You are bound to get stumped on certain passages. When you do, try one of the following:
- Read the passages adjacent to the one you're looking at. Sometimes there are several passages in a row that discuss the same topic
- Think about the context of the passage. Why was this recorded? Is there an implied target? Is it meant to be a bit of eternal wisdom or is it meant to counter a prevailing sentiment?
- Who are the participants? If Kongzi (Confucius) is speaking to a student, is this a remark intended for that student? Or is it a more general lesson?
- Consider whether the statement is meant sarcastically. Try to make a guess regarding the tone (it won't be easy all the time, but sometimes it will become obvious)
- Compare the passage with other passages on the same topic.
- Keep marginal notes linking passages to others that you think may be related or relevant.
More general tips to deepen your understanding:
- Read through the text by following one particular person. For example, read all passages where Kongzi is talking. Or choose all passages that include a particular student (e.g. Yan Hui, Zai Wo, or Zi Lu). Try to get a sense of the personages. This can help figure out what's going on in conversation.
- Relatedly: Remember that these are recordings or remembrances of particular persons who were living complicated and at times frustrating and tragic lives.
- Remind yourself that this is not a book with an author. It's a compilation of sayings most likely put together over decades if not centuries. It's bound to contain some inconsistencies.