Lunyu - (Image and Text)

Author: None
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Publish Date: 2006-07-01
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According to the preface by the editor: This text is supplemented based on a Qing Dynasty imitation Song Dynasty large-character edition. Confucius said, "Scholars should take the Analects and the Mencius as their foundation. Once the Analects and the Mencius are mastered, the Six Classics can be understood without further study. Readers should observe the intention behind the sages' writing of the classics, their mindset, and how they became sages, while reflecting on what they have yet to achieve and what they have yet to attain. They should seek understanding sentence by sentence, recite during the day, savor it, and contemplate it at midnight. Calm their minds, change their disposition, and leave no doubts unresolved, then the meaning of the sages will become clear." Confucius said, "When reading texts, one must first understand their meaning before seeking their intent. There is no way to grasp the intent without first understanding the meaning." Confucius said, "Scholars must treat the questions of the disciples in the Analects as their own questions and the answers of the sages as words they hear today. Naturally, they will gain insight. Even if Confucius and Mencius were to return to life, they would teach people in this manner. If one can deeply seek and savor the Analects and the Mencius, they will cultivate a remarkable character!" Confucius said, "When reading the Analects and the Mencius, one must read them repeatedly and savor them, making the sages' words personally relevant. They should not just treat them as mere words. If one can make the two books personally relevant, they will benefit throughout their lives." Confucius said, "The Analects and the Mencius are enough to bring satisfaction just by reading them. Scholars must savor them. If they rely solely on words to explain them, the meaning will be insufficient." Someone asked, "What if one only reads the important parts of the Analects and the Mencius?" Confucius said, "That is good, but it will not be comprehensive enough." Confucius said, "Confucius' words are natural in every sentence, and Mencius' words are factual in every sentence." Confucius said, "Scholars should first read the Analects and the Mencius, like a ruler or a balance. Using this to measure things will naturally reveal their length, weight, and importance." Confucius said, "If one reads the Analects and the Mencius without understanding, it is as if one asks, 'Even if there are many, what use are they?' P005