SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

ritual propriety

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.18

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    Ana

    The Master said, “The noble person takes righteousness as his substance, practices it through ritual propriety, expresses it with humility, and completes it through trustworthiness. Truly a noble person!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.5

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    Ana

    The Master said, “Whoever ruled by non-action (wu wei) – was it not Shun? What did he actually do? He merely sat solemnly and upright on his throne facing south.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.1

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    Ana

    Duke Ling of Wei asked Confucius about military formations. Confucius replied, “I have heard about matters of ritual vessels and sacrifices; as for military affairs, I have never studied them.” The next day, he left Wei.

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.44

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    Ana

    A boy from Que Dang was sent to deliver a message. Someone asked Confucius, “Is he someone who seeks self-improvement?”The Master replied, “I saw him sitting in an adult’s seat and walking side by side with his elders. He is not one who truly seeks improvement – he merely wants to achieve success quickly.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.43

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    Ana

    Yuan Rang was sitting with his legs sprawled open, waiting casually for Confucius. The Master said, “When you were young, you showed no modesty or respect for elders; when you grew up, you achieved nothing worth mentioning; now that you are old and still refuse to die, you are nothing but a pest!” With…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.41

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    Ana

    The Master said, “When those in high position value and practice ritual propriety, the people are easy to guide.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.21

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    Ana

    Chen Chengzi (also known as Chen Heng) assassinated Duke Jian of Qi. Upon hearing this, Confucius bathed, dressed in formal court attire, and went to court to report to Duke Ai of Lu: “Chen Heng has murdered his ruler. I request that you launch a punitive expedition against him.”Duke Ai replied, “Report this to…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.19

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    Ana

    Confucius remarked that Duke Ling of Wei was “without the Way (Dao)” (i.e., an unprincipled ruler). Ji Kangzi asked, “If that’s the case, why hasn’t he lost his state?”Confucius replied, “Zhongshu Yu handles diplomatic guests, Zhu Tuo manages ancestral temple rituals, and Wangsun Jia oversees the military. With such capable ministers fulfilling their roles,…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.15

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    Ana

    The Master said, “Duke Wen of Jin was crafty but not upright; Duke Huan of Qi was upright but not crafty.”