That Which May Be Heard: Zi Gong on the Master’s Profound Silence

Zi Gong said: The Master's ordinary teachings may be heard, but his discourses on human nature and the Way of Heaven cannot be heard.

The Master’s personal displays of his principles and ordinary descriptions of them may be heard. His discourses about man’s nature, and the way of Heaven, cannot be heard.

夫子之文章,可得而闻也;夫子之言性与天道,不可得而闻也。

Source: The Analects, Gong Ye Chang V, Chapter 13

Author: Zi Gong

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