Confucianism Holy Writings

Confucianism Holy Writings: Exploring the Canon and its Enduring Influence

Introduction:

Unlike religions with singular, divinely revealed scriptures, Confucianism's "holy writings" are a collection of texts spanning centuries, representing evolving interpretations and applications of Confucius's teachings. This post delves into the core texts considered canonical within Confucianism, exploring their historical context, key themes, and lasting influence on East Asian culture and thought. We'll examine the key texts, analyze their structure and content, and shed light on their significance for understanding this influential philosophical and ethical system. Prepare to embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Confucian literary tradition.

I. The Analects: The Heart of Confucian Thought

The Analects (論語, Lún Yǔ) isn't a systematic treatise but rather a collection of sayings and anecdotes attributed to Confucius and his disciples. Its fragmented nature reflects its oral origins, with generations of students preserving and transmitting the Master's wisdom. The Analects provide invaluable insights into Confucius's core beliefs: the importance of ren (benevolence), li (ritual propriety), yi (righteousness), zhi (wisdom), and xin (integrity). These concepts form the ethical bedrock of Confucianism, emphasizing self-cultivation, social harmony, and good governance. The text's aphoristic style makes it both accessible and endlessly interpretable, leading to diverse schools of Confucian thought throughout history. Understanding the Analects is fundamental to grasping the essence of Confucianism.

II. The Great Learning (Daxue): Cultivating the Self and Transforming Society

The Great Learning (Daxue, 大學) is a short but powerful text traditionally attributed to Confucius’s disciple Zengzi. While its authorship is debated, its influence is undeniable. It outlines a process of self-cultivation that leads to societal transformation. The text emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual moral development and societal well-being. The steps outlined – investigating things, rectifying the heart, cultivating oneself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world – illustrate a holistic approach to ethical living and leadership. The Great Learning is a practical guide to implementing Confucian principles in daily life and governance.

III. The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong): The Path of Harmony

The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong, 中庸) another text often included within the Four Books, focuses on the concept of zhongyong – often translated as "the mean" or "harmony." This isn't about moderation in the sense of compromise, but rather about finding the perfect balance in all aspects of life. It advocates for a life lived in accordance with nature's inherent order, emphasizing self-cultivation and the cultivation of virtue through consistent effort. The Doctrine of the Mean is a profound exploration of ethical living, promoting a life of moderation, balance, and harmony within oneself and the world.

IV. Mencius: Expanding and Defending Confucianism

Mencius (Mèngzǐ, 孟子), often called the "Second Sage," significantly expanded and defended Confucian thought. His writings, the Mencius, elaborate on Confucius's teachings, providing detailed explanations and applying them to specific situations. Mencius emphasized the inherent goodness of human nature, arguing that individuals possess the capacity for ethical development through self-cultivation. He championed the idea of a benevolent ruler responsible for the welfare of his people and articulated a powerful critique of unjust governance. The Mencius provides a robust defense and expansion of Confucian principles.

V. The Five Classics (Wujing): A Broader Context

While the Four Books (Analects, Great Learning, Doctrine of the Mean, Mencius) are often considered the core Confucian texts, the Five Classics (Wǔjīng, 五經) provide a broader historical and cultural context. These include:

Book of Changes (Yijing): Focuses on divination and cosmology, offering insights into the cyclical nature of reality.
Book of History (Shujing): A collection of historical documents and speeches, often used to illustrate Confucian principles through historical examples.
Book of Poetry (Shijing): A collection of poems covering a wide range of themes, offering valuable insights into social and cultural life during various periods.
Book of Rites (Liji): Details various rituals and ceremonies, highlighting their significance in maintaining social order and harmony.
Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu): A chronicle of the state of Lu, offering a critical perspective on the events of the time. It is considered a model of ethical leadership.


VI. The Significance and Enduring Legacy of Confucian Holy Writings

The Confucian canon isn't a static body of work. Its interpretation and application have evolved throughout history, shaping various schools of Confucian thought and influencing countless individuals and societies. The enduring relevance of these texts lies in their emphasis on ethical self-cultivation, social harmony, and good governance – principles that remain highly relevant in the modern world. These texts offer a profound and enduring philosophical framework for navigating the complexities of human life and society.


