The Analects (Illustrated Text)

Author: Yue Lu Shu She Editorial Team
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features:
Preface by the Editor: This text was supplemented based on a Qing Dynasty imitation Song Dynasty large-character edition.
Zhengzi said: "Scholars should take the Analects and Mencius as their foundation. Once the Analects and Mencius are mastered, the Six Classics can be understood without further study. Readers should contemplate the intention behind the sages' composition of the classics, their mindset, and how they attained sainthood. They should seek understanding sentence by sentence, recite by day, savor by night, calm their minds, alter their disposition, and resolve their doubts, thereby perceiving the sages' meaning."
Zhengzi said: "When reading texts, one must first grasp their literal meaning before seeking their deeper significance. There is no way to understand the meaning without first understanding the text."
Zhengzi said: "Scholars must ask themselves questions as if they were the disciples in the Analects, and listen to the sages' answers as if they were hearing them today. This naturally leads to understanding. Even if Confucius and Mencius were to return to life, they would teach people nothing more than this. If one can deeply seek and savor the Analects and Mencius, their cultivation will shape a noble character!"
Zhengzi said: "When reading the Analects and Mencius, one must read and savor them thoroughly, making the sages' words personally relevant. They should not be treated merely as words. If one can make the two books personally relevant, their entire life will be enriched."
Zhengzi said: "The Analects and Mencius alone are enough to satisfy one's needs. Scholars must savor them. If one explains them merely in words, the meaning will be insufficient."
Someone asked: "What if one focuses only on the key parts of the Analects and Mencius?"
Zhengzi said: "That is good, but it will not be comprehensive enough."
Zhengzi said: "Confucius' words are natural in every sentence, and Mencius' words are factual in every sentence."
Zhengzi said: "Scholars should first read the Analects and Mencius, as if using a ruler or a balance. Using this to measure things will naturally reveal their length and weight."
Zhengzi said: "If one reads the Analects and Mencius without understanding, it is as if one asks, 'Even if there are many, what use are they?' P005