THE FOUR BOOKS with Collected Commentaries

https://fourbooks.org/





The “Four Books” was conceived by Song Dynasty scholar Zhu Xi, who selected these texts, crafted a systematic curriculum, wrote or selected from existing commentaries, and then first published them as a collection in 1190. This curriculum, known as the “Four Books with Collected Commentaries,” 四書章句集注, in time replaced the “Five Classics” as the central focus of education, and established itself as the orthodox Confucian canon for six hundred years.


I would ask that people first read the Great Learning in order to establish the [Confucian Way’s] framework. Next the Analects to ground its fundamentals. Then the Mengzi to observe its development. And finally the Doctrine of the Mean to strive for the ancients’ subtly mysterious insights.

The Great Learning, in a single piece of writing, provides graded steps and an order to be followed; always to be regarded as a whole, it is easy to understand and should be looked at first. The Discussions, even though real and substantial, appear broken and scattered in its dialogue; at first look it is too difficult. The Mengzi has passages that arouse feelings and inspire development in men’s minds. The Doctrine of the Mean is also difficult to study; look at the other three books, only afterward is it appropriate to read it.

– Zhu Xi 朱熹



These works will be presented here in their original form, without editorial comment, translated directly from the Qing Dynasty imperial library edition of the canon. This respects the fact that the influence of the original authors' own commentary has already proven legendary—it seems unlikely that such commentary will be improved upon by our modern additions and subtractions.

As an emperor of the Qing Dynasty put it…


Even if the sages were to return, they could not surpass his achievements. Zhu Xi brought the teachings of the ancients to a pinnacle and revived the scholarship that had been lost for thousands of years. He established definitive principles for countless generations.

In his commentary on the Great Learning, he presents a logical progression from the pursuit of knowledge to the attainment of a peaceful world, and from the cultivation of virtue to the realization of the highest good. In discussing the Doctrine of the Mean, his explanations reveal the principles of balance and moderation, and his insights into the nature of things reach depths that previous sages could not attain. In his commentaries on the Discussions and the Mengzi, he examines each passage thoroughly, revealing the inner virtues and outer kingship that lie at the heart of the Confucian Way. This understanding is critical for all people.

– Kangxi Emperor (康熙帝)



Have a look around, and learn about the project here. For serious study I recommend using a tablet, as the mobile version does not display the poetry format and menu as well.