The Family Teachings of the Sages: Zhu Zi's Family Precepts

Author: (Qing) Zhu Boli, Interpretation by Jiao Xueqin, Jiao Xueqin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Zhu Boli (1627–1698). Renowned philosopher and educator, styled Yongchun, named Zhiyi. Born in Yushan, Kunshan. A Ming dynasty scholar. In the second year of the Shunzhi reign (1645), his father Zhu Jihuang perished while defending Kunshan City against Qing forces. Zhu mourned day and night, overwhelmed with grief. At the time, his younger brothers Zhu Yongbai and Zhu Yongjin were still young, and his child from a previous marriage had not yet been born. He served his elderly mother, raised his younger siblings, and endured hardships of displacement and wandering. Only when the situation stabilized did he return to his hometown. Admiring the virtue of Wang Ai of Jin dynasty who climbed the tomb of Boli, he took the name Boli for himself. In his hometown, he taught students, immersed himself in scholarship, basing his teachings on the philosophy of Cheng and Zhu, advocating simultaneous progress in knowledge and action, and practicing what he preached. Deeply troubled by the ineffective educational methods of his time that hindered students from acquiring genuine knowledge, he wrote "Words on Suspension of Lectures," reflecting on his own shortcomings with poignant sincerity. He personally wrote dozens of teaching materials in fine calligraphy. His life was marked by tranquility, strict self-discipline, and polite demeanor toward officials and wealthy landowners who wished to associate with him. In the 18th year of the Kangxi reign (1679), he firmly declined the invitation to participate in the Imperial Examination for Scholars, and later rejected the recommendation to serve as a guest of honor in local ceremonies. In the 37th year of the Kangxi reign, suffering from illness, he instructed his disciples, "Knowledge pertains to life and character, while endeavors pertain to loyalty and filial piety." He authored works such as "Complemented and Expanded Introduction to the I Ching," "Commentaries on the Four Books," "Records of Hardship and Equilibrium," "Collected Works of Regret and Silence," "Elucidations on the Five Commentaries of the Spring and Autumn Annals," and "Records of Honesty." The "Family Precepts of Zhu Zi" were originally used by Zhu Boli to educate his children. In the precepts, he advised his children to be content with their station, work diligently, live frugally, foster harmonious family relations, and observe ancestral rites with reverence. He conveyed the ideals of ancient sages in simple language to his children. This can be seen as the practical application of Confucian family ethics within a specific family. The term "" (xun) means admonition or principle. These principles, as a whole, reflect the ideological framework of Confucianism—upright conduct and serene temperament. The Confucian concept of family harmony in traditional Chinese learning is exemplified by this accessible text. The principles derived from admonition are highly regarded by scholars. This book has been widely disseminated among the people due to its depth, conciseness, clarity, and thought-provoking nature. Some of its phrases have become common idioms in the Chinese language, cherished and frequently cited by the populace.