SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Rites

  • Chapter 14. The Revolving of Heaven (Tian Yun)

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    This Zhuangzi ‑ Tianyun excerpt explores cosmic spontaneous transformation. Through fables like straw dogs and Dongshi’s imitation, it criticizes rigid outdated rituals, urging people to follow the ever‑changing Dao rather than copy the past.

  • Chapter 11. Letting Be and Letting Go (Zai You)

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    This Zhuangzi ‑ Zaiyou excerpt advocates wu‑wei: let beings abide by their innate nature instead of meddling. Via tales of Guang Chengzi and Hong Meng, it warns against disturbing human hearts with man‑made moral systems.

  • The Analects – Chapter 20.3

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    As the closing verse of The Analects, Confucius lays three core pillars for a gentleman: understanding Heaven’s Mandate for inner poise, mastering rituals to stand firm socially, and discerning speech to truly judge other people.

  • Mencius – Chapter 10.7

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    Mencius argues unserving scholars should not answer lords’ summons. Rulers must respect worthy men with proper rites instead of commanding them. He cites a gamekeeper refusing improper summons and clarifies Confucius hurried only when summoned in official capacity.

  • Mencius – Chapter 10.4

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    Mencius stresses reverence in social exchanges and accepts ritual-compliant gifts, yet rejects stolen loot from murderers. He distinguishes criminal robbers from exploitative lords, explaining Confucius took office for three pragmatic reasons to gradually promote the Dao before departing.

  • The Analects – Chapter 16.13

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    Chen Kang asked Bo Yu (Kong Li), Confucius’son, “Have you received any special teachings from your father?” Bo Yu replied, “Nothing special. Once, my father was standing alone in the courtyard, and I hurried past. He asked me, ‘Have you studied the Odes?’ I answered, ‘Not yet.’ He said, ‘If you do not study…