VII. A Detailed Look at the Analects (Example)

Title: The Analects: A Structural and Thematic Analysis

Outline:

Introduction: Brief overview of the Analects, its authorship, and historical context.
Structure: Discussion of the book's structure, its lack of systematic organization, and the implications of its fragmented nature.
Key Themes: Exploration of major themes including ren, li, yi, zhi, and xin, with specific examples from the text.
Influence: Examination of the lasting influence of the Analects on Confucian thought and East Asian culture.
Conclusion: Summary of the key insights gained from analyzing the Analects and its enduring significance.



(Note: The detailed explanation of each point in the above outline would comprise a separate, full-length blog post. This outline provides a sample structure for in-depth analysis. Similar detailed outlines can be created for the other texts.)


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Are the Confucian texts religious scriptures? No, Confucianism is not a religion in the traditional sense, lacking a deity or supernatural elements. These texts are primarily philosophical and ethical treatises.
2. What is the difference between the Four Books and the Five Classics? The Four Books are considered more accessible and foundational, while the Five Classics provide a broader historical and cultural context.
3. How did the Confucian texts survive through history? They were preserved through oral transmission and later written down, meticulously copied, and studied by generations of scholars.
4. How are the Confucian texts interpreted today? Interpretations vary, with scholars drawing upon different philosophical traditions and contextual understandings.
5. What is the importance of ren in Confucianism? Ren (benevolence) is central, representing the ideal of humaneness and compassion.
6. What is the role of ritual (li) in Confucian thought? Rituals are seen as essential for cultivating virtue and maintaining social harmony.
7. How has Confucianism influenced East Asian societies? Confucian values have deeply impacted governance, education, family structures, and social ethics in East Asian countries.
8. Are there modern translations of the Confucian classics available? Yes, numerous translations exist in various languages, offering diverse perspectives on the text.
9. What is the best way to approach studying the Confucian texts? Start with the Four Books, focusing on understanding the key concepts and their practical application.


Related Articles:

1. Confucianism vs. Taoism: A Comparative Study: Examines the key differences and similarities between these two influential East Asian philosophies.
2. The Concept of Filial Piety in Confucian Thought: Explores the importance of filial piety as a cornerstone of Confucian ethics.
3. Confucianism and Governance: The Ideal Ruler: Analyzes the Confucian ideal of a benevolent ruler and its implications for governance.
4. The Role of Education in Confucianism: Examines the importance of education in cultivating virtuous individuals and shaping society.
5. Confucianism and Family Structure: Explores the structure and dynamics of traditional Confucian families.
6. The Influence of Confucianism on East Asian Art: Discusses the impact of Confucian values on artistic expression in East Asia.
7. Modern Interpretations of Confucianism: Analyzes contemporary approaches to understanding and applying Confucian principles.
8. Confucianism and Human Nature: Explores different perspectives on the nature of humanity within Confucian thought.
9. The Five Classics: A Detailed Exploration: Provides a comprehensive overview of each of the Five Classics and their significance within Confucianism.


