Zhang Juzheng comments on the Imperial Reading of the "Great Learning" and "Doctrine of the Mean"

Author: Chen Shengxi et al.
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Known as "Famous Scholars Teaching National Classics," The Imperial Readings Commented on by Zhang Juzheng is a lecture series by Zhang Juzheng, the Chief Minister (Premier) of the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era, and the lecturers of the Hanlin Academy, for Emperor Wanli's explanation of the "Four Books" (including the Analects of Confucius, Great Learning, Doctrine of the Mean, Mencius, and Book of Documents). The original text was written in colloquial vernacular Chinese of the Ming Dynasty. In addition to adding modern punctuation to the entire text, the compilers and annotators also provided annotations and translations, making it more accessible and easy to understand. Meanwhile, this series incorporates the political wisdom of figures like Zhang Juzheng, summarizing historical lessons of rise and fall and advocating for reforms. It also offers unique insights on many significant historical issues. It can help readers understand the imperial education system of the time and provides valuable references for improving leadership in national administration.
The Great Learning is a political treatise by Confucianism that discusses how to govern a state and bring peace to the world. Its main idea is "self-cultivation to bring peace to the people." The entire text combines moral cultivation with political discourse, merging philosophical thought with political philosophy, fully embodying the "worldly-oriented" ideology of Confucianism.
The theme of The Doctrine of the Mean lies in explaining the perfection and highest moral standard of the Doctrine of the Mean. Methodologically, it advocates choosing a correct standpoint when understanding and addressing issues, opposing both "excess" and "insufficiency." From a cosmic perspective, The Doctrine of the Mean holds that "the world is unified." From a political perspective, it advocates for rule by virtue (de) and human governance. It also promotes a scholarly approach based on "sincerity," emphasizing "extensive learning, earnest inquiry, careful deliberation, clear discrimination, and steadfast practice."