The holy book of Confucianism is known as the ‘Analects’ or ‘Lunyu.’ It is a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples. The Analects were written during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) and have had a profound influence on Chinese thought and culture.
The Analects cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, morality, governance, and personal conduct. They emphasize the importance of virtues such as filial piety, loyalty, and righteousness. The teachings in the Analects are not presented as a systematic philosophy but rather as practical advice for living a virtuous life.
Confucianism itself is more of a philosophical and ethical system than a religion, and the Analects serve as a guide for moral behavior and social harmony. The text has been studied and revered for centuries, not only in China but also in other East Asian countries influenced by Confucian thought.