Read the "Analects" with insights

Author: Wang Shaonong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-02-01
Features: Confucius spoke of "Ren Yi" (Benevolence and Righteousness) as the inherent way, the innate way. It comes from the innate nature, not from later efforts in self-cultivation. Confucius said, "Is Ren (Benevolence) far away? If I wish for Ren, Ren will arrive." This explains this very point. Ren Yi is not distant from people; Ren Yi is fundamentally one with humanity. It is the inherent way, and this is a conclusion reached through the author's many years of research, which can be believed without doubt. The compiler of the Analects was Youzi, a disciple of Confucius, along with his followers. Youzi and his followers, when compiling the Analects, grasped the core of Confucius' teachings on Ren Yi. Therefore, they began the book by explicitly compiling three passages where Confucius speaks of "happiness," truly capturing the essence of his teachings. Ren Yi is happiness. Innate Ren Yi, innate happiness.