  confucianism holy writings: Confucianism and Sacred Space Chin-shing Huang, 2020-12-01 Temples dedicated to Confucius are found throughout China and across East Asia, dating back over two thousand years. These sacred and magnificent sanctuaries hold deep cultural and political significance. This book brings together studies from Chin-shing Huang’s decades-long research into Confucius temples that individually and collectively consider Confucianism as religion. Huang uses the Confucius temple to explore Confucianism both as one of China’s “three religions” (with Buddhism and Daoism) and as a cultural phenomenon, from the early imperial era through the present day. He argues for viewing Confucius temples as the holy ground of Confucianism, symbolic sites of sacred space that represent a point of convergence between political and cultural power. Their complex histories shed light on the religious nature and character of Confucianism and its status as official religion in imperial China. Huang examines topics such as the political and intellectual elements of Confucian enshrinement, how Confucius temples were brought into the imperial ritual system from the Tang dynasty onward, and why modern Chinese largely do not think of Confucianism as a religion. A nuanced analysis of the question of Confucianism as religion, Confucianism and Sacred Space offers keen insights into Confucius temples and their significance in the intertwined intellectual, political, social, and religious histories of imperial China.
  confucianism holy writings: Sacred Writings...: Confucian, Hebrew, Christian (part 1) , 1910
  confucianism holy writings: The Sacred Books of China , 1879
  confucianism holy writings: Understanding Taoism Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, 2011 Previously pub.: Taoism. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, c2003.
  confucianism holy writings: The Sacred Books of China , 1879
  confucianism holy writings: Ecology and Religion John Grim, Mary Evelyn Tucker, 2014-01-02 From the Psalms in the Bible to the sacred rivers in Hinduism, the natural world has been integral to the world’s religions. John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker contend that today’s growing environmental challenges make the relationship ever more vital. This primer explores the history of religious traditions and the environment, illustrating how religious teachings and practices both promoted and at times subverted sustainability. Subsequent chapters examine the emergence of religious ecology, as views of nature changed in religious traditions and the ecological sciences. Yet the authors argue that religion and ecology are not the province of institutions or disciplines alone. They describe four fundamental aspects of religious life: orienting, grounding, nurturing, and transforming. Readers then see how these phenomena are experienced in a Native American religion, Orthodox Christianity, Confucianism, and Hinduism. Ultimately, Grim and Tucker argue that the engagement of religious communities is necessary if humanity is to sustain itself and the planet. Students of environmental ethics, theology and ecology, world religions, and environmental studies will receive a solid grounding in the burgeoning field of religious ecology.
  confucianism holy writings: The Religious Dimensions of Confucianism Rodney Leon Taylor, 1990-01-01 The role of Confucianism in the development of East Asian Cultures has only recently begun to be fully appreciated. Even with this recognition, there is still little understanding of the tradition as a religious tradition. This book presents Confucianism as a religious tradition. In no other book has there been a sustained presentation of the many and varied religious dimensions of the tradition.--From publisher description.
  confucianism holy writings: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Confucianism: N-Z Rodney Leon Taylor, Howard Yuen Fung Choy, 2005 Covers topics related to the understanding of Chinese Confucianism. Includes entries in the following categories: arts, architecture, and iconography; astrology, cosmology, and mythology; biographical entries; ceremonies, practices, and rituals; concepts; dynasties, official titles, and rulers; geography and historical events; groups and schools; literature, language, and symbols; and texts.
  confucianism holy writings: Eastern Religions Vasudha Narayanan, 2005 Authoritative and accessible, this fascinating volume provides a concise, illustrated introduction to five of the great religious traditions of the world--Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. 125 illustrations.
