Millennium Institution - Bai Ludi Academy: Bai Ludi Academy

Author: Sun Jiahua
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-06-01
Features: Promoting the development of social sciences is an important component of building a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics. The process of building a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics is also the process of the development and prosperity of social sciences in China. Actively developing philosophy and social sciences is of great significance for upholding the guiding role of Marxism in the ideological field of China, for exploring the development laws of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and for enhancing our ability to understand and transform the world. Research on philosophy and social sciences under the guidance of Marxism represents the forward direction of advanced culture. The lifeblood of social sciences lies in creation and innovation, as the saying goes, "Without new changes, one cannot surpass the past." The new century and the new millennium call for the development and prosperity of social sciences, as well as breakthroughs and innovations in social science research. In other words, without breakthroughs and innovations in social science research, there can be no true development and prosperity of social sciences. The value of theory lies in innovation, innovation requires courage, wisdom, persistent pursuit, and arduous exploration; the focus of theory is innovation, innovation requires a scientific spirit, attitude, and methods; the achievement of theory lies in innovation, only innovative theoretical achievements can explore laws, grasp laws, enlighten practice, guide practice, and understand and transform the world. Adhering to theoretical innovation is the sacred duty and mission of social science researchers. Social science research must adhere to the guidance of Marxism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, and the important thought of "Three Represents," must uphold the Marxist style of learning that combines theory with practice, must adhere to the principle of "letting a hundred flowers bloom and letting a hundred schools of thought contend," and must focus on the practical issues of China's reform and opening-up and modernization, as well as the tasks we are currently undertaking. It must focus on the application of Marxist theory, the theoretical reflection on practical issues, and new practices and developments.
The world, China, and Jiangxi in the new century are facing numerous new situations, changes, and problems in politics, economics, society, and other fields, urgently requiring us to explore, research, and solve them. Social science researchers have a heavy responsibility and great potential for contribution.
Bailudong Academy, founded in the Tang Dynasty by Li Baiqin for his studies, flourished during the Southern Song Dynasty when Zhu Xi revived it, and was sustained through the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with a history of over a thousand years. This book provides a comprehensive and profound introduction to this "top academy under heaven" from eleven aspects: history, architecture, regulations, teaching, and rituals.
Bailudong Academy is located on the southern slope of Houshping Mountain, about 10 kilometers south of Wulaofeng in Lushan, Jiujiang, Jiangxi. To the west is Zuoqi Mountain, and to the south is Zhuo'er Mountain. The three mountains surround the academy, with a stream (Guanxiaoxi) flowing through, free from the bustle of markets but rich in springs and rocks. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), it was originally a place where Li Bo and his brother studied in seclusion. According to historical records, "Li Bo raised white deer for his amusement and was known as the 'White Deer Scholar'." Later, when Li Bo became the governor of Jiangzhou, he revisited the old place, built towers and pavilions, brought in springs and planted flowers, turning it into a scenic spot named Bailudong. During the Shengyuan period of the Southern Tang Dynasty, a "Lushan National Academy" was established here. In the early Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD), it was expanded into an academy and officially named "Bailudong Academy."
Bailudong Academy is the most complete academy in Chinese history, alongside Yuelu, Juyang, and Shigudu, known as the "Four Great Academies under Heaven." It was once hailed as the "top academy in the land" and the "foremost academy under heaven." It boasts a tranquil environment, spacious accommodations, a strong faculty, and eager students. It has complete teaching regulations, effective teaching methods, books for students to study, and school lands to support educational expenses. As a result, since its establishment, it has endured for over a thousand years and has nurtured generations of talents for the feudal society.