Lunyu Picture Text

Author: Yue Lu Shu She Editorial
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features:
Preface: This text is 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 intent behind the sages' composition of the classics, their mindset, and how they attained sainthood. They should seek understanding sentence by sentence, recite during the day and savor it, reflect upon it at midnight, calm their minds, alter their disposition, and resolve their doubts, so that the sage's meaning may be revealed."
Zhengzi said: "When reading texts, one must first grasp their literal meaning before seeking deeper interpretation. No one can understand the meaning without first comprehending the text."
Zhengzi said: "Scholars must treat the questions posed by the disciples in the Analects as their own and the sages' answers as words they hear today. This naturally leads to understanding. Even if Confucius and Mencius were to return, they would teach no differently. If one deeply seeks and savor the Analects and Mencius, the character they cultivate will be profound!"
Zhengzi said: "When reading the Analects and Mencius, one must read them repeatedly and savor them, making the sages' words personally relevant—not just as empty talk. If one truly internalizes these two books, 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 merely interprets them with 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, like a ruler or a balance, using them to measure things and naturally discern 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?'."
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