"Shu Jing" - this is what?

"Shu Jing" is an ancient Chinese work that is part of the famous collection of five books created by the famous philosopher Confucius. It consists of many ancient documents on the history of the country. Also in it there is information about the mythology of the state.

In science there is a point of view that it was this part that became one of the most controversial in its content, as when composing and editing the texts there were serious disagreements regarding the old and new version of the original original material that was to be included in the final compilation.

Editions

"Shu Jing" is their two options, which vary in volume. Compilation of the collection began in the 2nd century BC. E., When the authors began to process historical materials. In this case, two versions of the texts were found. One consists of 58 chapters, the other - of 28. According to legend, the first was found after the burning of books under Emperor Shi-Juan. The second was discovered later. However, modern scientists believe that the most recent version is the most reliable one.

The traditional version of the detection of this document reads: first a copy was found in the house of Confucius, and after a while they found another list. Some scholars argue that the collection that has come down to us is very different from the version of "Shu Jing" that existed in pre-imperial China. Historians came to this conclusion on the basis of a comparison of the final version with earlier collections, in which there is a relatively small number of references to the monument in question.

Content

Most of all Chinese philosophers worried about the ideal system of government. It was to the needs of the state that the system of upbringing and education of youth was subordinated, which in due time was to occupy the necessary posts in government. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the most famous historical monuments of Chinese writing is devoted to this issue.

"Shu Jing" consists of four sections, according to certain historical periods. The last chapter is most detailed and easier to date, while the former contain a large number of anachronisms.

Ideas

It has already been said that Confucius probably made a considerable contribution to the creation of the document under study. Some researchers see the influence of his followers in the very text of the work. It propagates those thoughts that were peculiar to this philosopher and scientist.

The political ideas of "Shu Jing" are set out in the traditional for Chinese philosophy system of praising wise state management. The text sounds the idea of the need to honor the ancestors and authorities, as well as the harmony of nature and society.

One of the chapters lists those qualities that, according to Confucius, a wise and just ruler should have. In this section, the criteria for assessing human qualities are singled out separately. They were very much appreciated in ancient China, because personal characteristics determined the possibilities of a future statesman or official.

About politics

"Shu Jing" - a book that is a kind of guide to the activities of future politicians. In one of the chapters are listed those cases, which he must decide first. In general, we are talking about the social needs of the population: providing food, developing trade, caring for religious ceremonies and sacrifices.

In addition, the idea of the need for the development of education and enlightenment is being pursued. All of the above ideas are characteristic of the Confucian doctrine. Its founder drew the main attention to the psychology and inner world of man, which was reflected in the monument.

At the same time, this compilation was compiled with a practical purpose: to prepare future rulers for the wise direction of the country. Therefore, here philosophical reasoning combined with specific instructions, which should be useful to readers.

Other sections

"Shu Jing" - a book of history, which reflected the basic requirements of its time. A whole layer of text is devoted to legal issues, diplomacy, as well as military affairs. Particularly it is necessary to single out a chapter that lists the moral qualities necessary for a statesman. The compiler notes that a wise ruler should be firm and unyielding, but at the same time appreciate and respect submissive and loyal subjects. In addition, he must guide fairly, so that everyone understands the meaning of his orders.

A good ruler must provide his people peace and prosperity, longevity and calm old age. In this book, the role of the state in the life of the people is somewhat exaggerated: in this way it is very unambiguously thought that only the sovereign can provide happiness to his subjects. He must inspire them with fear and reverence, since it is he who, according to the compilers, knows and understands better how to provide the people with everything necessary.

About the personality of the ruler

One of the most interesting monuments of Chinese writing is "Shu Jing". The creation of the book was connected with the needs of its time, when the Chinese state experienced a number of serious upheavals and upheavals. Therefore, writing this kind of philosophical work was very relevant not only for the political elite, but for the entire population in general. It was necessary to restore the people's faith in a wise leader.

The fact is that the ancient Chinese associated the welfare of their state with the moral qualities of the sovereign. These representations were described in great detail and explained in the source in question. In the text, you can find a detailed analysis of the psychological properties of the one who rules the country. And the compilers very originally associated personal qualities with appearance, behavior, actions and deeds.

Influence on literature

Subsequent generations showed considerable interest in "Shu Jing". The history of the creation of this monument was associated with difficult times in the Chinese state, and therefore the content is different philosophical sense and ideological conviction. That slender system of teaching, which is represented in the monument, attracted the attention of many scientists. So, in the Middle Ages, in the 11th century, one author used the form of a book to expound his own social and philosophical teachings. In the following years, a collection of explanations of the ideas of this work was written.

In China itself, too, much attention was paid to this work. From the 2nd century BC. E. And until the 10th century AD. E. Different authors wrote books in which they commented on this most difficult and difficult monument of the ancient era. The study of the book can be interesting not only to professional linguists and historians, but also to cultural studies, since it reflects different cultural layers.

The abundance of the material presented in the collection is also striking. There are legends, legends, historical works, appeals of rulers to the people. According to the text, one can study the world outlook of the ancient Chinese people, their way of life, political and social structure.