Xuanzang | Records of the Great Learning | A Review
Xuanzang’s ‘Records of the Great Learning’-A Review
Xuanzang’s “Records of the Great Learning” is an important work of Chinese philosophy and history, written in the 7th century CE. The text is a commentary on “The Great Learning,” one of the Four Books of Confucianism, and is considered a key work in the tradition of Neo-Confucianism.
The text begins with a brief introduction in which Xuanzang explains the purpose of his work. He states that the Great Learning is a profound and complex text and that he has written his commentary in order to make its meaning more accessible to readers. He also notes that his commentary draws heavily on the works of earlier Confucian scholars, such as Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi.
The main body of the text consists of a line-by-line commentary on the Great Learning. Xuanzang provides a detailed analysis of each line, drawing on his extensive knowledge of Confucian philosophy, history, and culture. He also offers numerous examples and analogies to help clarify the meaning of the text.
One of the key themes of the Great Learning, and of Xuanzang’s commentary, is the idea of self-cultivation. The text emphasizes the importance of cultivating oneself in order to become a morally upright and socially responsible person. Xuanzang expands on this theme by discussing the various virtues and practices that are necessary for self-cultivation, such as sincerity, benevolence, and filial piety.
Another important theme of the Great Learning, and of Xuanzang’s commentary, is the idea of the unity of knowledge and action. The text stresses the importance of putting one’s knowledge into practice, and of constantly striving to improve oneself. Xuanzang further develops this idea by discussing the role of education in Confucian society, and by analyzing the relationship between knowledge and moral behavior.
Overall, Xuanzang‘s “Records of the Great Learning” is a valuable and insightful work of Confucian scholarship. It provides a thorough and detailed analysis of one of the most important texts in the Confucian tradition and sheds light on the key themes and concepts of Confucian philosophy. The text is also notable for its clear and accessible writing style, which makes it an excellent introduction to Confucian thought for both scholars and general readers. 0 0 0.
Xuanzang Records of the Great Learning A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
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