Journal of Jingchutang

Author: Ni Si of the Song Dynasty
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: As the series "Ancient Wisdom" was published, readers widely regarded it as a good idea. Therefore, we have selected a second volume. To cater to a broader audience, the second volume expands upon the previous concept by including a wider range of content, such as the experiences of ancient officials, folk language reflecting the customs and social conditions of ancient times, the dietary and health practices of scholars, and the wellness experiences of the elderly. All of these aspects have been given attention. Additionally, some well-known authors like Li Shangyin, Zhang Yanghao, and Louis Ng have been included. Readers may have previously focused only on their literary achievements, but this time we have uncovered their miscellaneous writings in other fields to broaden their understanding. We believe readers will find this fascinating. Furthermore, a brief introductory text is provided before each book to facilitate readers' comprehension.
Ni Si, styled Zhengfu, was also known as Qizhai Laoren and was from Guian County, Huzhou, during the Song Dynasty. Jingchutang Zazhi is a collection of reading notes and reflections from Ni Si's later years, which can also be considered a work of philosophical musings. His insights into the dialectical relationship between "poverty" and "prosperity," as well as adversity and fortune in life, reached an exceptionally high level for his time. His ten "Duties of Offspring" for instructing his children and the "Ten Precepts for Sending Away Daughters" are regarded as the epitome of standards for elder education over the centuries, widely recognized by society.
The current edition is compiled and punctuated based on the Ming Wanli edition, with annotations from popular variant versions. This book comprehensively and thoroughly elaborates on a series of principles for conduct, ambition, family relationships, and interpersonal interactions. It also touches on various aspects such as governing, ruling the state, scholarship, self-cultivation, and nurturing one's nature, as well as reflections on society, nature, and life. It serves as a valuable reference for the construction of spiritual civilization and moral norms in our time. The text is concise, elegant, vivid, straightforward, and easy to read, making it highly appreciable.