  confucianism holy writings: Against Political Equality Tongdong Bai, 2021-08-10 How a hybrid Confucian-engendered form of governance might solve today’s political problems What might a viable political alternative to liberal democracy look like? In Against Political Equality, Tongdong Bai offers a possibility inspired by Confucian ideas. Bai argues that domestic governance influenced by Confucianism can embrace the liberal aspects of democracy along with the democratic ideas of equal opportunities and governmental accountability to the people. But Confucianism would give more political decision-making power to those with the moral, practical, and intellectual capabilities of caring for the people. While most democratic thinkers still focus on strengthening equality to cure the ills of democracy, the proposed hybrid regime—made up of Confucian-inspired meritocratic characteristics combined with democratic elements and a quasi-liberal system of laws and rights—recognizes that egalitarian qualities sometimes conflict with good governance and the protection of liberties, and defends liberal aspects by restricting democratic ones. Bai applies his views to the international realm by supporting a hierarchical order based on how humane each state is toward its own and other peoples, and on the principle of international interventions whereby humane responsibilities override sovereignty. Exploring the deficiencies posed by many liberal democracies, Against Political Equality presents a novel Confucian-engendered alternative for solving today’s political problems.
  confucianism holy writings: Four Testaments Brian Arthur Brown, 2016-07-08 Four Testaments brings together four foundational texts from world religions—the Tao Te Ching, Dhammapada, Analects of Confucius, and Bhagavad Gita—inviting readers to experience them in full, to explore possible points of connection and divergence, and to better understand people who practice these traditions. Following Brian Arthur Brown’s award-winning Three Testaments: Torah, Gospel, Quran, this volume of Four Testaments features essays by esteemed scholars to introduce readers to each tradition and text, as well as commentary on unexpected ways the ancient Zoroastrian tradition might connect Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Hinduism, as well as the Abrahamic faiths. Four Testaments aims to foster deeper religious understanding in our interconnected and contentious world.
  confucianism holy writings: 礼记 Confucio, 2013-10-10 The Book of Rites, literally the Record of Rites, is a collection of texts describing the social forms, administration, and ceremonial rites of the Zhou Dynasty as they were understood in the Warring States and the early Han periods. The Book of Rites, along with the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli) and the Book of Etiquette and Rites (Yili), which are together known as the Three Li (San li), constitute the ritual (li) section of the Five Classics which lay at the core of the traditional Confucian canon (Each of the five classics is a group of works rather than a single text). As a core text of the Confucian canon, it is also known as the Classic of Rites, which some scholars believe this was the original title before it was changed by Dai Sheng.
  confucianism holy writings: The Sacred Books of China James Legge, Confucius Confucius, 2023-07-18 This volume is part of a larger series that presents translations of the sacred texts of China's major religions. The texts presented in this volume are central to the Confucian tradition and include the works of Confucius himself, as well as his disciples and later commentators. Legge's meticulous translations and extensive commentaries provide readers with a deep understanding of this influential school of thought. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
  confucianism holy writings: Mencius Mencius, 2004-10-28 Mencius was one of the great philosophers of ancient China, second only in influence to Confucius, whose teachings he defended and expanded. The Mencius, in which he recounts his dialogues with kings, dukes and military men, as well as other philosophers, is one of the Four Books that make up the essential Confucian corpus. It takes up Confucius's theories of jen, or goodness and yi, righteousness, explaining that the individual can achieve harmony with mankind and the universe by perfecting his innate moral nature and acting with benevolence and justice. Mencius' strikingly modern views on the duties of subjects and their rulers or the evils of war, created a Confucian orthodoxy that has remained intact since the third century BCE.
  confucianism holy writings: Zhu Xi's Reading of the Analects Daniel K. Gardner, 2003 This text explains the significance of Zhu Xi's interpretation of the Confucian tradition and of the genre of commentary in Eastern philosophy.
  confucianism holy writings: An Introduction to Confucianism Xinzhong Yao, 2000-02-13 Introduces the many strands of Confucianism in a style accessible to students and general readers.
  confucianism holy writings: The Sacred Books of China Confucius, 2023-07-18 A collection of sacred texts that form the basis of Confucianism, one of the world's oldest religions. This book provides insights into the philosophy and teachings of Confucius, offering a valuable resource for scholars, spiritual seekers, and anyone interested in Chinese culture and history. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
  confucianism holy writings: The Canon of Supreme Mystery by Yang Hsiung Michael Nylan, 2014-02-01 This is a translation, with a commentary and a long contextualizing introduction, of the only major work of Han (206 B.C. to 220 A.D.) philosophy that is still available in complete form. It is the first translation of the work into a European language and provides unique access to this formative period in Chinese history. Because Yang Hsiung's interpretations drew upon a variety of pre-Han sources and then dominated Confucian learning until the twelfth century, this text is also a valuable resource on early Chinese history, philosophy, and culture beyond the Han period. The T'ai hsüan is also one of the world's great philosophic poems comparable in scale and grandeur to Lucretius' De rerum naturum. Nathan Sivin has written that this is one of the titles on the short list of Chinese books every cultivated person should read. Han thinkers saw in this text a compelling restatement of Confucian doctrine that addressed the major objections posed by rival schools including Mohism, Taoism, Legalism and Yin-Yang Five Phase Theory. Since this Han amalgam formed the basis for the state ideology of China from 134 B.C. to 1911, an ideology that in turn provided the intellectual foundations for the Japanese and Korean states, the importance of this book can hardly be overestimated.
