Five Confucian Classics: A Simplified Summary
The Five Classics (Confucian Classics) is the sacred texts of Confucianism. Confucius himself is said to have either written or edited them.
Confucianism is the religion propagated by Confucius in the 6th–5th century BCE. This religion serves as the social code, the substance of learning, and the source of values of the Chinese, as well as some people in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.
Confucius (551 or 552-479 BC) is the Chinese philosopher who emerged as one of the most influential figures in world history. As a philosopher, he produced many wise sayings that help many people learn about nature, the world, and the human conduct.
The following table presents the Five Confucian Classics. As opposed to some references, this presentation is a simplified summary version aimed at helping students, especially those who are taking Introduction to World Religions and Belief System.
| Name of Classics | Other Name/s | Description |
| Book of Changes | ‘I Ching’; ‘Classic of Change | sees cosmos as interaction between the two energies: the yin and the yang; holds that universe always displays organismic unity and dynamism |
| Book of Songs | Classic of Poetry; Book of Odes; Book of Poetry | comprises 305 poems about issues such as love and marriage, agricultural concerns, and war; various genres of poems include folk songs and hymns used in sacrifice |
| Book of Documents | Book of History Compilation | comprises speeches of key figures and chronicles of events in ancient times which reflect moral political visions; a compilation of 58 chapters listing the events of ancient China and presenting the wisdom, filial piety, and work ethic of Chinese leaders |
| Book of Rites | Record of Rites | description of the social norms, governmental administration, and ceremonial rites during the Zhou dynasty; portrays society as a community of trust anchored on social responsibility; entails that proper ritual conduct would maintain harmony in the empire and highlight the virtue of piety |
| Spring and Autumn Annals | The Annals; “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter” | serves as an archive of the State of Lu specifically of the period to which it gives its name, Spring and Autumn Period (771–476 BCE); highlights the importance of collective memory for communal self-identification |
The Confucian Five Classics, especially the Spring and Autumn Annals, somewhat imply the idea that reviving the old is the best way to attain the new or live the present.
Do you agree?
For other free lectures for students like this, visit Homepage: Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Copyright © by Jens Micah De Guzman
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