L1.10 - The Analects of Confucius

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From the course by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Explorations in Confucian Philosophy

23 ratings

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Explorations in Confucian Philosophy

23 ratings

Is Confucianism synonymous with Chinese culture? While it may be an overstatement to equate the two, there is little doubt that Confucianism pervades every level of Chinese culture and society. To be sure, other traditions such as Daoism and Buddhism have also left an indelible mark; nevertheless, Confucianism remains central to the shaping of the Chinese imagination. The influence of Confucianism extends beyond China to East Asia and through migration and cultural diffusion, other parts of the world. Confucianism traces its origins to the teachings of Confucius. What makes Confucius so special and what did he teach? This course will explore some of the key concepts in Confucian philosophy. Much of the discussion will centre on the Analects of Confucius, the foundational text of Confucian wisdom, although attention will also be given to the subsequent unfolding of the Confucian tradition. We will attempt to situate Confucian philosophy in its own context and to bring out its contemporary significance. Confucianism is a living tradition. Its vitality hinges on not only its continuing relevance in Chinese society but also its contribution to meeting the global challenges confronting the world today. There are no prerequisites for this course, other than a keen interest in Chinese tradition and culture, and the willingness to engage the Analects of Confucius.

From the lesson

Part 1 - The World of Confucius

Meaningful engagement with Confucian philosophy requires a disciplined and informed imagination. Confucius (or Kongzi, in Chinese) flourished in a time of considerable change and political instability. Some understanding of the world of early China would be critical, as Confucian ideas did not grow out of a historical vacuum. In this context, we will examine the Analects—known in Chinese as Lunyu—a compilation of sayings and conversations attributed to Confucius that is essential to our understanding of Confucian philosophy.

L1.1 - Orientation5:02

L1.2 - The Ideal of Harmony in Chinese Philosophy5:41

L1.3 - Early China: The Roots of Confucian Philosophy9:18

L1.4 - The Roots of Confucian Philosophy: Shang Culture and Religion8:48

L1.5 - Shang Rituals and Divination9:18

L1.6 - "Heaven" and the World of Zhou Dynasty China12:34

L1.7 - The Classical Tradition before Confucius: The Six Arts and the Six Classics13:56

L1.8 - The Classic of Changes (Yijing)12:56

L1.9 - The Life of Confucius (551-479 B.C.E.)6:03

L1.10 - The Analects of Confucius7:25

L1.11 - Biographical and Autobiographical Sayings in the Analects9:01

Meet the Instructors

Alan K. L. Chan
Toh Puan Mahani Idris Daim Chair Professor of Humanities & Social Sciences, Vice President (Alumni and Advancement)

I have with me a copy of the Analects of Confucius.

I'm afraid this is not an antique,

but just an imitation.

Nevertheless, the Analects is our major source of information for

the teachings of Confucius.

It is now time that we look more carefully at the text.

The term Lunyu, first of all,

means quite simply a collection or compilation of

sayings referring especially to the sayings of Confucius.

This has been the standard interpretation of the title of the work since the Han Dynasty.

So, the translation Analects is actually quite apt.

The root meaning of the word Analects in Greek and Latin means,

basically, what has been gathered up, or collected.

The Lunyu is primarily a collection of conversations and sayings of Confucius,

but they are also sayings attributed to his main disciples.

I will introduce you to the different types of

material contained in the Analects in a moment.

Now, the Lunyu was probably compiled by

second and third generation disciples of Confucius in the fourth century B.C.E.

Although, it is conceivable that the collection

began with the first generation disciples of Confucius.

The text as it now stands is divided into 20 chapters or books.

Each book contains a number of record sayings or conversations.

First, it contains sayings attributed to Confucius,

and these formed a majority.

For example, The Lunyu begins with these famous words,

"The Master said, 'To practice what one has

learned regularly - is this not at the delight?

And to have friends come from afar - is this not a joy?'"

The second half of the saying is used as a welcome in many,

many events even today,

including the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The concept of "Learning," as we will see, plays an important role in Confucian philosophy.

They are also reported conversations between Confucius and his disciples.

Typically, these are in the form of a question put to Confucius by one of his students.

For example, Zi You,

one of his disciples,

asked about filial piety.

Confucius said, "Nowadays, being filial is

taken to mean being able to provide for one's parents.

But even dogs and horses are so provided.

If respect is lacking,

what is the difference?"

"Filial piety" is another key concept that we will need to examine carefully later.

Some of the passages are conversations between

Confucius and certain rulers or high ranking officials.

For example, Duke Ding,

who ruled the State of Lu at that time,

asked Confucius, "The ruler employs his ministers;

the ministers serve the Lord.

How should these be carried out?"

And Confucius replied, "The ruler employs his ministers with propriety;

the ministers serve the Lord with conscientiousness."

The Chinese word translated here as propriety is "Li."

Its basic meaning is ritual,

and it is one of the most important concepts in Confucian philosophy.

There are also reports of Confucius actions in specific situations.

For example, when the master was in the temple of the Duke of Zhou, as one report has it,

he asked about every detail of the activities there.

Some of the sayings collected in the Analects or

attributed to the main disciples of Confucius.

Again, one example should suffice to make the point.

Master You said, "The gentleman cultivates the roots.

Once the roots are established,

the way will grow."

Being filial and respectful to one's parents and elders,

this indeed is the root of humaneness.

The concepts of the gentleman, filial piety,

and humaneness will be very important to our examination of Confucian philosophy.

In a few places, we also find sayings attributed to significant figures of old,

such as the Duke of Zhou.

And there are some miscellaneous sayings as well.

In one passage, for example,

eight outstanding officers of the Zhou Dynasty were identified.

These examples should give us a flavor of the nature of the Analects.

The Analects has exerted a tremendous influence on

later Chinese scholars and intellectuals.

Let me just share with you one particular comment

by a later Confucian scholar that I particularly like.

He said, "Having read the Analects,

some would not be affected at all.

Some would become fond of one or two sayings.

Some would come to treasure it.

And some, having read it without even knowing it,

dance with irrepressible joy."

Now, it's difficult, of course,

to experience this kind of reading,

in the classroom, or in a MOOC setting.

It's kind of reading really suggests

a very powerful experience at the moral and existential level.

Nevertheless, it is important for us to try to understand,

why the text is held in such high regard,

throughout Chinese history, and what it has to offer even today.

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