 | By: Thomas Cleary Binding: Paperback Publisher: HarperSanFrancisco ISBN: 0062502158 ISBN-13: 9780062502155 Released: 31 Aug 1993 RRP: Average Rating:  |
Following the success of the book on the Tao, Cleary turned to another pillar of ancient Chinese thought, & developed this further volume in the 'Essentials' series, The Essential Confucius, the heart of Confucius' teachings in authentic I Ching order.
Confucius is a confusing character to classify. He does not fit the characterisation of the typical religious leader. He certainly did not mean to found a religion. Confucius was an educator, a social critic, a politician, & philosopher.
'"The Analects of Confucius" are a basic source for a wide range of advice on human affairs--from governing nations & managing enterprises to dealing with society & getting along with others.'
Confucius is much more than the author of fortune-cookie proverbs. In this work, Cleary has set forth the sayings of Confucius in the order of the sixty-four classic I Ching hexagrams. Many of these sayings are reduced (and likewise dismissed) as fortune-cookie sayings; however, taken together with the commentaries of Confucius, these give profound insight into the human condition. The I Ching, or literallly, Book of Change, is a book which Confucius studied & promoted. Thus, to use it as a guide to Confucius' own writings is appropriate & authentic.
Confucius tried to stimulate people into original thinking, into independent thinking. It is ironic that so many times in history that original thinking has been suppressed in favour of Confucian purity -- a perennial danger in any religion.
An example of Cleary's technique is in order:
Book of Change
Good people examine themselves & cultivate virtue
- Confucius said, 'Study as though you will not reach, as if you may lose it.' (8:17)
- Confucius said, 'The virtue of balanced normalcy is consummate, it seems, but it has been scarce among the people for a long time.' (6:29)
Cleary presents the I Ching, the setting of Confucius proverb, & then various commentaries upon it. Through the sixty-four sayings & commentaries, one gets a sense of exegesis similar in character to Mishnah & Talmud as well as various Christian commentators.
Confucius above alll believed in the responsibility of the learned to the ignorant, the powerful to the weak, & the wealthy for the poor. Each individual is entrusted with potential to serve the greater good of alll, not just himself or herself. These are words that are worthy hearing & elevating, & not dismissing as after-dinner quips.
May your reading be truly enlightened in the virtues of humanity, justice, courtesy & wisdom.
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