SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

hermit

  • Zi Zhou Zhi Fu [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

    •

    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.

  • Beyond the World: Tao Yuanming [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    •

    This article profiles Tao Yuanming, a celebrated Eastern Jin recluse. Disgusted by aristocratic corruption, he quit official life, refusing to bow for a petty salary. He embraced rural simplicity, wrote timeless pastoral poems, and created The Peach Blossom Spring – a utopia of peace and freedom. His integrity made him an icon of Chinese…

  • Shan Juan [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

    •

    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]

    •

    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]

    •

    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).

  • Autumn Evening in the Mountain Retreat [Tang Poems]

    •

    — Wang Wei Fresh rain washed the mountains bare, Autumn permeates evening air. Among pine trees bright moonbeams peer; Over crystal stones flows water clear. Bamboos whisper of washer-maids; Lotus stirs when fishing boat wades. Though fragrant spring may pass away, Still here’s the place for noble souls to stay.

  • Mount Lu Viewed from Xunyang at Dusk [Tang Poems]

    •

    –Meng Haoran For miles and miles I sail and float; High famed mountains are hard to seek. By riverside I moor my boat, Then I perceive the Censer Peak. Knowing the Monk Yuan’s life and way, I love his solitary dell. His hermitage not far away, I hear at sunset but the bell.