  confucianism holy writings: Confucianism Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, 2002 Six centuries before the birth of Jesus, a Chinese sage named Master Kong or Kong Fuzi (later latinized to Confucius) drafted the principles of a society founded upon virtue. For more than two thousand years, Kong Fuzi's work has remained the foundation of Chinese civilization. In this lavishly illustrated volume, Jennifer Oldstone-Moore takes readers on an insightful tour of this enduring belief system. Not quite a religion, more than a philosophy, Confucianism coexists with Daoism and Buddhism in Chinese spiritual life, guiding personal relations and social structure. Oldstone-Moore explains the essence of Confucian belief--the primary importance of filial relations, and the need for governments to be founded upon virtue--and she underscores the overarching importance of the Confucian canon. Though Confucius's own sayings are preserved in the Analects, he saw himself as an editor and mediator of the wisdom of antiquity, which he gathered in the Six Classics and Four Books, which stress harmony in the social order. The author sheds much light on these texts--The Book of Changes, the Classic of History, the Classic of Poetry, the Spring and Autumn Annals, the Book of Rites, and the now-lost Classic of Music--and also discusses the role of heroes (such as the Sage Kings), rituals and the Chinese calendar, sacred places, and Confucianism's place as a state religion through much of Chinese history. No society on earth has had the continuous history--as a single people, culture, and state--that China enjoys. One of the keys to that unity, to China's very identity, is Confucianism, deftly elucidated in this attractive, informative volume.
  confucianism holy writings: Manufacturing Confucianism Lionel M. Jensen, 1997 Is it possible that the familiar and beloved figure of Confucius was invented by Jesuit priests? Based on specific documentary evidence, historian Lionel Jensen reveals how 16th- and 17th-century Western missionaries used translations of the ancient RU tradition to invent the presumably historical figure who has been globally celebrated as philosopher, prophet, statesman, wise man, and saint. 13 illustrations.
  confucianism holy writings: Confucius for Christians Gregg A. Ten Elshof, 2015 This book by Gregg Ten Elshof explores ways of using resources from the Confucian wisdom tradition to inform Christian living. Neither highlighting nor diminishing the differences between Confucianism and Christianity, Ten Elshof reflects on perennial human questions with the teachings of both Jesus and Confucius in mind. In examining such subjects as family, learning, and ethics, Ten Elshof sets the typical Western worldview against the Confucian worldview and considers how each of them lines up with the teachings of Jesus. Ten Elshof points to much that is deep and helpful in the Confucian tradition, and he shows how reflection on the teachings of Confucius can inspire a deeper and richer understanding of what it really means to live the Jesus way.--Publisher's description.
  confucianism holy writings: Christianity and Confucianism Christopher Hancock, 2020-12-24 Christianity and Confucianism: Culture, Faith and Politics, sets comparative textual analysis against the backcloth of 2000 years of cultural, political, and religious interaction between China and the West. As the world responds to China's rise and China positions herself for global engagement, this major new study reawakens and revises an ancient conversation. As a generous introduction to biblical Christianity and the Confucian Classics, Christianity and Confucianism tells a remarkable story of mutual formation and cultural indebtedness. East and West are shown to have shaped the mind, heart, culture, philosophy and politics of the other - and far more, perhaps, than either knows or would want to admit. Christopher Hancock has provided a rich and stimulating resource for scholars and students, diplomats and social scientists, devotees of culture and those who pursue wisdom and peace today.
  confucianism holy writings: Readings from the Lu-Wang School of Neo-Confucianism , 2009-03-15 This volume provides selected translations from the writings of Lu Xiangshan; Wang Yangming; and the Platform Sutra, a work which had profound influence on neo-Confucian thought. Each of these three sections is preceded by an introduction that sketches important features of the history, biography, and philosophy of the author and explores some of the main features and characteristics of his work. The range of genres represented--letters, recorded sayings, essays, meditations and poetry--provide the reader with insights into the philosophical and stylistic themes of this fascinating and influential branch of neo-Confucian thought.
