Understanding the Analects of Confucius: A New Translation of the Lunyu with Annotations

Author:
Peimin Ni

Publisher:
SUNY Press

Publication Year:
2017

Abstract:

A new translation and commentary of the Analects for contemporary audiences. The Analects of Confucius is arguably the single most influential work of China’s cultural heritage. In this new English translation, Peimin Ni accomplishes the rare feat of simultaneously providing a faithful translation of the text, offering his own reading based on gongfu (practice) perspective, and presenting major alternative readings to help the reader understand how diverse interpretations and controversies arise. In addition to the inclusion of the original Chinese text, Ni adds a comprehensive introduction, a discussion of key terms, annotations, and extensive cross-references. In doing so, Ni makes the text accessible and engaging for today’s audience.



Table of Contents:

Preface
Conventions
Acknowledgments
Introduction

Historical Background
Life of Confucius
Confucianism before and after Confucius
The Formation of the Analects
English Translations of the Analects
The Gongfu Orientation

Key Terms

Ren 仁 — Human-heartedness
Xiao 孝 — Filial piety
De 德 — Virtuosity, virtue, kindness
Xing 性 — Human nature
Tian 天— Heaven
Tianming 天命 — Mandate of heaven
Dao 道 — the Way
Ming 命 — Destiny
Yi 义 — Appropriateness / rightness
Li 礼 — Ritual propriety, ritual
Zhengming 正名 —  Rectification of names
Wuwei  无为 —  Action by non-action
He 和 — Harmony
Yue or Le 乐 — Music / joy
Wen 文 and Zhi 质 — Refined form and substance
Quan 权 —  Discretion
Zheng 政 — Governing
Shi 士 — Educated person
Junzi 君子 — Exemplary person
Sheng 圣 — Sage
Zhong 忠— Wholehearted devotion
Shu 恕 — Reciprocity
Xin 信 — Trustworthiness
Zhi 直 — Uprightness
Xue 学 — Learning, studying
Zhi 知 — Knowing, understanding, wisdom
Zhongyong 中庸 — Hitting the mark constantly

论语    Lunyu—THE ANALECTS

学而第一    Book 1
为政第二  Book 2
八佾第三    Book 3
里仁第四    Book 4
公冶长第五    Book 5
雍也第六   Book  6
述而第七   Book 7
泰伯第八  Book  8
子罕第九   Book   9
乡党第十    Book 10
先进第十一   Book 11
颜渊第十二   Book  12
子路第十三  Book  13
宪问第十四   Book   14
卫灵公第十五   Book  15
季氏第十六   Book   16
阳货第十七     Book  17
微子第十八   Book  18
子张第十九   Book  19
尧曰第二十   Book   20

Notes
Bibliography
Index of Names and Terms in the Analects
General Index