University Essentials Edition

Author: Fu Yunlong, Cai Xiqin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Great Learning was originally a chapter of the Book of Rites, traditionally attributed to Zeng Can (505–436 BC), a disciple of Confucius. However, it is now generally accepted as a Confucian work from the Qin and Han periods. Sima Qian wrote A Broad View of the Great Learning, indicating its early prominence. During the Song Dynasty, Zhu Xi, based on the teachings of the Two Cheng brothers, extracted it from the Book of Rites and devoted his life to refining and perfecting it, establishing it as an independent text. Since then, it has become a foundational classic of Confucianism, holding a particularly significant place in the history of Confucian thought and traditional Chinese culture. To understand, study, and disseminate the essence of Confucianism, one cannot afford to ignore this book. However, for a long time, there have been few foreign language translations of the Great Learning, which has made it inconvenient for scholars and readers abroad to study Chinese philosophy and culture in foreign languages, limiting the spread of traditional Chinese culture. Many scholars who use foreign languages and friends who study and research abroad have lamented the lack of attention to the foreign language translation of Chinese cultural achievements. They often compare China with India, saying that many of India’s cultural heritage works have foreign language translations, especially English ones, while Chinese classics are scarce in foreign language editions. When such translations do exist, they are often done by foreigners, which makes one feel ashamed of the past, fails future generations, and disrespects outsiders. When translating into a foreign language, one faces the issue of whether to first translate the classical Chinese into vernacular Chinese—or whether to translate directly from classical Chinese into the foreign language (though the latter is more challenging). To address this, the China Language Press adopted a pragmatic approach, selecting and gradually translating and publishing classic works of traditional culture, one of which is the Great Learning. This book was published years ago by the China Language Press in a bilingual (Chinese-English) format alongside the Analects, the Doctrine of the Mean, and the Mencius, and was distributed both domestically and internationally, attracting widespread attention from readers. Now, as part of the China Sage Culture Series, this (essential edition) of the Great Learning not only includes more detailed annotations but also features numerous exquisite illustrations, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and practical value.