Comentary on the Confucian Analects, Book 1: "Hsio R," Part 1/1

Hello everyone, and Happy New Year! This is a new series in which I will be offering commentary on each of the twenty books in the Confucian Analects. I will be posting a new article every week day until I have completed all 20 books. I have also gone ahead and calculated how many parts there will be. I split any books with more than 20 segments into multiple parts. It averaged out to be 38 posts with three books divided into 1 post, 16 books divided into 2 posts, and one book divided into 3 posts. I want to keep these articles at a reasonable length to keep from overwhelming you, the readers, and myself, the author. I am currently prewriting these articles in November. Let's get into this first post.

Here is Book I: Hsio R:

[Image Source: pixabay.com, License: CCO Public Domain]

Confucian Analects is in the public domain (from the 2013 edition of "The Art of War and Other Classics of Eastern Thought")
@cmp2020 original commentary

Hsio R

I

The whole work and achievement of the learner, first perfecting his knowledge, then attracting by his fame like-minded individuals, and finally complete in himself

1. The Master said, "Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application?"
2. "Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters?"
3. "Is he not a man of complete virtue, who feels no discomposure though men may take no note of him?"

This is a path to fulfilment. Confucius is saying that a learner will first learn what they are interested in, then they will gain popularity for their acquired knowledge, but despite this popularity, the learner should continue to better themselves, and strive for excellence. A good example I thought of this was what Beethoven once said speaking of artists in a quote "The true artist is not proud: he unfortunately sees that art has no limits; he feels darkly how far he is from the goal, and though he may be admired by others, he is sad not to have reached that point to which his better genius only appears as a distant, guiding sun."

II

Filial piety and fraternal submission are the foundation of all virtuous practice

1. The philosopher Yu said, "They are few who, being filial and fraternal, are fond of offending against their superiors. There have been none, who, not liking to offend against their superiors, have been fond of stirring up confusion."
2. "The superior man bends his attention to what is radical. That being established, all practical courses naturally grow up. Filial piety and fraternal submission! -are they not the root of all benevolent actions?"

People who are respectful and loving towards their parents and brothers are unlikely to be insubordinate to superiors. People who avoid giving offense against superiors are unlikely to create chaos or drama in the community.

The superior person strives for excellence, and by seeking excellence opens all manner of practical opportunities. This is how honoring your parents and siblings is the foundation of a virtuous life

III

Fair appearances are suspicious
The Master said, "Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue."

This is basically stating "Don't judge a book by it's cover" in the sense that appearing fair is not always a conventional sign of good integrity.

IV

How the philosopher Tsang daily examined himself, to guard against his being guilty of any imposition
The philosopher Tsang said. *"I daily examine myself on three points: whether, in transacting business for others, I may have been not faithful-whether, in intercourse with friends, I may have been not sincere-whether I may have not mastered and practiced the instructions of my teacher."

Here, Tsang is stating that he is constantly checking three things: If the way that he transacts business with others is faithful, if he is honest with his friends (in social interactions), and if he has used what he was taught in the fullest by habit every day. This is another example of a path to fulfillment/integrity. It is a series of checks and balances to see if the way you strive for excellence is indeed correct/effective. An example of these checks and balances would be a good politician who tries to stick by the law (very few achieve this), tries to get along with (1) the public, and (2) other politicians. And trying to stick to their moral values (Not being corrupted).

V

Fundamental principles for the government of a large state
The Master said, "To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons."

Here, Confucius is stating that to rule a powerful country, there must be a devotion to business and honesty, economy in how you spend, a love for your men (those who support and work for you), and the employment of people when necessary.

VI

Rules for the training of the young-duty first and then accomplishment
The Master said, "A youth, when at home, should be filial, and, abroad, respectful to his elders. He should be earnest and truthful. He should overflow in love to all, and cultivate the friendship of the good. When he has time and opportunity, after the performance of these things, he should employ them in polite studies,"

It is wise to focus on your future duties and commitments above your previous successes and accomplishments. A youth should be respectful to parents and ancestors at home, and respectful to his elders elsewhere. He should be serious and honest, love all, and befriend those with good moral standards. He should always do this. This is the classic definition of a gentlemen.
What do you want to bet Confucius had a daughter?

VII

Tsze-Hsia's views of the substance of learning
Tsze-hsia said, "If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he can exert his utmost strength; if, in serving his prince, he can devote his life; if, in his intercourse with his friends, his words are sincere: although men say that he has not learned, I will certainly say that he has."

People should value integrity over beauty. In serving their elders, they should not hold back, and be able to devote his life to them. What a person says in social interactions should be heartfelt. Some may deny that these behaviors show learning or sophistication, but Tsze-hsia said otherwise. Again, I propose that Confucius had a daughter. . .

VIII

Principles of self-cultivation

1. The Master said, "If the scholar be not grave, he will not call forth any veneration, and his learning will not be solid."
2. "Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles."
3. "Have no friends not equal to yourself."
4. "When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them."

If a student is not serious, they will not show any respect, and they will also not learn. They should hold loyalty and honesty as high principles, have no friends they consider not equal to themselves. They should not be afraid to let go of mistakes.

IX

The good effect of attention on the part of superiors to the offices to the dead - an admonition of Tsang Shan.
The philosopher Tsang said, "Let there be a careful attention to perform the funeral rites to parents, and let them be followed when long gone with the ceremonies of sacrifice-then the virtues of the people will resume its proper excellence."

