Which text is considered a key text of Confucianism?

The Analects is considered a key text of Confucianism because it is a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his disciples. This work serves as a fundamental source for understanding Confucian philosophy, ethics, and social values. In the Analects, Confucius discusses various themes such as morality, proper governance, filial piety, and the importance of education, which are central to Confucian thought. The text has been influential in shaping East Asian culture and social structures by emphasizing the importance of virtue and ethical conduct in personal and public life.

Other texts, such as the Tao Te Ching, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Quran, belong to different religious and philosophical traditions. The Tao Te Ching is foundational to Taoism, focusing on the nature of the Tao and its relationship to human life. The Bhagavad Gita is a key scripture in Hinduism, addressing moral dilemmas and the path to spiritual realization. The Quran is the holy book of Islam, containing revelations believed to be given to the Prophet Muhammad. Each of these texts serves its own unique purpose within its respective tradition, but none are central to Confucianism like the Analects.