≪論語⋅八佾≫篇第十五章句的意思分析及其辨義

Abstract

This paper attempts to explore and discuss the meaning analysis and reinterpretation of the passage in Analects of Confucius, Chapter 15 of Ba Yi(八佾), which states, “Confucius entered the Grand Temple and inquired about everything.” To this end, the paper delves into the interpretation of the original text’s characters (vocabulary), the analysis of grammatical structures, sentence structure analysis, and the meaning analysis of interpretations by scholars throughout history, as well as the distinctions in these interpretations. For this purpose, we must inevitably prepare by thoroughly grasping aspects such as the meaning of characters (vocabulary interpretation), conceptual logic, grammatical structures, and sentence structures. Additionally, I believe it is crucial to reflect upon and consider Chapter 15 of Ba Yi(八佾) in connection with Chapters 1, 2, 6, 10, and 11 of the same book. The original text should be interpreted as follows: “Young Confucius, who had just started his official duties in the State of Lu(魯), entered the Grand Temple (i.e., the Zhougong Temple) to assist with the performance of the sacrificial rites. He questioned the officials about any deviations from the rites, ensuring they reflected and corrected these deviations. Someone doubted, saying, ‘Who claimed that the son of Shuliang He(叔梁紇), a Daifu of Chu(鄹), understands the rites? As soon as he entered the Grand Temple, he inquired about everything.’ Confucius heard this and thought to himself, ‘What I questioned were the fundamental aspects, the deviations from the rites, whereas what you questioned were the trivial, general matters of the rites. The fundamental and trivial are different, and questioning the trivial neglects the core issue. Thus, it is pointless to argue further; I will say nothing more.’ In truth, what I addressed were the fundamentals, and this is the true spirit of the rites.” In this passage, young Confucius is portrayed as an official performing his duties and interacting with society. By employing rhetorical satire in the form of questioning, he critiques deviations from the rites, prompting reflection and correction to restore the fundamental principles and the true essence of the rites. This aligns with the phrase ‘this is the true spirit of the rites’ and evokes an image of young Confucius as determined, resolute, and committed to upholding propriety. Through the determined and resolute tone of Chapter 15 of Ba Yi(八佾), he consistently opposed deviations from the rites, emphasizing that one’s conduct, actions, and interactions in society must adhere firmly to propriety. He believed that this adherence to propriety would maintain order in the family, society, and state, fostering a robust, stable, harmonious, and trustworthy social atmosphere. This undoubtedly embodies the true spirit of propriety.