4. Primer Learning and the Four Books

Contents

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Explain words carefully and make sentence divisions clear. Anyone who studies must have a proper beginning.

Classical texts are hard to read without basic tools. Word meaning and punctuation are the starting point.

Original Chinese text

English translation

After elementary learning comes the Four Books. The Analects consists of twenty chapters.

“Elementary learning” here means traditional foundational study. The Four Books later became central texts in Confucian education.

Original Chinese text

English translation

The disciples recorded worthy sayings in the Analects. The book Mencius has seven chapters.

The line introduces two of the Four Books: one preserves sayings around Confucius, the other presents Mencius’ moral and political arguments.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius discusses virtue and expounds benevolence and righteousness. The Doctrine of the Mean is traditionally attributed to Zisi.

Benevolence and righteousness are key terms for Mencius. The Doctrine of the Mean concerns fitting balance in conduct.

Original Chinese text

English translation

“Mean” means not leaning to one side; “constant” means an enduring way. The Great Learning is traditionally attributed to Zengzi.

The line explains titles by key terms, giving children a first doorway into the texts.

Original Chinese text

English translation

The Great Learning proceeds from self-cultivation and ordering the family to governing the state and bringing peace. One should understand the Classic of Filial Piety and know the Four Books well.

The sequence moves from the person outward to household and public order.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Only then may one begin the Six Classics: Poetry, Documents, Changes, Rites, and Spring and Autumn.

The order reflects a traditional curriculum: build foundations first, then approach the older and more difficult classics.

Original Chinese text

English translation

These are called the Six Classics and should be studied carefully. Among traditions of the Changes were Lianshan and Guicang.

Lianshan and Guicang are remembered as ancient traditions of the Changes, mostly lost and known through later references.

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