Way

Analects 4.20

Original Text:

子曰三年无改于父之道可谓孝矣

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “One who makes no changes to the ways of his father for three years after his father has passed away may be called a filial son.”

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

The Master said, If after three years [a son] has not changed his father’s way of doing things, then you can call him filial.

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

Analects 4.8

Original Text:

子曰朝闻道夕死可矣

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “Having in the morning heard that the Way was being put into practice, I could die that evening without regret.”

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

The Master said, Hear the Way in the morning, and it won’t matter if you die that evening.

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

Analects 3.16

Original Text:

子曰射不主皮为力不同科古之道也

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “It is said, ‘In archery, one does not emphasize piercing the hide of the target,’ because people’s strengths differ. Such is the ancient Way.”

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

The Master said,

In archery hitting the target is not the point – people are not all of equal strength.

That was the old-time way.

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

Analects 1.11

Original Text:

子曰父在观其志父没观其行三年无改于父之道可谓孝矣

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “When someone’s father is still alive, observe his intentions; after his father has passed away, observe his conduct. If for three years he does not alter the ways of his father, he may be called a filial son.”

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

The Master said, While his father is alive, observe his intentions. After his father is dead, observe his actions. If after three years he hasn’t changed his father’s way of doing thing, then you can call him filial.

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

Analects 1.2

Original Text:

有子曰其为人也孝弟而好犯上者鲜矣不好犯上而好作乱者未之有也君子务本本立而道生孝弟也者其为仁之本与

Translation:

Other Translations:

Master You said, “A young person who is filial and respectful of his elders rarely becomes the kind of person who is inclined to defy his superiors, and there has never been a case of one who is disinclined to defy his superiors stirring up rebellion. The gentleman applies himself to the roots. ‘Once the roots are firmly established, the Way will grow.’ Might we not say that filial piety and respect for elders constitute the root of Goodness?”

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

Master You said, A man filial to his parents, a good brother, yet apt to go against his superiors – few are like that! The man who doesn’t like to go against his superiors but likes to plot rebellion – no such kind exists! The gentleman operates at the root. When the root is firm, then the Way may proceed. Filial and brotherly conduct – these are the root of humaneness, are they not?

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