The Analects

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.9

    If the mat is not properly aligned, one does not sit down.

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.8

    One should not disdain refined food or finely cut meat. Do not eat food that is stale or spoiled, fish that has gone bad, or meat that has rotted. Do not eat anything with an unappetizing color or foul odor. Do not eat food that is improperly cooked, eaten at the wrong time, cut…

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.7

    When fasting for ritual purification, one must wear a special clean garment made of plain cloth. During the fast, one must change one’s usual diet and also move to a different place to sit or sleep.

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.6

    The noble person does not use dark blue-red or blackish-red fabrics for garment trimmings, nor wear red or purple as casual home attire. In summer heat, one may wear unlined clothes made of fine or coarse ramie, but must always add an outer robe when going out. A black outer robe is worn over…

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.5

    When Confucius held the jade tablet (a ceremonial scepter used in diplomatic missions), he bowed slightly, appearing reverent and cautious, as if he could barely bear its weight. When raising it upward, his gesture resembled a bow; when lowering it, it was like offering something to another. His expression was solemn, almost tense, and…

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.4

    When Confucius entered the ducal gate, he bowed deeply as if there were no room for him. He never stood in the center of the doorway, nor did he step on the threshold. Passing by the ruler’s seat, his expression instantly became solemn, his steps quickened, and his speech grew hushed, as though he…

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.3

    When the ruler summoned Confucius to receive guests, his expression instantly became solemn, and his steps quick and nimble. When bowing to colleagues standing beside him, he courteously saluted with both left and right hands. As he moved, his robe fluttered neatly front and back, never disheveled. When hastening forward, his posture was graceful…

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.2

    When at court, Confucius spoke with lower-ranking officials in a relaxed, forthright, and affable manner; with higher-ranking officials, he was respectful, upright, and measured in speech; and when the ruler was present, he appeared both reverently cautious and gracefully composed.

  • The Analects – Chapter 10.1

    When Confucius was among his fellow townspeople, he was modest and gentle, appearing almost unable to speak. But in ancestral temples or at court, he spoke fluently and clearly – yet always with caution.