SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Bo Yi

  • Guzhu

    •

    Guzhu (孤竹, also written as “觚竹”) was an ancient state during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. It is first mentioned in oracle bone inscriptions (甲骨文) from Yinxu (殷墟) and bronze inscriptions (金文) from the Shang dynasty. It was a vassal state of the Zi surname (子姓) and Mo clan (墨氏), with its capital located…

  • Chapter 29. Robber Zhi (Dao Zhi)

    •

    This page interprets Robber Zhi from Zhuangzi. Through Robber Zhi refuting Confucius, it denounces the hypocrisy of Confucian benevolence and righteousness. Two additional dialogues examine harms of fame and wealth, advocating following nature and preserving one’s true self in this highly subversive chapter.

  • Chapter 28. Yielding the Throne (Rang Wang)

    •

    This Zhuangzi ‑ Rang Wang collects fables of hermits rejecting thrones, rank and wealth. It advocates cherishing one’s inner life above worldly power, holding politics as secondary to personal spiritual cultivation.

  • Chapter 17: Autumn Floods (Qiu Shui)

    •

    This Zhuangzi ‑ Qiushui (Autumn Floods) excerpt uses He Bo and Sea God’s dialogue to teach relativism of size and values. It includes well‑known parables like the well‑frog and the fish‑joy debate, urging humility and natural spontaneity.

  • Why Forced Goodness Can Wreck Your Life

    •

    This commentary on Zhuangzi ‑ Pianmu critiques forced performative morality. Using metaphors like duck‑crane legs and lost‑sheep parable, it warns against sacrificing one’s true nature for external social or moral standards.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 25.2

    •

    This Han Feizi chapter argues legal order precedes virtue. Using metaphors like Bian Que’s surgery, it urges rulers to accept harsh but truthful advice and avoid making impossible demands on exhausted common people.

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.22

    •

    Mencius praises King Wen’s benevolent governance centered on supporting elders. Fair land policies, sericulture and livestock farming secure seniors’ silk and meat. Wise rulers caring for the aged draw virtuous men to their realms.

  • Mencius – Chapter 12.6

    •

    Debater Chunyu Kun questions Mencius’ resignation for lacking visible achievements. Mencius argues virtuous men pursue benevolence in diverse ways, stresses worthy officials secure state survival, and notes gentlemen’s subtle moral choices elude common utilitarian judgment.

  • Mencius – Chapter 10.1

    •

    Mencius portrays three archetypal sages: pure Bo Yi, mission-driven Yi Yin, and accommodating Liu Xia Hui. He regards Confucius as the timely sage who balances all virtues, a fully accomplished sage uniting wisdom and moral strength with musical and archery metaphors.