Analects books 7, 8 and 11

In these books, I find that there is a spiritual pursue in which ritual plays an important part. For example in 7.12, when the Master says: “If wealth were something worth pursuing, I would pursue it…Since it is not worth pursuing, however, I prefer to follow that which I love.” I agree entirely with this line, although I contradict it continuously throughout my life, but I do wish I didn’t. Of course I am willing to recognize that if in exchange of wealth, I was offered love, then without a doubt I would take the offer. But unfortunately, not such a chance has crossed my path.

In line 8.8, the Master says: “…take your place through ritual, and achieve perfection through music.” This is indeed a very important line to me, for being a musician, I believe that music is perfection. It is an expression through which we make our feelings and emotions be known by the world; not only in a clear manner, but also hidden and discreetly. We can right songs that state and honest reflection of where our head’s at, but not many people will wonder how or why, and even of they do, they will never know the whole truth of it. That’s what makes music beautiful, the fact that its mysterious, puzzling; that one melody can be both hatred and love, it all depends on your point of view.

In line 11.4, the Master says: “Yan Hui is of no help to me-he is pleased with everything that I say.” From what I grasp of this line is that an apprentice who does not argue about anything proofs to be weak and easy to corrupt. He could believe anything that was said to him without question, and this is not what mentor wants to see in his pupil. He wants to see courage, conviction, and most of all character. I believe that without any of these, a student is not worthy of his professor.