LUN Y

(ChineseConversations) English Analects one of four Confucian texts that, when published together in 1190 by the Neo-Confucian philosopher Chu Hsi, became the great Chinese classic known as Ssu shu (q.v.; Four Books). Lun y is considered by scholars to be the most reliable source of the doctrine of the ancient sage Confucius (551479 BC) and is usually the first Confucian text studied in schools. It covers practically all the basic ethical concepts of Confuciuse.g., jen (benevolence), chn-tzu (the superior man), t'ien (Heaven), chung yung (doctrine of the mean), li (proper conduct), and cheng ming (adjustment to names). The last inculcates the notion that all phases of a person's conduct should correspond to the true significance of namese.g., marriage should be true marriage, not concubinage. Among many direct quotations attributed to Confucius is one explaining filial piety (hsiao). If hsiao means nothing more than providing for parents, said Confucius, even dogs and horses do that; hsiao does not exist without genuine respect for parents. Lun y also contains homely glimpses of Confucius as recorded by his disciples. In general, Lun y is unsystematic, occasionally repetitive, and sometimes inaccurate historically.