Analects Commentary and Exegesis

Author: Yang Shudu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book aims to clarify the teachings of Confucius, primarily using the text of The Analects for mutual verification of passages. It then draws evidence from the Five Classics, the Four Books, and the Four Histories. If no evidence is available, it leaves the matter unresolved. The order of clarification follows this sequence: first, explaining the meanings of words and phrases; second, elucidating sentences; third, presenting illustrative examples; and fourth, extending the analysis with supporting texts. Overall, it progresses from the simple to the complex, from the immediate to the distant, to facilitate readers' comprehension. Chen Yinque, when writing the preface to this book, believed that this method closely aligns with the historical research methods of the Song Dynasty scholars, a practice never seen before in the study of The Analects. It opens up a new approach for those who study classical texts.