  confucianism holy writings: Confucianism Daniel K. Gardner, 2014 This volume shows the influence of the Sage's teachings over the course of Chinese history--on state ideology, the civil service examination system, imperial government, the family, and social relations--and the fate of Confucianism in China in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as China developed alongside a modernizing West and Japan. Some Chinese intellectuals attempted to reform the Confucian tradition to address new needs; others argued for jettisoning it altogether in favor of Western ideas and technology; still others condemned it angrily, arguing that Confucius and his legacy were responsible for China's feudal, ''backward'' conditions in the twentieth century and launching campaigns to eradicate its influences. Yet Chinese continue to turn to the teachings of Confucianism for guidance in their daily lives.
  confucianism holy writings: The Holy Book in Comparative Perspective Frederick Mathewson Denny, Rodney Leon Taylor, 1985 Ten noted religious studies scholars examine the sacred scriptures of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Mormonism to produce an authoritative, comprehensive survey of the words that shape the world's major religions. The book concentrates on the origins, forms, and functions of scriptures in religious life. This volume also includes a thought-provoking chapter on the transmission of sacred traditions among nonliterate populations and rebuttal of the widespread elevation of literate traditions over primitive traditions. -- BACK COVER.
  confucianism holy writings: Spring and Autumn Annals Confucius,, 2023-11-27 The Spring and Autumn Annals or Chunqiu is an ancient Chinese chronicle that has been one of the core Chinese classics since ancient times. The Annals is the official chronicle of the State of Lu, and covers a 241-year period from 722 to 481 BC. It is the earliest surviving Chinese historical text to be arranged in annals form.
  confucianism holy writings: The Great Learning - The Doctrine of the Mean Confucius, Zengzi, Zisi, 2019-12-12 Attributed to Confucius and Zengzi, The Great Learning is one of the Four Books in Confucianism. The Doctrine of the Mean, attributed to Zisi, the only grandson of Confucius, is both a doctrine of Confucianism and also the title of one of the Four Books of Confucian philosophy.
  confucianism holy writings: Sacred Writings Charles W Eliot, 2014-03 This Is A New Release Of The Original 1910 Edition.
  confucianism holy writings: The Rites Controversies in the Early Modern World , 2018-07-10 The Rites Controversies in the Early Modern World is a collection of fourteen articles focusing on debates concerning the nature of “rites” raging in intellectual circles of Europe, Asia and America in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The controversy started in Jesuit Asian missions where the method of accommodation, based on translation of Christianity into Asian cultural idioms, created a distinction between civic and religious customs. Civic customs were defined as those that could be included into Christianity and permitted to the new converts. However, there was no universal consensus among the various actors in these controversies as to how to establish criteria for distinguishing civility from religion. The controversy had not been resolved, but opened the way to radical religious scepticism. Contributors are: Claudia Brosseder, Michela Catto, Gita Dharampal-Frick, Pierre Antoine Fabre, Ana Carolina Hosne, Ronnie Po-Chia Hsia, Giuseppe Marcocci, Ovidiu Olar, Sabina Pavone, István Perczel, Nicholas Standaert, Margherita Trento, Guillermo Wilde and Ines G. Županov.
  confucianism holy writings: The Sacred Books of China Confucius, 1885
  confucianism holy writings: Sacred Writings Charles W Eliot, 2014-03 This Is A New Release Of The Original 1910 Edition.
  confucianism holy writings: Sacred Writings , 1965
  confucianism holy writings: Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge & Truth Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, 1998-06-30 Any divide between revelation and rationality, religion and logic has to be irrational. If religion and rationality cannot proceed hand in hand, there has to be something deeply wrong with either of the two. Does revelation play any vital role in human affairs? Is not rationality sufficient to guide man in all the problems which confront him? Numerous questions such as these are examined with minute attention. All major issues which intrigue the modern mind are attempted to be incorporated in this fascinatingly comprehensive statute. Whatever the intellectual or educational background of the reader, this book is bound to offer him something of his interest. It examines a very diverse and wide range of subjects including the concept of revelation in different religions, history of philosophy, cosmology, extraterrestrial life, the future of life on earth, natural selection and its role in evolution. It also elaborately discusses the advent of the Messiah, or other universal reformers, awaited by different religions. Likewise, many other topical issues which have been agitating the human mind since time immemorial are also incorporated. The main emphasis is on the ability of the Quran to correctly discuss all important events of the past, present and future from the beginning of the universe to its ultimate end. Aided by strong incontrovertible logic and scientific evidence, the Quran does not shy away from presenting itself to the merciless scrutiny of rationality. It will be hard to find a reader whose queries are not satisfactorily answered. We hope that most readers will testify that this will always stand out as a book among books – perhaps the greatest literary achievement of this century.
