Question:
Recently, I have developed a strong interest in Confucian culture. However, when I searched the relevant information, I found that the information about Confucian culture is quite complicated. I have heard informative Confucian texts, so I would like to know which sacred texts of Confucianism are. I hope that I can gain useful information here so that I can obtain a more profound understanding of this cultural treasure.
—- Asked by Owen
Answer:
Confucianism is an integral part of traditional Chinese culture. Its sacred texts are the “Four Books and Five Classics,” which focus on Confucius’s main ideas and values.
The “Four Books” are The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean, The Analects of Confucius, and Mencius. These books cover the fundamental aspects of Confucianism, such as self-cultivation, family regulation, state governance, and bringing peace to all under heaven.
The Great Learning mainly summarizes the pre-Qin Confucian theory of moral cultivation and basic principles and methods.
The Doctrine of the Mean covers many aspects of human life, like the philosophy of life, moral standards, and learning methods. Most importantly, this book also emphasizes the importance of the golden mean.
The Analects of Confucius records the words and deeds of Confucius and his disciples. It entails many vital thoughts and teachings of Confucius.
Mencius was compiled by Mencius and his disciples. It mainly expounds on Mencius’s theory of the goodness of human nature and his thoughts on benevolent government.
The “Five Classics” include The Book of Songs, The Book of Documents, The Book of Rites, The Book of Changes, and The Spring and Autumn Annals. These books concern ancient Chinese history, culture, philosophy, and art.
The Book of Songs is the earliest collection of poetry in China, reflecting the social customs and lives of people in the early Zhou Dynasty.
The Book of Documents records the critical history of the period from ancient times to the Zhou dynasty.
The Book of Rites focuses on ancient ceremonial systems and social customs, mirroring Confucius’s idea of the rule of Li.
The Book of Changes is an ancient Chinese philosophical book about many aspects, such as cosmology, outlook on life, and methodology.
The Spring and Autumn Annals refers to a chronicle that is said to have been written by Confucius. It concentrates on the political, economic, and cultural history of the Zhou dynasty.
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