Kinh Lân

Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • The "Unicorn Classic": A traditional name for the Spring and Autumn Annals (Xuân Thu), a historical chronicle of the State of Lu, traditionally believed to have been compiled or edited by Confucius. The name originates from the legend that Confucius stopped writing the chronicle in the year 481 BC after recording the capture of a qilin (a mythical "unicorn" or auspicious beast), which he interpreted as a sign that his way (the Dao) had come to an end.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • "Kinh Lân" là một tên gọi khác của "Kinh Xuân Thu". ("Kinh Lân" is another name for the "Spring and Autumn Annals".)
  • Truyền thuyết kể rằng Khổng Tử đã ngừng biên soạn Kinh Lân sau khi nghe tin bắt được kỳ lân. (Legend says that Confucius stopped compiling the Kinh Lân after hearing news of the capture of a qilin.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "Kinh Lân" is primarily used in literary, historical, or philosophical contexts when specifically referring to the legend of Confucius's connection to the . It emphasizes the symbolic end of an era or the completion of a monumental work.

Variants and Related Words

• Kinh Xuân Thu (Proper Noun): The . This is the more standard and common name for the historical text.
• Xuân Thu (Proper Noun): An abbreviated form of .
• Kỳ Lân (Noun): The , a benevolent mythical hooved creature in East Asian culture, often translated as "Chinese unicorn."

Synonyms

• Spring and Autumn Annals: The direct English translation of .

Related Concepts

• Ngõ đạo cùng hỹ: "My way has come to an end." This is the lament attributed to Confucius upon seeing the captured , which is directly linked to the naming of "Kinh Lân".
• Xuân Thu Tả Truyện: The or , a famous and important commentary on the .