Analects of Confucius: Life

Author: China Radio & Television Press
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The Analects—An ancient motivational book, learning from Confucius about how to be a person, how to do things, and how to gain wisdom. The way of the Master is simply loyalty and benevolence. A person is a social being, and in doing everything, one must consider the rights and feelings of others, and there will be no great mistakes. The Master said, "Zeng! My way is one with a single thread." Zengzi said, "Yes." After the Master left, the disciples asked, "What did he mean?" Zengzi said, "The way of the Master is simply loyalty and benevolence." Confucius taught many students, perhaps the students asked the teacher to summarize the essence of his doctrine, and thus came this dialogue between teacher and disciple. The Master said, "My thoughts are guided by a fundamental concept—loyalty and benevolence." Loyalty means being loyal. Treat others as you would treat yourself, as in "If you want to stand, help others stand; if you want to reach, help others reach." Everyone has things they strive for. If others ask for your help, treat it as if it were your own matter. Benevolence means tolerance. If others cannot do the right thing, understand them from their perspective, as in "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself." Everyone may make mistakes, but they do not wish to be misunderstood or treated too harshly by others. Therefore, what you do not do yourself should not be imposed on others. In fact, whether it is loyalty or benevolence, it is always thinking of others and deciding between choices within the context of how you interact with others. To summarize Confucianism with the words "loyalty and benevolence" is perhaps not an exaggeration.