embodied virtue

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.42

    The blind musician Shi Mian came to visit Confucius. When he reached the steps, the Master said, “These are the steps.” When he approached the mat, the Master said, “This is the mat.” After everyone was seated, Confucius informed him, “So-and-so is here, and so-and-so is here.”After Shi Mian left, Zi Zhang asked, “Is…

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.16

    When sleeping, he did not lie stiffly like a corpse; when at home, he was relaxed and unpretentious. Yet whenever he saw someone in mourning dress – even if they were close friends – he would always change his expression to one of solemnity. When encountering someone wearing a ceremonial cap or a blind…

  • The Analects – Chapter 152 (7.4). The art of everyday grace

    7.4 In his leisure hours the Master’s manner was very free-and-easy, and his expression alert and cheerful.