Steps - Confucian Pages

Analects 15.42

Leave a Comment / Analects, Analects - Book Fifteen

Original Text:

师冕见及阶子曰阶也及席子曰席也皆坐子告之曰某在斯某在斯师冕出子张问曰与师言之道与子曰然固相师之道也

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Music Master Mian came to see Confucius.
When they came to the steps, the Master said, “Here are the steps.” When they reached his seat, the Master said, “Here is your seat.” After everyone was seated, the Master informed him as to who was present, saying, “So-and-so is seated here, and So-and-so is seated over there.”
When the Music Master left, Zizhang asked, “Is this the way to converse with a Music Master?”
The Master replied, “Yes, this is indeed the way to assist a Music Master.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

Music Master Mian called on Confucius. When they reached the steps, the Master said, Here are the steps. When they reached the seating mats, the Master said, Here are the mats. After everyone was seated, the Master reported, So-and-so is over here. So-and-so is over there.
After Music Master Mian had left, Zizhang asked, Is that the way one talks to a music master? The Master said, Yes, of course. That’s how one assists a music master.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.

Other Translations:

When grasping the official jade tablet, he would draw himself in, as if he could not bear its weight. Sometimes he held it high against his forehead as if saluting, while at other times he held it low at his waist as if offering a gift. Alert and serious, his expression would be like someone about to go into battle, and he would walk with shortened steps as though each movement were carefully scripted. During the ceremonial exchange of gifts, his countenance was accommodating; when having his private audience, he seemed at ease.

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

When he carried the jade tablet, he bent forward, as though he could not bear the weight. He held it up as though performing a bow, lowered it as though handing over an object. His face took on a look of concentration, an expression of fear, and he moved his feet carefully, as though walking a line.

When presenting official gifts, his expression was genial, and at the exchange of private gifts his manner was even more relaxed.

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