Confucianism

Chapter15— Wei Ling Kung — Reciprocity

◆ About this chapter

Chapter Fifteen of the Analects, traditionally titled 'Wei Ling Kung,' serves as a pivotal locus for Confucian ethics, exploring the tension between moral integrity and social survival. The dialogue centers on the determination of the scholar to preserve virtue even at the cost of life, while simultaneously addressing the practical application of reciprocity as a universal rule for human conduct. Situated within the broader didactic structure of the text, this chapter illustrates how self-cultivation and interpersonal harmony are inextricably linked through the disciplined exercise of moral agency.

Translation:

About this translation

King James Version (1611)

1611 · Public domain

The most influential English translation ever made. Sometimes archaic, but the standard PD English text.

Translators commissioned by King James I of England, 1604–1611

The Master said, 'The determined scholar and the man of virtue will not seek to live at the expense of injuring their virtue. They will even sacrifice their lives to preserve their virtue complete.' ¹⁴The Master said, 'He who requires much from himself and little from others, will keep himself from being the object of resentment.' ²³Tsze-kung asked, saying, 'Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life?' The Master said, 'Is not RECIPROCITY such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.'The Golden Rule ³⁸The Master said, 'In teaching there should be no distinction of classes.'

This chapter appears in 1 cross-tradition parallel

Comparative studies that quote one or more verses from this chapter alongside passages from other traditions.

The Golden Rulev23

Verse Discussions…

Every verse has its own thread. Click a verse to read or leave a response.

Chapter Discussion

Discussion

No one has written anything here yet. Some places to begin:

What in this chapter surprised you, or stopped you?
Where does this passage cut against your expectation?
What questions does it raise that you don't have an answer to yet?

— 15 —sacredatlas.org