Ever since I began seeking to understand the Chinese concept of Wu Wei [literally, ‘effortless action’], I have become more and more interested in and intrigued by Confucius and ‘The Analects’, or Lunyu (literally “Selected Sayings”), also known as the Analects of Confucius. This is the collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries, traditionally believed to have been written by Confucius’ followers.
It is believed ‘The Analects’ was written during the Warring States period (475 BC – 221 BC), and it achieved its final form during the mid-Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). The status of ‘The Analects’ grew to be one of the central texts of Confucianism by the end of that dynasty. The Analects has been one of the most widely read and studied books in China for the last 2,000 years, and continues to have a substantial influence on Chinese and East Asian thought and values today. This morning I will be quoting from BOOK I. Perhaps, gentle reader, you will find a passage or two that will inform, if not stretch, your own thinking.
BOOK I
Chapter IV 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.’
Chapter VI 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.’
Chapter VII 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.’
Chapter XIII 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.’
Chapter XIV 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 see 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.’
Chapter XVI 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 is an image of Confucius that I like:
Searcher-Seeker 