University · The Doctrine of the Mean · Li Keng's Rhymes

Author: Beijing Siha Children's Classic Reading Education Center
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-09-01
Features: Classic, meaning books of great value, books that are enjoyable to read time and time again. These books are filled with profound meanings, and it is essential to instill them into the hearts of the younger generation at an early age. This allows them to gradually mature and develop throughout their lives. Classic texts are like pearls on a string—regardless of difficulty or length, as long as you read and memorize them chapter by chapter, word by word, it is as simple as that! Children are naturally enthusiastic about memorization and find it enjoyable, making it effortless. If we do not provide them with the opportunity to memorize valuable classics, they will inevitably turn to memorizing TV commercials and pop songs. The 21st century will be the century of the Chinese people. It is hoped that by then, China will not only be prosperous but also a true land of etiquette and righteousness, where every individual is cultured and well-mannered. To achieve this goal, the most straightforward and effective method is to start now and universally encourage the younger generation to become familiar with and memorize culturally valuable works. —Wang Caigui (Associate Professor at Taichung Normal University, Taiwan)
"The Great Learning" teaches us how to cultivate great scholars. Tsinghua University President Mei Yiqi said, "A university is a place with grand buildings, and a university is a place with great scholars." He believed that "The Great Learning" reveals the ultimate purpose and greatest spirit of learning. "The Great Learning" is a chapter from the "Book of Rites," written by Zengzi, who was a great disciple of Confucius. To be Chinese and not read the "Doctrine of the Mean" is to be a mere Chinese; to be Chinese and misunderstand the "Doctrine of the Mean" is to be a shameless Chinese. The "Doctrine of the Mean" embodies the spirit of the Chinese people, and it is essential to have sufficient inner strength. To memorize the "Doctrine of the Mean" cultivates inner strength, to practice its principles follows the middle path—just be balanced!
In the early Qing Dynasty, the literary figure Li Yu wrote "The Lute-Player's Rhymes," which teaches us how to write couplets, with verses that are catchy and worth reciting.