University Zhongyong: National Classics Library

Author: Han Weizhi (Translation and Review)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-08-01
Features: This book is one of the "Treasures of National Literature 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 classical literature. It is an excellent supplementary education read, worth exploring.
The way of The Great Learning is to manifest virtue and to renew the people, reaching the highest good. Knowing where to stop and then one can be firm; being firm and then one can be calm; being calm and then one can be at ease; being at ease and then one can deliberate; deliberating and then one can attain. Things have their roots and branches; affairs have their beginnings and endings. Knowing the order of what is first and what is last 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, thus vigorously promoting them and making them mandatory reading for imperial examinations. These texts became immensely popular, yet they were vulgarized in the process. Therefore, we must also be aware of the negative impacts they produced. However, while the downstream waters may be 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.