SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

self-cultivation

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.3

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    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

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    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

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    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…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.41

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

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.35

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    The Master sighed, “No one truly understands me!”Zigong asked, “Why is it that no one understands you?”The Master replied, “I do not blame Heaven, nor do I resent others. I study what is below and thereby penetrate what is above. Perhaps only Heaven truly understands me!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.33

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    The Master said, “A thoroughbred horse is praised not for its strength, but for its virtue.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.30

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    The Master said, “Do not worry that others do not understand you; worry that you lack ability.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.29

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    Zigong was fond of criticizing others. The Master said, “Ci (Zigong), are you already so virtuous? As for me, I have no time for that.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.28

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    The Master said, “There are three qualities of the noble person’s Way, none of which I have been able to attain: the benevolent are free from anxiety, the wise are free from perplexity, and the courageous are free from fear.”Zigong replied, “This is precisely a description of yourself, Master!”