Finding Wisdom in East Asian Classics
Wm. Theodore de Bary
Abstract
This book is an essential, all-access guide to the core texts of East Asian civilization and culture. Chapters address frequently read, foundational texts in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese, as well as early modern fictional classics and nonfiction works of the seventeenth century. Building strong links between these writings and the critical traditions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, this book shows the vital role of the classics in the shaping of Asian history and in the development of the humanities at large. The book focuses on texts that have survived for centuries, if no ... More
This book is an essential, all-access guide to the core texts of East Asian civilization and culture. Chapters address frequently read, foundational texts in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese, as well as early modern fictional classics and nonfiction works of the seventeenth century. Building strong links between these writings and the critical traditions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, this book shows the vital role of the classics in the shaping of Asian history and in the development of the humanities at large. The book focuses on texts that have survived for centuries, if not millennia, through avid questioning and contestation. Recognized as perennial reflections on life and society, these works represent diverse historical periods and cultures and include the Analects of Confucius, Mencius, Laozi, Xunxi, Lotus Sutra, Tang poetry, Pillow Book, The Tale of Genji, and the writings of Chikamatsu and Kaibara Ekken. Chapters explain the core and most commonly understood aspects of these works and how they operate within their traditions. They trace their reach and reinvention throughout history and their ongoing relevance in modern life. With fresh interpretations of familiar readings, the book inspires renewed appreciation and examination.
Keywords:
East Asian civilization,
East Asian culture,
Chinese foundational texts,
Japanese foundational texts,
Korean foundational texts,
Vietnamese foundational texts,
Confucianism,
Buddhism,
Daoism,
Asian history
Bibliographic Information
Print publication date: 2011 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780231153973 |
Published to Columbia Scholarship Online: November 2015 |
DOI:10.7312/columbia/9780231153973.001.0001 |