Selection from the Sacred Confucian Analects – Chapters 1 & 4, Part 1 of 2

Confucius is regarded as one of the most important and influential Masters in shaping human history. During His lifetime, Confucius traveled across many states of the Chinese kingdom and expounded on what would later become the basic tenets of Confucianism, namely, benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, and faith. The influence of Confucius during His time came through His living example of virtue and His philosophy of compassionate governance. Confucius dedicated His life to education. He welcomed all disciples who wished to learn, regardless of their social status. Even today, His teachings and philosophy have profoundly influenced the lives of as many as one-fourth of humanity, in China and beyond.

Supreme Master Ching Hai once spoke about Confucius during a lecture titled, “The Five Virtues of Confucianism,” given on February 2, 2019, in Hsihu, Taiwan (Formosa). “I really admire Confucius. I thank Him. Even though He is only one person, because He was enlightened, people still respect Him life after life. You see, until now… people still worship Him, still commemorate His birthday and the day He passed away, and build big and beautiful temples to remember Him, so that later generations can learn from His teachings and example. A truly enlightened person can influence millions and billions of people.”

Chapter 1 Xue Er - 學而 Confucius said, “It is indeed a pleasure to acquire knowledge and, as you go on acquiring, to put into practice what you have acquired. A greater pleasure still it is when friends of congenial minds come from afar to seek you because of your attainments. But he is truly a wise and good man who feels no discomposure even when he is not noticed of men.” “With plausible speech and fine manners will seldom be found true virtues.” “When directing the affairs of a great nation, a man must be serious in attention to business and faithful and punctual in his engagements. He must study economy in the public expenditure, and love the welfare of the people. He must employ the people at the proper time of the year.” “A young man, when at home should be a good son; when out in the world, a good citizen. He should be circumspect and truthful. He should be in sympathy with all men, but intimate with men of virtues. If he has time and opportunity to spare, after the performance of those duties, he should then employ them in literary pursuits.” “A wise man who is not serious will not inspire respect; what he learns will not remain permanent. Make conscientiousness and sincerity your first principles. Have no friends who are not as yourself. When you have bad habits do not hesitate to change them.” “When a man’s father is living the son should have regard to what his father would have him do; when the father is dead, to what his father has done. A son who for three years after his father’s death does not in his own life change his father’s principles, may be said to be a good son.” “One should not be concerned not to be understood of men, one should be concerned not to understand men.”