Children's Introduction to Chinese Culture & Philosophy: Large Character Pinyin Recitation Book - Great Learning, Doctrine of the Mean, Liangzong's Rhymes

Author: Beijing Four Seas Children's Classic Reading Education Center
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Classic, meaning books of great value, books that are enjoyable to read over and over again. These books are filled with profound meanings that should be instilled in the hearts of the next generation at an early age, allowing them to gradually mature and ferment 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 very enthusiastic about memorization and find it enjoyable; it is not at all difficult. If we do not give them the opportunity to memorize useful classics, they will naturally 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 everyone is cultured and well-mannered. To achieve this goal, the simplest and most effective method is to start now and have the next generation universally familiar with and able to recite culturally valuable works. The Great Learning is a text that teaches how to cultivate great minds. Tsinghua University President Mei Yiqi said, "A university is a place with grand buildings, and a university is a place with great masters." He believed that the Great Learning reveals the ultimate purpose of learning and the greatest spirit. The Great Learning is a chapter in 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 false Chinese; to be Chinese and misunderstand the Doctrine of the Mean is to be a shameless Chinese. The Doctrine of the Mean is the spirit of the Chinese people, embodying a strong sense of balance. Reciting the Doctrine of the Mean cultivates this balance, practicing its principles leads to harmony—balance! In the early Qing Dynasty, the litterateur Li Yu wrote The Litterateur's Rhymes, which teaches how to write couplets, with rhymes that are pleasant to the ear and worth reciting.