Translation of the given content to English: Chinese Classical Novel Translation and Annotation Series (First Series) -- Lu's Spring and Autumn

Author: Huang Biyan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-04-01
Features: The Lüshi Chunqiu combines various schools of thought while also developing them. For example, it integrates the concepts of "Dao" and "qi Jing" to propose that "Taiyi" is the origin of heaven, earth, yin, yang, and all things, and that "Dao" is synonymous with "Tai." This essentially absorbs the ideas of Laozi, the Yin-Yang School, and the I Chuan. However, its advocacy for active engagement in the world differs from Laozi's (passive withdrawal), leading modern scholars like Xiong Tieji and Wang Fanzhi to consider the Lüshi Chunqiu a new form of Daoism.
The chapters such as Wu Tu (Deceived Disciples), Zun Shi (Respecting Teachers), and Quan Xue (Encouraging Learning) elaborate on Confucian ideas of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, music, and education. Meanwhile, the belief that sages possess "foresight" ("xianzhi") and are neither divine nor merely fortunate because they can "examine the signs" (shen zheng biao) before changes occur reflects the development of Gongsun Chuang's theory of "voiding, unifying, and tranquility."
The Lüshi Chunqiu adopts the Yin-Yang School's theory of the "Five" (Five cycles of decline and rise) as a theoretical basis for the Qin dynasty. It also advocates for governance based on virtue, supplemented by legal measures, emphasizing that rulers should "place the well-being of the people at heart." These ideas draw from the Legalist concepts of "changing laws with the times," prioritizing agriculture and warfare, and ensuring rewards and punishments are consistent. However, it criticizes Legalism's "strict punishments and lavish rewards" as policies fit only for declining times.
Chapters like Dang Ran (Choosing Teachers) and Yi Shang (Righteous Rewards) are inspired by Mozi. Dang Ran is even directly derived from Mozi's Su Ran (On Choosing Teachers). The Lüshi Chunqiu incorporates Mozi's ideas of frugality and simple funerals but criticizes his pacifist stance as outdated, instead advocating for "righteous warfare" to unify the world and "punish tyrannical rulers to relieve the suffering of the people."
Particularly notable is the Lüshi Chunqiu's slogan: "The world is not the realm of one person, but the realm of all people," which calls for limiting the power of emperors and critiques the theory of divine right. This reflects a proto-democratic sentiment with anti-centralization and anti-authoritarian leanings.
Although the Lüshi Chunqiu is a theoretical work and stylistically diverse due to its collaborative nature, some chapters are concise and vivid in their use of examples to explain ideas. Especially noteworthy are the over 200 fables, which make the book a fine example of literary prose. This edition is based on the annotated and explained version by Professor Chen Qiyou, with reference to other annotated and translated editions. Any imperfections are hoped to be pointed out by the readers.