"Confucian Analects Annotations and Comments"

Author: Yan Tao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The "Learning" Chapter consists of sixteen chapters (1) The Master said, "To learn and frequently review it at the right time, is it not a joy? If friends come from afar, is it not a pleasure? If others do not understand me and I do not resent it, is it not the mark of a noble person?" [Note] ① Fang lai: Fang means "and"; "Fang lai" implies coming together, meaning not just one person comes. The translation uses the term "numerous" to convey this meaning. ② Junzi: The original meaning refers to people with higher social status, the ruling class, extended to mean a person of virtue. Here, the extended meaning is used. [Translation] Confucius said, "To learn and be able to review it frequently at the right time, is it not a joy? If numerous people with the same aspirations come from afar, is it not a pleasure? If others do not understand me and I do not resent it, is it not the mark of a noble person?" (2) Yu said, "A person who is filial and respectful to his elders, yet likes to challenge authority, is rare; a person who does not like to challenge authority but likes to cause trouble, does not exist. A noble person focuses on the root; when the root is established, the way follows. Filial piety and respect for elders—this is the root of benevolence!" [Note] ① Yu: A disciple of Confucius, named Ruo. ② Filial piety and respect for elders: Filial piety is one of the important virtues in Confucian ethics, referring to a child's respect and obedience to elders. Respect for elders is the same as "respecting the elder" (ti). ③ Ren: The highest standard of moral ethics proposed by Confucius, and also the core concept of his philosophy. Its main meaning is compassion and love for others, arising from the awareness that humans are the same. Thus, "benevolent people love others." Confucius's "love" is hierarchical. [Translation] Yu said, "(If) a person is filial and respectful to his parents and elders, yet likes to challenge authority, such a person is rare; a person who does not like to challenge authority but likes to cause trouble, such a person does not exist. A noble person focuses entirely on cultivating the root; when the root is firmly established, the principles follow. Filial piety and respect for elders—this is the root of benevolence!" (3) The Master said, "Flattering words and a pleasing appearance—these are rarely seen in benevolence!" [Translation] Confucius said, "Flattering words and a pleasing appearance—such people are rarely benevolent." (4) Zengzi said, "Every day, I reflect on myself: Have I been loyal in my dealings with others? Have I been trustworthy in my interactions with friends? Have I reviewed the teachings I received from my teacher?" [Note] ① Zengzi: A disciple of Confucius, named Can, styled Ziyou. ② Zhong: One of the virtues in Confucian ethics, meaning to dedicate oneself wholeheartedly to others (especially to the ruler). [Translation] Zengzi said, "Every day, I reflect on myself: Have I been loyal in my dealings with others? Have I been trustworthy in my interactions with friends? Have I frequently reviewed the teachings I received from my teacher?"