SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

reverence

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.4

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    Ana

    When Confucius entered the ducal gate, he bowed deeply as if there were no room for him. He never stood in the center of the doorway, nor did he step on the threshold. Passing by the ruler’s seat, his expression instantly became solemn, his steps quickened, and his speech grew hushed, as though he…

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.3

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    Ana

    When the ruler summoned Confucius to receive guests, his expression instantly became solemn, and his steps quick and nimble. When bowing to colleagues standing beside him, he courteously saluted with both left and right hands. As he moved, his robe fluttered neatly front and back, never disheveled. When hastening forward, his posture was graceful…

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.2

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    Ana

    When at court, Confucius spoke with lower-ranking officials in a relaxed, forthright, and affable manner; with higher-ranking officials, he was respectful, upright, and measured in speech; and when the ruler was present, he appeared both reverently cautious and gracefully composed.

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.3

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    Ana

    Confucius said, “Using hemp to make ceremonial caps was in accordance with ancient ritual; nowadays people use silk instead, out of frugality. In this case, I follow the majority. Bowing below the hall was in accordance with ancient ritual; now people bow from atop the hall, which shows arrogance. Even if it means going…

  • Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 2. Timely Centrality: True Meaning of Zhong Yong

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    Ana

    Confucius said:“The gentleman practices the Mean (zhong yong); the petty person opposes the Mean.The gentleman’s practice of the Mean means always maintains moderate –acting with appropriateness according to circumstances.The petty person’s so-called ‘Mean’ is merely recklessness and fearlessness –having no moral restraint or reverence.”

  • Mencius – Chapter 7.4 Self-Reflection vs. moral integrity and political legitimacy

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    Ana

    Mencius said: “If you love others but they do not respond with closeness, reflect on whether your own benevolence is genuine.If you govern people but fail to bring order, reflect on whether your wisdom is sufficient.If you treat others with ritual propriety but receive no response, reflect on whether your reverence is sincere.”

  • Mencius – Chapter 3.9 Virtue of the Middle Way

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    Ana

    Mencius said: “Bo Yi would not serve a ruler he did not approve of, nor befriend anyone he deemed unworthy.”

  • Why Wukong never sought help from his sworn brother Zhenyuanzi?

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    Juan

    In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong’s “sworn brotherhood” with Zhenyuanzi (Great Immortal Zhenyuan) was a compromise born of extraordinary circumstances.