Buddhist Connections in the Worldly Life: The Lives of Lay Buddhists Throughout Chinese History

Author: Xiao-Hong Liao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: In recent years, the academic methods and norms in American universities have had a profound impact on China's historical academia and the entire humanities field. History has not only become more qualitative and conceptual but also quantitative and data-driven, to the extent that many historical works have become as incomprehensible as mystical texts. Such works are certainly not without benefits, but these benefits are like taking medicine—unlike reading the histories of ancient times, which is as enjoyable as drinking tea. Tea detoxifies, nourishes the heart and lungs, and invigorates the spirit—it is also a good medicine! Can we still admire the high principles of ancient historians in writing history? Can we still carry forward the spirit of ancient historians in their historical writing? "Speaking of Characters, Discussing History" is a small series of books that represents such an attempt. It may not be perfect, but beneath this valuable intention, there are still some pleasing achievements. The themes of each book in this series often touch upon lesser-known aspects of history, not out of a desire to boast or seek the extraordinary, but rather to achieve a new understanding and awareness of history by recalling things forgotten by mainstream historical works. This can also be seen as a practical application of a historical perspective!