"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. It also contains information about the mythology of the state.
There is a point of view in science that this part has become one of the most controversial in content, because when compiling and editing the texts, serious disagreements arose over the old and new versions of the original source material, which was to be included in the final collection.
Editorial
"Shu Jing" consists of two options, which vary in volume. The 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 discovered. One consists of 58 chapters, the other of 28. According to legend, the first was found after the burning of books under the emperor Shi-Huang. The second was discovered later. However, modern scientists believe that the latest version is the most reliable.
The traditional version of the discovery of this document says: first a copy was found in the house of Confucius, and after a while another second list was found. Some scholars argue that the collection that has come down to us is very different from the Shu Jing version that existed in pre-imperial China. Historians have come to this conclusion on the basis of a comparison of the final edition with earlier collections, in which there is a relatively small number of references to the monument in question.
Content
Most of all Chinese philosophers were worried about the question of an ideal system of government. The system of upbringing and education of youth, which at one time had to occupy the necessary posts in management, was subordinated to the needs of the state. 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, in accordance with certain historical periods. The last chapter is the most detailed and easiest to date, while the first contains a large number of anachronisms.
Ideas
It was already mentioned above 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 text of the work. It promotes those thoughts that were characteristic of this philosopher and scientist.
The political ideas of Shu Jing are set forth in the traditional Chinese philosophy system of glorifying wise government. 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 the qualities that, in the opinion of Confucius, should have a wise and fair ruler. This section separately outlines the criteria for assessing human qualities. They were very much appreciated in ancient China, since personal characteristics determined the possibilities of a future statesman or official.
About politics
"Shu Jing" is a book that is a kind of guide to the activities of future politicians. One of the chapters lists the cases that he must decide first. It is mainly about the social needs of the population: food, trade, caring for religious ceremonies and sacrifices.
In addition, the idea of the need to develop education and enlightenment is being held. All of the above ideas are characteristic of Confucian teachings. Its founder focused on psychology and the inner world of man, which was reflected in the monument.
However, this collection was compiled with a practical purpose: to prepare future rulers for the wise leadership of the country. Therefore, here philosophical reasoning was combined with specific instructions that should be useful to readers.
Other sections
"Shu Jing" is a history book that reflected the basic requirements of its time. A whole layer of text is devoted to legal topics, diplomacy, as well as military affairs. Of particular note is the chapter that lists the moral qualities needed by a statesman. The compiler notes that a wise ruler must be firm and adamant, but at the same time appreciate and respect humble and loyal subjects. In addition, he must lead fairly, so that everyone understands the meaning of his orders.
A good ruler must ensure his people peace and prosperity, longevity and a calm old age. In this book, the role of the state in the life of the people is somewhat exaggerated: in this way the idea that only the sovereign can provide his subjects with happiness is very unequivocally carried out. He should inspire fear and reverence for them, since it is he who, according to the compilers, knows better and understands 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 series 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 faith in the wise leader to the people.
The fact is that the ancient Chinese associated the well-being of their state with the moral qualities of the sovereign. These representations were very detailed 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. Moreover, the compilers very originally associated personal qualities with appearance, behavior, actions and deeds.
Impact 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 differs in philosophical meaning and ideological conviction. That harmonious system of teaching, which is presented 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 present his own social and philosophical teachings. In the following years, a collection of explanations of the ideas of this work was written.
China itself also paid great attention 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 complex and difficult monument of the ancient era. Studying a book may be of interest not only to professional linguists and historians, but also to culturologists, since it reflects different cultural layers.
The abundance of 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 worldview of the ancient Chinese people, their lifestyle, political and social structure.