≪東塾讀書記≫ 第2卷 ＜論語篇＞ 譯註(中) = Middle Part of Annotated Translation of the 2nd Volume, the Section of The Analects of Confucius (＜論語篇＞), Reading Records of Dongshu (≪東塾讀書記≫)

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The second volume of Chen Li’s Reading Records of Dongshu (≪東塾讀書記≫), titled the section of The Analects of Confucius (＜論語篇＞), can be broadly divided into two parts: the first part (Chapters 1-35) and the second part (Chapters 36 and beyond). The reason for this division is that the first part focuses on the key concepts and characteristics of the Analects according to Chen Li’s interpretation, while the second part primarily discusses the annotation methods and contents of important commentators of the Analects throughout history. This translation concerns Chapters 16-35, which belong to the first part.
More than half of the content, specifically Chapters 16-27, is directly or indirectly related to the Four Categories (四科), which are the academic divisions of the Confucian school (孔門). Chen Li (陳澧) provides a detailed account of the Four Categories (四科), covering their reasons for existence, historical applications, and the views of philosophers throughout history (Chapters 16-23). Chapters 24-27 address the Confucian classics referenced in the Analects.
The Analects covers topics such as the Mandate of Heaven (天命), the joys and laments of Yan Yuan (顏淵), and other similar subjects, which make it difficult to fully grasp their precise meanings or instructions. In response, Chen Li, through the dialogues between Zhu Xi and his disciples in the Categorized Conversations of Master Zhu Xi (≪朱子語類≫), emphasized that the Analects should be read directly and straightforwardly, avoiding indulging in abstract or metaphysical discussions.
Chapters 32-35 discuss the unique aspects and style of the Analects. In brief, it is stated that certain passages of the Analects contain the remarkable wisdom of Confucian scholars, that the Analects records the words of Confucius and other sages, and that the expressions are brief due to being written on bamboo strips. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the intent when reading the dialogues of the sages.