SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

self-cultivation

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.15

    •

    Ana

    The Master said, “Be strict with yourself and lenient in blaming others, and you will stay far from resentment.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.13

    •

    Ana

    The Master sighed, “Alas! I have never seen anyone who loves virtue as much as he loves beauty (or sensual attraction).”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.12

    •

    Ana

    The Master said, “If a person has no long-term considerations, he will surely encounter immediate worries.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.10

    •

    Ana

    Zigong asked Confucius, “How does one practice benevolence (humaneness)?”The Master replied, “If a craftsman wants to do his job well, he must first sharpen his tools. Likewise, when you reside in a state, serve those ministers who are virtuous, and befriend those scholars who are humane.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.6

    •

    Ana

    Zizhang asked Confucius, “How can one get along well everywhere (i.e., be accepted and succeed in society)?”The Master replied, “If your words are loyal and trustworthy, and your conduct is sincere and respectful, you will get along even among the most uncultured tribes. But if your words lack loyalty and trustworthiness, and your actions…

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.5

    •

    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 15.3

    •

    Ana

    The Master asked Zigong, “Ci, do you think I am someone who has acquired much knowledge and simply remembered it all?”Zigong replied, “Yes – aren’t you?”The Master said, “No. I hold to one principle that unifies everything.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.44

    •

    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 14.42

    •

    Ana

    Zilu asked Confucius, “What makes a noble person (junzi)?”The Master said, “Cultivate yourself with reverence.”Zilu asked, “Is that all?”The Master replied, “Cultivate yourself so as to bring peace to others.”Zilu asked again, “Is that all?”The Master said, “Cultivate yourself so as to bring peace to all the people. Even Yao and Shun would have…