SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

self-cultivation

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.18

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    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 15.17

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    The Master said, “They spend the whole day together in groups, yet their conversation never touches upon righteousness; they delight in displaying petty cleverness – how difficult they are!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.16

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    The Master said, “For one who never asks, ‘What should I do? What should I do?’ I, for my part, can do nothing about him.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.15

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

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.13

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    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

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

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.10

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    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

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    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

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    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.”