The Classic of Filial Piety · Rules for Students · Enlarged Classic of Wisdom

Author: Wang Lei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: In traditional Confucian learning materials, the Classic of Filial Piety is considered the "great principles for the governance of the world by the sages" (as stated by the Ming Taizu). The Rules for the Disciples is hailed as the "supreme guide for nurturing virtue in the young," comparable to the Three Character Classic, the Hundred Family Surnames, and the Thousand Character Classic. The Proverbial sayings carries a mystical aura, with the saying that "reading it makes one eloquent." The Classic of Filial Piety is one of the Thirteen Classics, traditionally attributed to Confucius, though some say it was written by Mencius or his disciples. It is the work with the fewest words (less than 1,800 characters in total), the simplest content, the greatest influence, and the most controversy. Its purpose is to promote the filial piety advocated by Confucianism. Emperor Taizong of Song inscribed the Classic of Filial Piety and presented it to Li Zhi, saying, "It lacks literary merit, but if it contributes to education, nothing surpasses the Classic of Filial Piety." The Rules for the Disciples was originally titled Instructions for the Young, adapted by Li Yuxiu, a "National Studies" scholar during the Qing Dynasty, based on Zhu Xi's Essentials for the Education of Children in the Song Dynasty. Later, it was revised by Jia Cunren, a Confucian scholar of the Qing Dynasty, and renamed Rules for the Disciples. Its content is derived from works such as the Analects, the Mencius, the Book of Rites, the Classic of Filial Piety, and Zhu Xi's sayings. Its style imitates the Three Character Classic, with three-character phrases, rhyming couplets, and has been widely circulated. It was once listed as a required reading for children in private and charity schools. The Proverbial sayings, originally titled The Sayings of the Wise of Old Times, is also known as The Sayings of the Wise from Past and Present. It is widely believed to have been compiled in the mid-Qing Dynasty. During the Tongzhi era, Zhou Xitao, an elderly scholar, edited and revised the Proverbial sayings after studying it as a teaching aid. The entire work arranges maxims in rhyming prose, with flexible and varied sentence structures, highlighting the fundamental format of traditional Confucian learning materials. Its content discusses perspectives on interpersonal relationships and introduces experiences in dealing with others, making it widely representative and practical.