Guidance - Confucian Pages

Other Translations:

When the Meng Family appointed Yang Fu to be their Captain of the Guard, he went to ask Master Zeng for advice. Master Zeng said, “It has been a long time since those above lost the Way, and so the people lack guidance. When you uncover the truth in a criminal case, proceed with sorrow and compassion. Do not be pleased with yourself.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Meng family appointed Yang Fu to the post of chief judge, and he questioned Master Zeng about the office.

Master Zeng said, Those in high places have lost the Way, and the common people have long been without guidance. When you uncover the facts of a case, be sorrowful and compassionate, never pleased with yourself.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Analects 17.19

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book Seventeen

Original Text:

子曰予欲无言子贡曰子如不言则小子何述焉子曰天何言哉四时行焉百物生焉天何言哉

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master sighed, “Would that I did not have to speak!”
Zigong said, “If the Master did not speak, then how would we little ones receive guidance from you?”
The Master replied, “What does Heaven ever say? Yet the four seasons are put in motion by it, and the myriad creatures receive their life from it. What does Heaven ever say?”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, I wish I could just say nothing. Zigong said, But Master, if you do not say anything, what will we, your followers, have to pass on to others?
The Master said, What does Heaven say? The four seasons proceed in order, the hundred creatures live their lives, but what does Heaven say?
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.