  confucianism holy writings: Sacred Writings I Charles W. Eliot, 2010-01-01 Originally published between 1909 and 1917 under the name Harvard Classics, this stupendous 51-volume set-a collection of the greatest writings from literature, philosophy, history, and mythology-was assembled by American academic CHARLES WILLIAM ELIOT (1834-1926), Harvard University's longest-serving president. Also known as Dr. Eliot's Five Foot Shelf, it represented Eliot's belief that a basic liberal education could be gleaned by reading from an anthology of works that could fit on five feet of bookshelf. Volume XLIV is the first of two volumes to feature sacred writings from around the globe, those not merely essential to believers but enjoyed by secular readers as great works of literature. Included here: [ the Sayings of Confucius, the wisdom of the 5th century BC philosopher whose teachings suffuse Chinese culture to this day [ from Hebrew tradition, the Books of Job, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes, which form the core of the Old Testament [ from Christian mythology, the Book of Luke and Acts.
  confucianism holy writings: Ta Hio Confucius, Ezra Pound, 2013-10 This is a new release of the original 1939 edition.
  confucianism holy writings: Virtue Ethics and Confucianism Stephen Angle, Michael Slote, 2013-07-24 This volume presents the fruits of an extended dialogue among American and Chinese philosophers concerning the relations between virtue ethics and the Confucian tradition. Based on recent advances in English-language scholarship on and translation of Confucian philosophy, the book demonstrates that cross-tradition stimulus, challenge, and learning are now eminently possible. Anyone interested in the role of virtue in contemporary moral philosophy, in Chinese thought, or in the future possibilities for cross-tradition philosophizing will find much to engage with in the twenty essays collected here.
  confucianism holy writings: Confucianism and Catholicism Michael R. Slater, Erin M. Cline, Philip J. Ivanhoe, 2020-05-31 Confucianism and Catholicism, among the most influential religious traditions, share an intricate relationship. Beginning with the work of Matteo Ricci (1552–1610), the nature of this relationship has generated great debate. These ten essays synthesize in a single volume this historic conversation. Written by specialists in both traditions, the essays are organized into two groups. Those in the first group focus primarily on the historical and cultural contexts in which Confucianism and Catholicism encountered one another in the four major Confucian cultures of East Asia: China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. The essays in the second part offer comparative and constructive studies of specific figures, texts, and issues in the Confucian and Catholic traditions from both theological and philosophical perspectives. By bringing these historical and constructive perspectives together, Confucianism and Catholicism: Reinvigorating the Dialogue seeks not only to understand better the past dialogue between these traditions, but also to renew the conversation between them today. In light of the unprecedented expansion of Eastern Asian influence in recent decades, and considering the myriad of challenges and new opportunities faced by both the Confucian and Catholic traditions in a world that is rapidly becoming globalized, this volume could not be more timely. Confucianism and Catholicism will be of interest to professional theologians, historians, and scholars of religion, as well as those who work in interreligious dialogue. Contributors: Michael R. Slater, Erin M. Cline, Philip J. Ivanhoe, Vincent Shen, Anh Q. Tran, S.J., Donald L. Baker, Kevin M. Doak, Xueying Wang, Richard Kim, Victoria S. Harrison, and Lee H. Yearley.
  confucianism holy writings: ทําเนียบนักวิจัย และผู้ทรงคุณวุฒิในประเทศไทย สาขาเกษตรศาสตร์และชีววิทยา , 1974
  confucianism holy writings: The Sacred Books of China, The Texts of Confucianism , 1966
  confucianism holy writings: The Kojiki , 2014-09-30 Written in the early eighth century, the Kojiki is considered JapanÕs first literary and historical work. A compilation of myths, legends, songs, and genealogies, it recounts the birth of JapanÕs islands, reflecting the origins of Japanese civilization and future Shinto practice. The Kojiki provides insight into the lifestyle, religious beliefs, politics, and history of early Japan, and for centuries has shaped the nationÕs view of its past. This innovative rendition conveys the rich appeal of the Kojiki to a general readership by translating the names of characters to clarify their contribution to the narrative while also translating place names to give a vivid sense of the landscape the characters inhabit, as well as an understanding of where such places are today. Gustav HeldtÕs expert organization reflects the textÕs original sentence structure and repetitive rhythms, enhancing the readerÕs appreciation for its sophisticated style of storytelling.