Liang Shuming on Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism

Author: Liang Shuming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: The studies of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism are generally approached as philosophical thought or knowledge. However, the author of this book holds a different perspective. Mr. Liang Shuming believes that these three schools are all disciplines concerning self-cultivation, nurturing, or self-improvement, with their inherent fundamental spirit lying in "practical action and practice." Therefore, he states, "The studies of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism all value practical implementation and genuine practice, each addressing real and substantive issues, not just matters of words and ears. Without grasping this point, one cannot truly speak of these three schools." According to the author, Confucianism, as exemplified by the teachings of Confucius, is an "academic discipline dedicated to advancing our physical and mental lives toward self-awareness and self-reliance, bringing about transformation in our entire being." The author does not deny that these three schools "contain thought and knowledge," but he emphasizes that "the primary focus lies in self-cultivation, nurturing, and enlightenment through personal practice." If this is not the case and they are "treated merely as philosophy, it would be highly misleading and unsuitable." The texts collected in this book both highlight the inherent fundamental spirit of these three schools—"practical action and practice"—and point out the specific methods of Confucian self-cultivation practice.