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Confucianism Books
Best books
Confucius
The Sayings of Confucius
"The Sayings of Confucius" by Confucius is an ancient Chinese philosophical text compiled during the Warring States period (475–221 BC), achieving its final form during the mid-Han dynasty. This collection of sayings and ideas explores Confucius's vision for moral cultivation, beginning with filial piety and extending to virtuous leadership. Through concepts like ren (virtue), li (ritual propriety), and de (moral character), Confucius teaches how individuals can cultivate integrity and create a harmonious society. For over two millennia, these teachings have profoundly shaped East Asian thought and values.
James Legge
The Shih King, or, Book of Poetry From the Sacred Books of the East Volume 3
"The Shih King, or, Book of Poetry" by James Legge is a translation of the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry, comprising 305 works dating from the 11th to 7th centuries BC. This ancient anthology, one of the "Five Classics" traditionally attributed to Confucius, contains folk songs voicing common people's experiences—love, longing, farming, and political protest—alongside ritual hymns praising Zhou dynasty founders. Its four-syllable meter and distinctive rhyme patterns have shaped Chinese literary tradition for over two millennia, making it essential to understanding Chinese culture and language.
Confucius
Suuri oppi: Johdatus kungfutselaiseen elämänkatsomukseen
"Suuri oppi: Johdatus kungfutselaiseen elämänkatsomukseen" by Confucius is a philosophical and historical work likely written in the 5th century BC. The text serves as an introduction to Confucian thought, detailing the life and teachings of Confucius while providing insights into the foundational principles of Confucianism. This work is intended to illuminate the ethical, moral, and social teachings that have influenced Chinese culture and governance for centuries. The opening of "Suuri oppi" presents a brief historical context for Confucius's life, situated during the chaotic times of the Zhou dynasty in ancient China. It describes Confucius's early life, familial background, and the socio-political challenges of his era, emphasizing his mission to restore order and virtue through education and ethical governance. The text sets the stage for Confucius's teachings on morality, societal relationships, and the nature of governance, highlighting his belief in the inherent goodness of human nature and the importance of moral integrity in leadership. This introduction serves as a foundation for exploring Confucian values further in the subsequent sections of the work.
Maurice Magre
Le roman de Confucius
"Le roman de Confucius" by Maurice Magre is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life of Confucius, one of ancient China's most revered sages, and delves into the cultural and philosophical landscape of his time. Through narrative storytelling, it seeks to illuminate the wisdom and teachings associated with Confucius, introducing key figures like Lao-Tseu alongside him. At the start of the narrative, the life of Confucius begins as he is born into humble circumstances, with his guardian, Tchang, taking a significant role in his early upbringing. The story sets a tone of reverence for the ancient Chinese tradition, as Tchang recounts tales of Confucius’s early wisdom and character traits, which become foundational to his later teachings. The narrative foreshadows the dual philosophical paths represented by Confucius and Lao-Tseu, illustrating the dichotomy between societal duty and personal enlightenment, while also introducing secondary characters such as Prunier-Oreille and Mong-Pi, whose lives intersect with that of Confucius, hinting at the complex relationships and cultural dynamics of the era.
Yuxiu Li
弟子規
"弟子規" by Yuxiu Li is a moral instruction text written during the Qing dynasty reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1661–1722). Based on Confucian teachings, this guide prescribes how children should behave at home and in society. Written in three-character verses, it outlines seven chapters of duties: respecting parents, honoring elders and siblings, living cautiously, being trustworthy, loving others universally, and seeking wisdom. The text emphasizes that moral values must be taught first, for without them, all other learning amounts to nothing.
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