SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Shang Dynasty

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.31

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    Ana

    Gongsun Chou asks if ministers may exile unworthy kings, citing Yi Yin’s case. Mencius replies such extreme acts are legitimate only with Yi Yin’s selfless public devotion; without pure motives, they amount to treasonous usurpation.

  • The Analects – Chapter 18.1

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    Ana

    Confucius names Weizi, Jizi and Bigan the three benevolent men of the Shang. Though they took vastly different paths—fleeing, feigning madness, dying in remonstrance—all acted out of loyal care for their state, showing benevolence allows flexible expedient choices.

  • Why did Huan Tui want to Kill Confucius?

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    Rob

    This article explores three theories why Song Minister Huan Tui tried to kill Confucius: political rivalry, Confucius’ harsh criticism of his extravagant coffin, and conflicting Yin-Shang stances. Though Confucius claimed heavenly virtue protected him, he fled Song disguised in plain clothes.

  • Yi Yin

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    Juan

    Yi Yin was a prominent minister in the early Shang Dynasty. His given name was Zhi, while “Yin” was his official title. Originally a slave serving the ruler of the Youshen tribe, he yearned to join Tang of Shang after hearing of the latter’s virtue and benevolence. When Tang married a woman from the…

  • Bi Gan

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    Ana

    Bi Gan (c. 11th century BCE) was a prominent royal kinsman and high minister during the late Shang dynasty, traditionally regarded as King Zhou of Shang’s uncle (some sources say half-brother). He served as Shaoshi—a position akin to prime minister—and was renowned for his unwavering loyalty, integrity, and fearless remonstrance.

  • King Wen of Zhou

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    Ana

    King Wen of Zhou (c. 1152–1056 BCE) was the paramount leader of the Zhou people at the end of the Shang dynasty. His personal name was Ji Chang, and during the reign of the tyrannical King Zhou of Shang, he held the title “Western Count” (Western Lord or Xibo), ruling over the Zhou domain…

  • Doctrine of the Mean Chapter 30. The Sixfold Validation of the Gentleman’s Way

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    Ana

    The Master said:“I can speak of the rites of the Xia dynasty, but the state of Qi provides insufficient evidence.I studied the rites of the Yin dynasty; remnants still exist in the state of Song.I studied the rites of the Zhou dynasty – they are in use today – so I follow the Zhou.”

  • Mencius – Chapter 7.7 The folly of seeking power without benevolence

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    Ana

    Mencius said: “When the world is governed by the Dao, those of lesser virtue serve those of greater virtue, and the less worthy among the virtuous serve the more worthy.But when the world is without the Dao, the small are enslaved by the great, and the weak are dominated by the strong.”

  • Mencius – Chapter 7.3 Benevolence or Perish

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    Ana

    Mencius said: “The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties gained the empire through benevolence, and they lost it when benevolence was abandoned.The rise, fall, survival, or collapse of any state follows the same principle.”