University Zhongyong - National Classics Library

Author: Han Weizhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: This book is one of the "National Classics Treasury Series," introducing readers to the Confucian classics——《The Great Learning·The Doctrine of the Mean》. The book includes the original text and annotations. The annotations are detailed and easy to understand, allowing readers to appreciate the profound depth of traditional Chinese culture and the origins of ancient literature. This book will enhance readers' cultural literacy and inspire their interest in exploring classical literature. It is an excellent supplementary education reading material—well worth a look.
The way of The Great Learning is to manifest virtue and to renew the people; it is to seek perfection. When one knows where to stop, one can be firm; when one is firm, one can be tranquil; when one is tranquil, one can be at ease; when one is at ease, one can deliberate; when one deliberates, one can attain. Things have their roots and branches; affairs have their beginnings and endings. Knowing what should come first and what should come later brings one close to the Way.
The ethical views expounded in《The Great Learning》and《The Doctrine of the Mean》have become an important part of Confucian culture. The rulers of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties recognized the immense benefits these two texts offered to the ruling class, and thus vigorously promoted them, making them mandatory reading for imperial examinations. These texts became immensely popular at the time but were also vulgarized. Therefore, we must also be aware of the negative impacts they produced. However, while the downstream waters may have been polluted, the purity of the source remains undeniable.
In《The Great Learning》and《The Doctrine of the Mean》, the sages and philosophers of antiquity embedded their reflections on the value of life, as well as their exceptional ability to express their thoughts.