Confucius and Company

To some Confucianism is separate from Taoism. To others it is simply the Tao of human relationships codified. Whatever the angle, Confucius must rank as one of the greatest if not THE greatest teacher of all time. Buddha was a priest, Christ a religious figure, Lao Tzu an official who wanted nothing of teaching. Even Socrates, another of the greats, had not influenced directly the thoughts and actions of so many figures. As in the West, China went through a period when thoughts counted, ideas mattered and dialogue was a sacred exploration. Confuciusl, not particularly influential in his time, left a legacy of philosopher-adviser still followed to this day. Definitely not the Confucius of "Confucius says" this is a mind, profound and a sensibility subtle. His contemporaries, such as Mencius, each embody another fascinating philosopy and view of life not only as it was but as it should be.

Confucius: The Analects
translated by David Hinton
US $13.00, 252 pages, softbound

There are three great "teachings" in the philosophy of China: Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. This book, the Analects of Confucius, is absolutely essential to understanding traditions of thinking in the Chinese context. The most influential sage in history is here presented in his own words by a much-esteemed translator.

Confucius, contrary to what many think, was himself a Taoist in the sense of following a "path or way" enlightened with ancient understanding. But his was the "Way of Humans". His basic philosophy, hardly influential during his life but tremendously powerful as the centuries rolled on, dealt with "taking care of each other": the proper relationships, the creation of a "human space" in which to create harmony and peace.

Hinton's translations are highly regarded for their fluency and poetical distinction. His texts are nicely done and open up not only the meaning but the nuance of his subjects. Here is the place to start with one of Humanity's greatest thinkers.

Mencius
Translated by David Hinton
$23.95, Hardbound, 288 pages Plum discount 60%=$9.60

Experience the man who helped shaped Chinese civilization through David Hinton's accomplished translation of the teachings of Mencius (4th Century B.C.E.. Confucian sage, Mencius, is considered the philosopher of the heart. It was he who added the profound inner dimensions to the Confucian vision. It was Mencius who recognized the individual as an integral part of a self-generating and harmonious cosmos. He saw all the spiritual depths of that cosmology inside each of us. This led to a mystical faith in the inherent nobility of human beings. Mencius stands as, in some ways, the most Jewish or Christian of the Chinese sages for his emphasis on the power of love and the soul of the individual. If you are interested in delving into the foundations of Chinese thought, Mencius must be on your shelf.