Dunhuang "Collected Explanations of the Analects" Textual Criticism

Author: Li Fang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1998-10-01
Features: The book "Collected Explanations of the Analects" (hereinafter referred to as "Collected Explanations") was traditionally attributed to He Yan of the Wei Dynasty. However, according to the conclusion of the "Preface," it states: "Minister of Light Cavalry, Marquis of the Interior Guan, Chen Yong, Minister of Light Cavalry, Chen Chong, Gentleman-in-Waiting and Commandant of the Imperial Guard, Marquis of Anxiang Ting, Chen Xi, Gentleman-in-Waiting Chen Xun, Minister of State and Marquis of the Interior Guan, He Yan, etc., submitted it." Huang Kan's "Annotations" state: "This records Chen Yong and the other four, who together submitted this 'Collected Explanations' with He Yan." Xing Bing's "Annotations" state: "These five people together submitted this 'Collected Explanations of the Analects.'" Additionally, the "Book of Jin," Volume 33, "Biography of Chen Chong," states: "Initially, Chen Chong, Chen Yong, Chen Xi, Chen Xun, and He collected the good annotations of various schools on the 'Analects,' recorded their names, followed their meanings, and revised or altered them if they were unsatisfactory. They named it 'Collected Explanations of the Analects.' (During the Zhengshi period) it was completed and submitted to the Wei court, and it is now passed down." (1) It is known that the "Collected Explanations" was not actually compiled by He Yan alone. Attributing it solely to He Yan may be because the book was officially compiled, and later, He was in charge of it (2). In summary, while the "Collected Explanations" is attributed solely to He Yan, He did not exert effort, yet his contribution was great.