SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

The Analects

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.3

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    Ana

    The Master asked Zigong, “Ci, do you think I am someone who has acquired much knowledge and simply remembered it all?”Zigong replied, “Yes – aren’t you?”The Master said, “No. I hold to one principle that unifies everything.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.2

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    Ana

    While in Chen, Confucius and his followers ran out of food. His disciples fell ill from hunger and could not get up. Zilu, visibly angry, came to see him and asked, “Can even a noble person (junzi) fall into such desperate straits?”The Master replied, “The noble person steadfastly endures poverty; when the petty person…

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.1

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    Ana

    Duke Ling of Wei asked Confucius about military formations. Confucius replied, “I have heard about matters of ritual vessels and sacrifices; as for military affairs, I have never studied them.” The next day, he left Wei.

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.44

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    Ana

    A boy from Que Dang was sent to deliver a message. Someone asked Confucius, “Is he someone who seeks self-improvement?”The Master replied, “I saw him sitting in an adult’s seat and walking side by side with his elders. He is not one who truly seeks improvement – he merely wants to achieve success quickly.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.43

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    Ana

    Yuan Rang was sitting with his legs sprawled open, waiting casually for Confucius. The Master said, “When you were young, you showed no modesty or respect for elders; when you grew up, you achieved nothing worth mentioning; now that you are old and still refuse to die, you are nothing but a pest!” With…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.42

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    Ana

    Zilu asked Confucius, “What makes a noble person (junzi)?”The Master said, “Cultivate yourself with reverence.”Zilu asked, “Is that all?”The Master replied, “Cultivate yourself so as to bring peace to others.”Zilu asked again, “Is that all?”The Master said, “Cultivate yourself so as to bring peace to all the people. Even Yao and Shun would have…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.41

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    Ana

    The Master said, “When those in high position value and practice ritual propriety, the people are easy to guide.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.40

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    Ana

    Zizhang asked, “The Book of Documents says, ‘When Gaozong was in mourning, he did not speak for three years.’ What does this mean?”The Master replied, “It was not only Gaozong – this was the practice of all ancient people. When a ruler died, all officials managed their own duties and submitted to the Chief…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.39

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    Ana

    While in Wei, Confucius was playing the qing (a stone chime). A reclusive passerby carrying a straw basket happened to walk by Confucius’s gate and said upon hearing the sound, “Ah! There is intention behind this chime!”After a moment, he added, “How narrow-minded! So obstinately persistent! If no one understands you, just let it…