Millennium Institution: Bai Ludi Academy

Author: Zhou Longshu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-06-01
Features: Prosperous social sciences are an important part 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 science research in China. Actively developing philosophy and social sciences is of great significance for upholding the guiding role of Marxism in the ideological field of our country, for exploring the development laws of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and for enhancing our ability to understand and transform the world. Philosophy and social science research under the guidance of Marxism represents the advanced direction of culture. The life 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, for 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 workers. 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 on 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, economy, society, and other fields, urgently requiring us to explore, research, and solve them. Social science workers have a heavy responsibility and great potential. Baihuidong Academy, founded in the Tang Dynasty by Li Beiru for his seclusion and study, 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 sacrifices. Baihuidong Academy is located on the southern slope of Houshping Mountain, about 10 kilometers south of Wulaofeng in Lushan, Jiujiang, Jiangxi. To the west is Zuoyishan, and to the south is Zhuoershan. The three mountains surround the academy, with a stream (Guanxiaoxi) flowing through, free from the hustle and bustle of markets but rich in springs and rocks. In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), it was originally a place where Li Bo and his brother secluded themselves for study. According to historical records, "Li Bo raised white deer for self-entertainment and was known as the White Deer Master." 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 Baihuidong. 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 "Baihuidong Academy." Baihuidong 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 world" 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 teaching expenses. Therefore, since its establishment, it has endured for over a thousand years and has nurtured generations of talents for the feudal society.