Historical Background
Shun: One of the Five Emperors, recorded in Records of the Grand Historian as “Chonghua” with state name “Youyu”. The painted dragon plates from Taosi ruins (2300-1900 BCE) confirm the existence of his clan. His filial piety first appeared in Shangshu·Yao Dian.
Mythological Evolution
- Filial prototype: Oracle bone script “孝” reflects ancestor worship
- Abdication legend: Mencius·Wanzhang details Yao’s 28-year evaluation
- Divine elements: Lunheng describes elephants plowing his fields
- Taoist integration: Listed as “Jiuyi Immortal” in Map of the Realms of the Immortals
Key Legends
- Filial Piety Moves Heaven (Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars):
- Survived sibling rivalry, maintained kindness
- Elephants plowed, birds sowed seeds
- Yao’s Trials (Records of the Grand Historian):
- Navigated storms in mountains
- Demonstrated family governance with Yao’s daughters
- Governance Achievements:
- Appointed Yu the Great to control floods (Shangshu·Yugong)
- Established five punishments (Shangshu·Lvxing)
- Promoted five cardinal virtues
Family Genealogy
Huangdi ── Zhuanxu ── Diku ── Yao
└─ Gusou ── Shun
├─ Xiang (brother)
└─ Ehuang & Nüying (wives)
Literary Reflections
- Historical record: Records of the Grand Historian·Wudi Benji
- Philosophical interpretation: Analects·Weilinggong “Shun governed without ado”
- Opera classic: Peking Opera Emperor Shun Plowing (Qing Dynasty)
- Modern adaptation: TV drama Great Shun (2015)
Cultural Heritage
Shun Memorial Ceremony: Jiuyi Mountain, Hunan (National Intangible Cultural Heritage)
- Rituals: “Di Sacrifice” tradition from Book of Rites
- Local customs:
- Annual sacrifice on Shun’s birthday (8th lunar month 12th)
- Making “Shun Cakes” with Jiuyi mountain tea
- Global impact: Korean “Shun Culture Society” holds regular exchanges
Business Culture Significance
- Talent philosophy: “Promote talents without bias” (appointed Gun despite rivalry)
- Leadership wisdom: “Steady in storms” metaphor for crisis management
- Corporate application: Toyota’s “5 Whys” method traces to Shun’s “Five Teachings”
Last Updated on 1 day