Confucian Orthodoxy - The Life of Wang Shouren

Author: Qian Ming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Wang Shouren, styled Bo'an, styled Yangming, known as Yangming Master, was born in Yuyao, Zhejiang. His father, Wang Hua, became a (top scholar) in the 17th year of the Chenghua era (1481). Wang Shouren followed his father to move to Shaoxing and also visited Beijing. Wang Shouren was the synthesizer of subjective idealism during the Song and Ming dynasties in China. He developed the teachings of Lu Jiuzhou to oppose the Cheng-Zhu school. He attracted numerous disciples from all over the country. After his death, "Wang Xue" (Wang's School) branched into several schools but shared the same origin, each with its own strengths. His philosophical ideas spread far and wide, particularly having a significant influence on Japanese academia. Wang Shouren was not only a philosopher and educator but also a renowned poet. He wrote extensively throughout his life. After his death, his disciples compiled the Complete Works of Wang Wencheng Gong in 38 volumes, with the most important philosophical works being the Record of Transmission and Practice and the Great Learning Inquiry.
Zhejiang, a land not vast but profound, has nurtured many cultural figures: Wang Xizhi, Xie Lingyun, Luo Binwang, Meng Jiao, Han Shan, Zhao Mengfu, Huang Gongwang, Wang Meng, Mao Dun, Xia Yan, Yu Dafu, Zhu Kezhen, Tong Dizhou. They devoted their talents to the inheritance and innovation of culture, achieving great accomplishments.
The "Biographies of Zhejiang Cultural Figures" series is a cultural project launched by the Zhejiang Academy of Social Sciences in response to the call of the provincial party committee and government, introducing the biographies of 100 ancient and modern Zhejiang-born cultural figures. This book is one of the series, introducing the orthodox Confucian scholar—Wang Shouren.