Here, Confucius is emphasizing the importance (towards morality) of honoring your ancestors. This makes me think of holidays such as all saints days which are made to honor the church's "ancestors."

X

Characteristics of Confucius, and their influence on the principles of the time

1. Tsze-ch'in asked Tsze-kung saying, "When our master comes to any country, he does not fail to learn all about its government. Does he ask his information? or is it given to him?"
2. Tse-kung said, "Our master is benign, upright, courteous, temperate, and complaisant and thus he gets his information. The master's mode of asking information!-is it not different from that of other men?"

Here, Tse-kung is stating that Confucius, being calm, honest, kind, and understanding is obliging and gets his own information, unlike others.

XI

On filial duty
The Master said, "While a man's father is alive, look at the bent of his will; when his father is dead, look at his conduct. If for three years he does not alter from the way of his father, he may be called filial."

A man is devoted if he does what he was taught on his own without outside influence. A good example of this would be cleaning your room without a father figure telling you to do so after moving out.

XII

In ceremonies a natural ease is to be prized, and yet to be subordinate to the end of ceremonies-the reverential observance of propriety

1. The philosopher Yu said, "In practicing the rules of propriety, a natural ease is to be prized. In the ways prescribed by the ancient kings, this is the excellent quality, and in things small and great we follow them."
2. "Yet it is not to be observed in all cases. If one, knowing how such ease should be prized, manifests it, without regulating it by the rules of propriety, this likewise is not to be done."

During ceremonies, you should be relaxed, yet still composed. Do not relax to the point that it is disrespectful to others in the ceremony. A.K.A, don't be "that one guy." A better example than that video would be that one guy who's phone goes off during a funeral.

XIII

To save from future repentance, we must be careful in our first steps
The philosopher Yu said, "When agreements are made according to what is right, what is spoken can be made good. When respect is shown according to what is proper, one keeps far from shame and disgrace. When the parties upon whom a man leans are proper persons to be intimate with, he can make them his guides and masters."

When you decide based on what is right, the result will be right. When you respect what should be respected, you will not be embarrassed. When those you chose to align yourself with are proper, you will be proper. A good example of this would be Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. He defends Tom Robinson because he believes Tom is innocent and should be given fair representation. He does not do much of what the other fathers do, and drink and gamble. And, the people he aligns himself with (Calpurnia), and who he aligns his children with (the neighbor) are all good people.

XIV

With what mind one aiming to be a Chün-Tsze pursues his learning
The master said, "He who aims to be a man of complete virtue in his food does not seek to gratify his appetite, nor in his dwelling place does he seek the appliances of ease; he is earnest in what he is doing, and careful in his speech; he frequents the company of men of principle that he may be rectified: such a person may be said indeed to love to learn."

You should eat for nutrition, rather than gratification. Put stuff in your home because it belongs there, rather than for ease or luxury. You should be honest, sure of what you say, and align yourself with good men. You should love to learn. This is again a path to fulfilment.

XV

An illustration of the successive steps in self-cultivation

1. Tsze-kung said, "What do you pronounce concerning the poor man who yet does not flatter, and the rich man who is not proud?" The master replied, "They will do; but they are not equal to him, who, though poor, is yet cheerful, and to him, who, though rich, loves the rules of propriety."
2. Tsze-kung replied, "It is said in the Book of Poetry, 'As you cut and then file, as you carve and then polish.' The meaning is the same, I apprehend, as that which you have just expressed."
3. The Master said, "With one like Ts'ze, I can begin to talk about the odes. I told him one point, and he knew its proper sequence."

Here, Confucius is saying that a poor man doesn't have to flatter, but should be happy, and rich man doesn't have to be proud, but should love the rules and protocols.

You need to elaborate on this. The point is that refraining from vice is less honorable than pursuing virtue.

XVI

Personal attainment should be our chief aim
The Master said, "I will not be afflicted at men's not knowing me; I will be afflicted that I do not know men."

Here Confucius is saying that he is not afflicted by men not knowing him, but he is much more worried when he does not know men. This means that he doesn't care if he is known, but he wants to understand other people. A good example of this would be a commercial designer. It does not matter if they are known to the general populous, but they need to understand what interests the general populous to succeed at their job.

Previous Posts

Confucian Analects

Book 1: Hsio R

Art of War Review

Part 1: Laying Plans

Part 2: Waging War

Part 3: Attack by Stratagem

Part 4: Tactical Dispositions

Part 5: Energy

Part 6a: Weak Points and Strong

Part 6b: Weak Points and Strong

Part 7a: Maneuvering

Part 7b: Maneuvering
Part 8: Variation in Tactics 

Part 9a: The Army on the March

Part 9b: The Army on the March

Part 10a: Terrain

Part 10b: Terrain

Part 11a: The Nine Situations

Part 11b: The Nine Situations

Part 11c: The Nine Situations

Part 12: The Attack by Fire

Part 13: The Use of Spies

Thanks for reading this! If you enjoyed this, please comeback tomorrow for the next article. This series will have twenty parts, and it is my goal to post it everyday for the next twenty days. You can also check out my Art of War Review (links above). Also, please remember that feedback is appreciated. See you tomorrow!

Also remember to check for: My weekly 7 post, As well as my composer birthday posts
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