SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Emperor Yao

  • Mozi – Chapter 21

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    Ana

    This chapter expands Mohist utilitarian frugality, setting minimal functional standards for food, clothes, housing, weapons and burials. It cites Emperor Yao as a model ruler rejecting fancy rituals and unnecessary luxurious spending.

  • The Analects – Chapter 20.1

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    Ana

    This final chapter compiles ancient sage kings’ core governance creeds: uphold the Mean, shoulder all people’s faults, prioritize populace, food, rituals and sacrifices, and practice four ruling virtues – magnanimity, sincerity, diligence and impartiality.

  • Mencius – Chapter 10.3

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    Ana

    Mencius states true friendship centers on virtue, free from status, age or power. He cites nobles and rulers treating virtuous men as equals, arguing genuine respect from lords means granting them political authority, balancing honoring superiors and worthy subordinates.

  • Rang Fu [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

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    Ana

    Rang Fu was a man from the time of Emperor Yao. During the reign of Emperor Yao, the world was in perfect harmony, and the common people had no troubles.

  • Zi Zhou Zhi Fu [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

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    Ana

    Zi Zhou Zhi Fu was a man from the time of Emperor Yao. When Yao offered to yield the throne to Xu You, Xu You declined. Yao then offered it to Zi Zhou Zhi Fu.

  • Shan Juan [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

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    Ana

    Shan Juan was a worthy man of antiquity. Emperor Yao heard that he had attained the Dao and thus faced north to study under him as a teacher. After Yao completed his reign, Shun also offered to yield the world to Shan Juan.

  • Xu You [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

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    Ana

    Xu You, courtesy name Wuzhong, was a native of Huaili in Yangcheng. He was a man who stood firmly on righteousness and walked squarely; he would not sit on a mat that was not straight, nor eat food that was not properly prepared. Later, he hid himself in the marshes of Pei.

  • Chao Fu [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

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    Ana

    Chao Fu was a hermit from the time of Emperor Yao. He lived in the mountains, seeking no worldly profit. In his old age, he built a nest in a tree and slept upon it; thus, the people of his time called him “Father Nest” (Chao Fu).

  • Nie Que [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

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    Ana

    Nie Que was a man from the time of Emperor Yao. Xu You was the disciple of Nie Que.