- Four Books
:"Distinguish from
The Four Books , which are Shi`a Muslim collections of hadiths."The Four Books of
Confucianism (zh-tp|t=四書|p=Sì Shū) (not to be confused with theFour Great Classical Novels ofChinese literature ), areChinese classic texts thatZhu Xi selected, in theSong dynasty , as an introduction to Confucianism: the "Great Learning ", the "Doctrine of the Mean ", the "Analects of Confucius ," and the "Mencius ". The Four Books were, in the Ming and Qing Dynasties made the core of the official curriculum for the civil service examinations."Great Learning"
The "Great Learning" (zh-tp|t=大學|p=Dàxué) was originally one chapter in "Li Ji" (the Records of Rites). It consists of a short main text attributed to
Confucius and nine commentary chapters byZeng Zi , one of Confucius's disciples. Its importance is illustrated by Zeng Zi's foreword that this is the gateway of learning.It is significant because it expresses many themes of Chinese philosophy and political thinking, and has therefore been extremely influential both in classical and modern Chinese thought. Government, self cultivation and investigation of things are linked. It links together individual action in the form of self-cultivation with higher goals such as ultimate world peace as well as linking together the spiritual and the material. In addition, by defining the path of learning (dao) in governmental and social terms, "the Great Learning" both links the spiritual with the practical, and creates a vision of
dao that is radically different from that presented byDaoism . In particular, "the Great Learning" sets Confucianism as being this-worldly rather than other-worldly. Finally, "the Great Learning" also creates a conservative political discourse. Instead of basing its authority on an external deity, the Great Learning bases its authority on the practices of ancient kings."Doctrine of the Mean"
The "Doctrine of the Mean" (zh-tp|t=中庸|p=Zhōngyōng) was also one chapter in "Li Ji". By tradition, the "Doctrine of the Mean" is attributed to
Confucius ' grandsonZisi .The purpose of this small, 33-chapter book is to demonstrate the usefulness of a golden way to gain perfect virtue. It focuses on the "way" (zh-cp|c=道|p=
dào ) that is prescribed by a heavenly mandate not only to the ruler but to everyone. To follow these heavenly instructions by learning and teaching will automatically result in a Confucian virtue. Because Heaven has laid down what is the way to perfect virtue, it is not that difficult to follow the steps of the holy rulers of old if one only knows what is the right way."Analects of Confucius"
The "Analects of Confucius" (zh-tsp|t=論語|s=论语|p=Lúnyǔ) is a record of speeches by
Confucius and his disciples, as well as the discussions they held.Since Confucius's time, the "Analects" has heavily influenced the philosophy and moral values of
China and later otherEast Asia n countries as well. Theimperial examination , started in the Jin Dynasty and eventually abolished with the founding of theRepublic of China , emphasized Confucian studies and expected candidates to quote and apply the words of Confucius in their essays.A particular point of interest lies in Chapter X of the book, which contains detailed descriptions of Confucius's behaviors in various daily activities. This has been pointed at by
Voltaire andEzra Pound to show how much Confucius was a mere human.Simon Leys , who recently translated "Analects" into French and English, said that the book may well have been the first in human history to describe the life of a man."Mencius"
The "Mencius" (zh-cp|c=孟子|p=mèng zĭ) is a collections of conversations of the scholar
Mencius with kings of his time. In contrast to the sayings ofConfucius , which are short and self-contained, the "Mencius" consists of long dialogues with extensive prose.Mencius argued that human beings are born with an innate moral sense, but that society corrupted it through lack of a positive cultivating influence. Therefore, the goal of moral cultivation is to return to the people's innate morality. Consistent with his belief in the individual, Mencius contended that it was permissible for people to overthrow or kill a ruler who ignored the public's needs or ruled harshly.
ee also
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Five Classics External links
* [http://weber.ucsd.edu/~dkjordan/chin/hbcanonru-u.html University of California, San Diego: The Canonical Books of Confucianism]
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