The Analects of Confucius

Description

The Analects is a series of brief passages which introduces the terms of Confucius and his disciples, records Confucius’s facts and some philosophical activities of his life. The Analects cover twenty books, which include chapters and meaningful quotes from him.

Book I contains the several disciples’ work as a comprehensive beginning. Book II deals with government concerns. Books III and IV are the main articles drafting Confucius’s doctrines. The work focuses on the impressions of the Tao or the Way, the chun-tzu or the gentleman, Li or ritual, Te or virtue, and Jen or goodness and additional words in the book which includes the core concepts which form the Confucian ideologies.

The Tao, or the Way, refers to a literal path or road. In literal sense, this refers to the means in which anything can be done; a method or doctrine. Confucius speaks about the Tao under Heaven, which translates as a good direction or path to reach moral excellency. This depicts on how to lead a kingdom. Jen means goodness or humanity. Chun-Tzu or gentleman has these distinctions on being good and humane. Confucius defines these words in a deeper understanding that some translations find it hard to define.

The connotes that either virtue, character, or prestige, positive attributes must be possessed by every individual. Li, or ritual, is also a core concept although there is no extensive explanation on what ritual traditions entail but is necessary in the holding of Te and the value of Tao. A good behavior is also necessary like respect for the elderly and the continued practice of the tradition and culture from the previous generations.
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