Masterful - Analects (Oct26)

 

 

Masterful

 

 

 

One can't come to these parts on the Equator and neglect the Master & Sage.
These are taken from a nice sequence in Book 15, Stephen R. McIntyre translator. (Available on-line.)
A young woman, Brenda, encountered at Sing National Library, had recently quit her job, and, prompted by one of the Buddhist temples, was devoting herself to a translation of the Analects. Often those online were inadequate, she believed. 

         Singaporeans were in a bit of strife, Brenda thought, neglecting their parents, money obsessed, lacking time. A return to the old Master was needed.


Chapter 11
The necessity of forethought and precaution.
The Master said, "If a man take no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand."

Chapter 12
The rarity of a true love of virtue.
The Master said, "It is all over! I have not seen one who loves virtue as he loves beauty."

Chapter 14
The way to ward off resentments.
The Master said, "He who requires much from himself and little from others, will keep himself from being the object of resentment."

Chapter 15
Nothing can be made of people who take things easily, not giving themselves the trouble to think.
The Master said, "When a man is not in the habit of saying -- 'What shall I think of this? What shall I think of this?' I can indeed do nothing with him!"

Chapter 18
Our own incompetency, and not our reputation, ought be our proper concern.
The Master said, "The superior man is distressed by his want of ability. He is not distressed by men's not knowing him."

Chapter 19
The superior man wishes to be had in remembrance.
The Master said, "The superior man dislikes the thought of his name not being mentioned after his death."

 

 

So very long on the TBR list.

A return to Heart of Darkness might never have happened elsewhere (disappointing as the reacquaintance proved after more of the colonial history of the region came to light through other means). Mao’s Little Red Book likewise, immediately picked up when it suddenly appeared for the first time on Australian shores in a thrift shop. Richard Burton, Pramoedya (translated by a lucky Oz lad, who went on to build a career after the chance acquaintance). Fanon possibly, and almost certainly not the wonderful Tamil, Perumal Murugan.

Location, location, location matters.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                         Singapore 2011-26