SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

ritual propriety

  • Zhé Chōng Zūn Zǔ (折冲樽俎)

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    Ana

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 折冲樽俎Pinyin: zhé chōng zūn zǔLiteral Meaning: Defeat enemy assault chariots over wine vessels and ritual utensils.Figurative Meaning: Defeat opponents and gain victory through diplomatic negotiations, instead of resorting to warfare.

  • King Wen of Zhou

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    Ana

    King Wen of Zhou (c. 1152–1056 BCE) was the paramount leader of the Zhou people at the end of the Shang dynasty. His personal name was Ji Chang, and during the reign of the tyrannical King Zhou of Shang, he held the title “Western Count” (Western Lord or Xibo), ruling over the Zhou domain…

  • The Analects – Chapter 16.14

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    Ana

    The wife of a feudal lord is called “Fu Ren” (Lady) by her husband; she refers to herself humbly as “Xiao Tong” (Little Child); the people of her state call her “Jun Fu Ren” (Lord’s Lady); when her state refers to her when speaking to other states, she is called “Gua Xiao Jun” (My…

  • The Analects – Chapter 16.13

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    Ana

    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…

  • The Analects – Chapter 16.10

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    Ana

    Confucius said, “The noble person has nine things to reflect on: in seeing, think of clarity; in hearing, think of acuteness; in facial expression, think of warmth; in demeanor, think of respectfulness; in speech, think of sincerity; in action, think of diligence; in doubt, think of asking; in anger, think of the difficulties it…

  • The Analects – Chapter 16.6

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    Ana

    Confucius said, “When serving a noble person, there are three common faults: to speak before it is your turn is called impetuousness; to remain silent when it is your turn to speak is called concealment; and to speak without observing the other’s expression is called blindness.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.42

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    Ana

    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 15.33

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    Ana

    The Master said, “If one attains a position through wisdom but cannot preserve it through humaneness, even if gained, it will surely be lost. If one attains it through wisdom and can preserve it through humaneness, yet does not govern with dignity, the people will not show respect. Even if one has wisdom, preserves…

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.29

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    Ana

    The Master said, “It is humanity that enlarges the Way, not the Way that enlarges humanity.”