University Zhongyong

Author: Han Weizhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: This book is one of the "National Classics Treasury Series," introducing readers to the Confucian classics, "The Great Learning" and "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 and inspire their interest in exploring classical literature. It is an excellent supplementary education reading material, worth checking out.
The way of the Great Learning is to manifest virtue and to renew the people, and to bring them to perfection. Knowing where to stop, one can then be firm; being firm, one can then be tranquil; being tranquil, one can then be at ease; being at ease, one can then deliberate; and deliberating, one can then attain. Things have their roots and branches; affairs have their beginnings and endings. Knowing the order of what is primary and secondary 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, but they were also vulgarized, so we must also be aware of their negative impacts. 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," there is contained the experience and reflection of the ancient sages on the value of life, as well as their outstanding ability to express their thoughts. Originally part of the "Book of Rites," these two texts contain the experience and reflection of the ancient sages on the value of life, as well as their outstanding ability to express their thoughts. This book has re-punctuated them, provided a full translation, and added brief annotations.