Confucian Analects, The Great Learning & The Doctrine of the Mean - Softcover

Confucius

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1537716948 ISBN 13: 9781537716947

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016

Synopsis

This compilation contains three of the most revered and celebrated texts by the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius.

The Analects of Confucius

Originally, these sayings and conversations were penned during the Warring States period of Chinese antiquity, which saw great social upheaval between the various realms of the Middle Kingdom. Divided into twenty principle chapters (called books) - the subjects range from wise behaviour in times of crisis to general instruction upon how to live a peaceful life characterised by a serene mood, humility to others, and quality work performed well.

The importance of harmonious relations in the family and wider community cooperation are also alluded to, offering an insight into the morals and customs of ancient Chinese life. The politics of the time, which were riddled with violent infighting among noble families and regional dukedoms, attracts attention from Confucius and his contemporaries.

In order to vividly illustrate his points, examples and analogies abound and are delivered by Confucius as he engages with several other philosophers and acolytes.

The Great Learning

One of the classic four books of ancient Confucianism, The Great Learning consists of a short initial commentary attributed to Confucius himself, followed by a lengthier tract written by one of his disciples named Zengzi.

The text emphasises achieving balance in everyday life and in thoughts. For the man who aspires to great wisdom, much time must be set aside for rest and contemplation. Life's priorities must be organised according to their importance, and harmony must be rigorously cultivated in everyday associations and relationships. In learning, one must not consider one kind superior to the exclusion of others, but must instead strive for balance.

The Doctrine of the Mean

Another classic book of Confucian thought, The Doctrine of the Mean is a practical guide for those aspiring to sublime wisdom. It demonstrates how a balanced, harmonious manner of living is the most conducive to joy and satisfaction - once one has embarked on the process of the mean, they may never depart it.

Good self-perception, a sincere heart and spirit, and treating others as oneself would like to be treated are the core principles of this text. For many centuries, it was a central pillar of education in China, since it emphasised the social bonds that exist between family members, and the people to the state.

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The translator James Legge was a Scottish Sinologist who spent much of his adult life in China collecting and translating the various philosophical and literary classics. Since Legge was present in the pre-modern China of the 19th century, where Confucianism held much sway, the authenticity of the tone cannot be doubted.

Devoting his talents to accurately rendering Confucian thought for Western consideration, Legge's translations of the Chinese Classics were originally published by Oxford University Press, and remain strongly appreciated for their authenticity to this day.

About this title

About the Author

Burton Watson has taught at Columbia, Stanford, and Kyoto Universities and is one of the world's best-known translators of Chinese and Japanese works. His translations include The Tales of the Heike; The Lotus Sutra; the writings of Zhuangzi, Mozi, Xunzi, and Han Feizi; The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry; and Records of the Grand Historian.

Language Notes

Text: English, Chinese

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1537716948
• ISBN 13: 9781537716947
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 130