Learning and Conduct

太虚大师Jul 2024

3.4

Word count: 1.6K words
Chapters: 5

Summary

Traditional Chinese thought has a long history and is highly original, inventive, and literary. Early modes of thought are distinctive: religious theology, classical Chinese medical texts, ancient military strategy, Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and the Hundred Schools, feng shui and metaphysics, the Twenty-Four Histories, customs and local gazetteers—all are profound and vast. This "Classic Chinese Studies Essence Cultural Original Texts" series preserves the original appearance of the books, with the aim of conserving and transmitting traditional Chinese thought and culture. By reading the literary essence left by ancient sages, readers can cultivate their temperament and quietly absorb the classics of Chinese studies.

Editor's review

This book is one title in the "Classic Chinese Studies Essence Cultural Original Texts" series. Its author, Master Taixu, was a leading figure of modern Buddhist reform, and his works generally integrate Buddhist principles with modern thought; this volume continues that orientation, using accessible classical Chinese to expound the stages of study and cultivation and the essentials of practice. The book preserves the original appearance without deletion or alteration, prioritizing authenticity, so readers can glimpse the original form of Republican-era Buddhist lecture texts. Its value lies not in providing a systematic textbook-style framework of knowledge but in presenting a tone of exhortation and a mode of reflection that grounds faith in daily conduct. When reading, pay attention to the book's repeated discussions of the relationship between "study" and "practice," and appreciate its stance of avoiding empty talk and emphasizing practice. It is suitable as supplementary material for understanding modern Buddhist thought and popular Chinese studies读物, and can also be browsed by readers interested in traditional self-cultivation. As it is a facsimile or collated edition of the original, some expressions differ from today's usage; first-time readers may prepare with brief glosses.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in modern Buddhist thought and the works of Master Taixu
General readers who wish to understand traditional self-cultivation and the relationship between study and practice
Collectors of popular editions of Chinese studies classics
Readers who need short lecture materials for recitation or excerpting

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting a systematic Buddhist textbook or academic textual research
Beginners lacking patience with classical Chinese expression and Republican-era lecture style
Readers seeking modern psychology or practical success methods

Reading tips

Read through once, marking key sentences about "study" and "practice," then return to the relevant passages for close reading.
Read a small section each day, then retell its gist in your own words to test whether you have truly understood.
Read alongside Master Taixu's other lecture texts to appreciate the coherence of his thought.
When encountering unfamiliar expressions, first infer from context, then consult reference works, avoiding frequent interruptions.

版权信息
正文一
正文二
正文三
正文四

FAQ

Is this book a monograph by Master Taixu or a collection of lectures?

According to available information, this book belongs to the "Classic Chinese Studies Essence Cultural Original Texts" series, preserves the original appearance, and is attributed to Master Taixu. Its content and format are closer to lectures or short essays than to a rigorously systematic monograph; when reading, grasp the main points section by section rather than insisting on strict progression between chapters.

Can I read this book without a foundation in Buddhism?

Yes, but it requires some patience. The language carries a Republican-era lecture style, and some concepts are not annotated in modern terms. It is advisable to read the preface or opening first to understand the main theme, then proceed paragraph by paragraph; mark unfamiliar terms and look them up after finishing a section rather than stalling over individual words.

What features of the original book does this edition preserve?

According to the series description, this collection aims to preserve the original appearance of the books, with the purpose of conserving and transmitting traditional thought and culture, and does not lightly alter the original text. Readers will therefore encounter the original wording, sentence patterns, and arrangement; some places differ from current usage, which is itself a window into the textual forms of the Republican period.

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About the author

太虚大师 Author

Master Taixu was an important figure in modern Chinese Buddhism. Publicly available information about his life and thought is limited, and the library holds only one work by him, titled Study and Practice. Judging from the title and its common classification, the book falls under Eastern philosophy, and its content likely centers on Buddhist study and practice, reflecting the author's thinking on the relationship between Buddhist doctrine and daily conduct. Master Taixu's writing style is known for being plain and accessible rather than abstract; he emphasized bringing profound Buddhist teachings into real life, and his writings have therefore circulated among both monastic and lay readers. Because the available material is insufficient, his specific experiences, lineage, and Dharma activities cannot be described in detail; only a brief note on the present work is possible. Readers approaching Study and Practice as an introduction may follow its line of thought to appreciate how Buddhism can be integrated with life, and thereby gain a glimpse of one aspect of the intellectual transformation of modern Buddhism.