Dongzi · Chunqiu Fanlu Translation and Notes

Author: (Spring and Autumn Period) Dong Zhongshu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Provides a complete translation and annotation of The Spring and Autumn Annals of Dong Zhongshu. The book aims to promote the doctrine of public selection, elucidate the concept of "the great unification of the Spring and Autumn," and expound the mystical ideological system of "the interaction between heaven and man." It also advocates for doctrines such as "the three cardinal guides," "the five constant virtues," and "the three grades of human nature." The Spring and Autumn Annals of Dong Zhongshu from the Han Dynasty is a work that interprets the subtle meanings of the Spring and Autumn Annals. A more complete annotated edition only emerged in the Qing Dynasty with the Annotations by Lu Wenxiao and the Annotations by Ling Shu. During the Xuantong era, Su You of Suzhou combined Lu's annotations and Ling's annotations, along with the research achievements of predecessors, to compile The Annotations of the Spring and Autumn Annals of Dong Zhongshu. This Translation and Annotation of the Spring and Autumn Annals of Dong Zhongshu takes Lu's edition as the base text and references The Annotations of the Spring and Autumn Annals of Dong Zhongshu. The punctuation is mostly based on Zhong Zhe's style, with some modifications made according to the author's understanding. The principles of this translation and annotation are as follows:
1. Annotations are kept concise. Since there is a translation following the annotations, the annotations are designed to be brief. The text involves numerous historical events. If each is annotated in detail, it may dilute the original work. Therefore, annotations are generally omitted, and readers seeking deeper understanding can refer to the Spring and Autumn Annals and the Three Commentaries.
2. The translation adopts a literal approach, but when literal translation fails to convey the meaning effectively, a combination of literal and free translation is used.