SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

ritual

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.40

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    Zizhang asked, “The Book of Documents says, ‘When Gaozong was in mourning, he did not speak for three years.’ What does this mean?”The Master replied, “It was not only Gaozong – this was the practice of all ancient people. When a ruler died, all officials managed their own duties and submitted to the Chief…

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.18

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    Duke Ye said to Confucius, “In my region, there is a man known for his uprightness: when his father stole a sheep, the son testified against him.”Confucius replied, “The kind of uprightness we value is different. A father conceals for his son, and a son conceals for his father—uprightness lies precisely within this mutual…

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.11

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    The Master said, “If a good person governs a state for a hundred years, he can overcome cruelty and abolish capital punishment. Truly, this saying is correct!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.10

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    The Master said, “If someone were to employ me, I could show results within a year, and achieve real success within three years.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.4

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    Fan Chi asked to learn farming. The Master said, “I am not as good as an old farmer.”He then asked to learn gardening. The Master said, “I am not as good as an old gardener.”After Fan Chi left, Confucius said, “How petty-minded Fan Xu is! If those in high position love ritual, the people…

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.18

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    Confucius said, “I have never seen anyone who loves virtue as much as they love beauty.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.11

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    Yan Hui sighed deeply and said, “The more I look up to the Master’s Way, the higher it appears; the more I delve into it, the firmer it becomes. Just when I think I see it ahead of me, suddenly it seems to be behind. My teacher guides people skillfully and step by step:…

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.3

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    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 20. Governance begins with the self: The unity of ethics, ritual, and cosmic order

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    Duke Ai asked about governance.The Master said:“The policies of Kings Wen and Wu are recorded in books and documents.Yet, when the right people are present, their policies flourish;when those people are gone, their policies cease.”