely within this mutual…

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.17

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    Ana

    Zixia, serving as magistrate of Jufu, asked Confucius about governance. The Master said, “Do not seek speed; do not pursue small gains. If you rush, you will not succeed; if you focus on petty profits, you will never accomplish great things.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.16

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    Ana

    Duke Ye asked about governance. The Master said, “When those nearby are pleased, those from afar will come.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.15

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    Ana

    Duke Ding asked, “Is there really a single saying that can bring prosperity to a state?”Confucius replied, “Words cannot be taken so absolutely. Yet people often say, ‘It is difficult to be a ruler; it is not easy to be a minister.’ If a ruler truly understands the difficulty of rulership and remains cautious…