A Confucian Duel and How to Judge a Xin

    Analects 11.22 addresses a multitude of the prevailing themes of book eleven. While the most utility of the Analect is as a reflection of the character of Ran Qiu and Zilu, the contrast between rite and filial piety captures my attention. As in 11.22, the account of the death of Yan Hui earlier in the book brings both the importance or ritual and filial piety to fruition. It seems the Master himself is in a great struggle to decide which idea should be dominant in his philosophy. Though he himself decides that Yan Hui should not be buried with grandiosity due to his affection for and fatherly relationship to him, he does so without great enthusiasm. However Yan Hui's true father seems to be in the right for attempting to supersede the rites for his son. The juxtaposition of rite and filial piety continues in 11.22 only this time the Master casually insists that fathers and brothers should take precedent over rite. So which is it?!  

    I am also interested in 11.21 as the theme of “judgement” in the Analects continues. It appears the Master is noting that one could take on the rites and practices of a Gentleman but still lack the inner quality needed to have Goodness. From the perspective of the observer, I am wondering how I could ever judge anyone accurately if I am to take their actions as insufficient criteria for evaluation. I surely can’t see directly into one’s heart. 

Comments

  1. Krishnan VenkateshMarch 4, 2022 at 8:16 PM

    The touching thing to me is that the Confucian Way does not pretend to have no dilemmas: there ARE difficult choices, and it's often hard to balance propriety with emotion, yet the thoughtful human being has to try.

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