Emperor Shun mythologyEmperor Shun mythology

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

  1. Filial prototype: Oracle bone script “孝” reflects ancestor worship
  2. Abdication legend: Mencius·Wanzhang details Yao’s 28-year evaluation
  3. Divine elements: Lunheng describes elephants plowing his fields
  4. Taoist integration: Listed as “Jiuyi Immortal” in Map of the Realms of the Immortals

Key Legends

  1. Filial Piety Moves Heaven (Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars):
    • Survived sibling rivalry, maintained kindness
    • Elephants plowed, birds sowed seeds
  2. Yao’s Trials (Records of the Grand Historian):
    • Navigated storms in mountains
    • Demonstrated family governance with Yao’s daughters
  3. 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

  1. Talent philosophy: “Promote talents without bias” (appointed Gun despite rivalry)
  2. Leadership wisdom: “Steady in storms” metaphor for crisis management
  3. Corporate application: Toyota’s “5 Whys” method traces to Shun’s “Five Teachings”

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