Chou Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Earth (tǔ) Gou Kangxi strokes: 9 Page 228, Entry 19 Pronounced gou (rising tone). Refers to dust and filth. Zuo Zhuan (Zuozhuan), 15th Year of Duke Xuan: The ruler of a state bears humiliation and endures filth; this is the constant way of Heaven. Han Feizi (Hanfeizi), Chapter on General Principles: If one does not wash away the filth, one cannot expect to see clearly those things which are difficult to perceive. Zhuangzi (Zhuangzi), The Great and Venerable Teacher: Wandering freely beyond the dust and filth of the mundane world. Also refers to the name of a state. Flower Adornment Sutra (Huayan Jing): The name of the state is Wugou, where the earth is made of lapis lazuli. Also pronounced kou (falling tone). Jiegou refers to deceitful and untrue language. Also pronounced ju (high level tone). Refers to an impure heart. Book of Odes (Shijing), Greater Odes: Those who do not heed instructions, their actions sink into filth. Also rhyming as gu (falling tone). Songs of the South (Chuci), Lamenting the Fate of the Time: Wuguang cast himself into the deep abyss; he did not wish to be stained by the filth of the world. Who can remain long in a high position; I wish to withdraw and dwell in hardship.