SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Buddhist parable

  • Heavenly maidens scattering flowers in The Mural

    •

    Ana

    If you have read the story of The Mural (The Painted Wall) from Strange Tales from Liaozhai Studio by Pu Songling, you may have the question, why would the temple has the “heavenly maidens scattering flowers” painted on the wall?

  • The gift rejected

    •

    Ana

    Once, Sakyamuni Buddha was frequently targeted by a man who spewed jealousy and insults at him. Yet the Buddha remained calm and silent.

  • The three unavoidable tasks

    •

    Ana

    During the Song Dynasty, the renowned Zen master Dahui had a disciple named Daoqian. Despite years of meditation practice, Daoqian remained unenlightened. One evening, he earnestly confided in his senior brother Zongyuan about his frustration and begged for guidance.

  • The River of Life

    •

    Ana

    Once, the Buddha was traveling through a forest on a scorching day. Thirsty, he said to his attendant Ānanda: “We crossed a small stream earlier. Return and fetch me water.”

  • How did Wukong measure time without clocks?

    •

    Juan

    In Journey to the West, how did the Monkey King measure time on Lingtai Fangcun Mountain without clocks or calendars?