A Biography of Ma Yifu

Ma YifuJul 2022

3.2

Word count: 17K words
Chapters: 14

Summary

Ma Yifu (1883–1967) was a modern Chinese thinker, poet and calligrapher, and an early representative of Modern New Confucianism. He was the first Chinese to introduce the German and English editions of Marx's Das Kapital, and together with Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili was known as one of the "Three Sages of New Confucianism."

In scholarship he was deeply versed in ancient philosophy, Neo-Confucianism, literature and Buddhist studies, integrating Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism into a single vision, and was regarded as a master of the Confucian tradition. In philosophy, he held that the fundamental spirit of Chinese culture lies in "bringing to light the principles of one's own mind." In Neo-Confucianism, his profound study and personal experience of traditional Confucian culture, especially Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism, were widely recognized by his contemporaries. The "Theory of Principles and Names" was his own invention for teaching and for elucidating and developing the principles of the "Six Arts," called his new theory of principles.

In calligraphy, he combined zhangcao and Han clerical script into a style of his own, fusing the bearing of Confucianism, the ethereal quality of Daoism and the mind of Chan Buddhism, and was a master calligrapher whom Feng Zikai praised as "the leading figure of Chinese calligraphy."

This book is a compilation of biographical materials on the great scholar of Chinese studies, Mr. Ma Yifu.

Editor's review

This book presents a biographical compilation centered on Ma Yifu's life and scholarship, suited as an entryway to this representative of Modern New Confucianism. Ma Yifu was deeply versed in ancient philosophy, Neo-Confucianism, literature and Buddhist studies, and was also skilled in poetry and calligraphy; his claim to "bring to light the principles of one's own mind" and his "Theory of Principles and Names" are key to understanding the problematic of Modern New Confucianism. The biographical form places the figure back into his era and circle, allowing readers to grasp his scholarly position alongside Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili as one of the "Three Sages of New Confucianism," and to sense his integration of Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism. The treatment of his calligraphic achievements offers another angle on his learning and character. Read by setting the biographical thread against the intellectual propositions, without rushing, and preferably in a quiet setting, as a starting point for approaching New Confucianism and the modern current of Chinese studies.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Beginning readers interested in Modern New Confucianism and modern intellectual history
General readers who want to know Ma Yifu's life and scholarly position
Students taking courses in Chinese philosophy or Chinese studies
Readers interested in traditional calligraphy and literati learning

Not a good fit for

Researchers seeking close readings of Ma Yifu's original works or textual collation
Readers who want quick conclusions and dislike biographical narrative
Readers entirely unfamiliar with modern Chinese scholars and uninterested

Reading tips

Read the main biographical thread first, then revisit the passages on principles and calligraphy to form a contrast between the person and his thought.
After each chapter, note Ma Yifu's key claims and the historical context, to help link the modern scholarly currents.
Read alongside biographies of Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili to understand the similarities and differences among the "Three Sages of New Confucianism."
Slow down where Buddhist and Neo-Confucian thought converge, and savor the quoted original passages repeatedly.

版权信息
先考马公行状
先妣何恭人事述
二姊事述
亡妻汤孝愍哀辞
张君榕轩别传
邵君家传
先姑戴节孝孺人马氏事略
香积佛智禅师传
汤蛰先先生家传代南通张季直先生作
郑氏母洪太夫人家传
蒋君抑卮家传
施节母孺人俞氏家传
汤石泉先生家传代蔡元培撰

FAQ

Is this book suitable as a first book for understanding Ma Yifu?

Yes. It presents Ma Yifu's life and scholarship as a biographical compilation with a relatively complete thread, helping readers first build a framework of the person before entering specialized areas such as his principles and calligraphy. If you already have some philosophical grounding, you can read selections from his original works alongside it for deeper understanding.

What background knowledge is needed before reading?

No specialized training is required, but familiarity with basic concepts of modern Chinese intellectual history, Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism and Buddhist studies will make it smoother. If entirely new, first read a general survey of modern intellectual history, or start from the figures and era in the book, rather than struggling with terminology from the outset.

Does the book cover Ma Yifu's calligraphic achievements?

Yes. The materials show that his calligraphy combined zhangcao and Han clerical script into a style of his own, fusing the bearing of Confucianism, the ethereal quality of Daoism and the mind of Chan Buddhism; Feng Zikai praised him as "the leading figure of Chinese calligraphy." The biographical compilation helps understand calligraphy within his overall learning and character rather than in isolation.

Can this book replace reading Ma Yifu's original works?

No. The biographical compilation focuses on presenting the thread of his life and scholarship to help readers build an overall understanding; Ma Yifu's theory of principles and his poetry and prose still require close reading of the originals. Treat this book as a guide, and when you encounter a claim that interests you, seek out the relevant original texts for comparison.

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About the author

Ma Yifu Author · Chinese · 1883–1967

Ma Yifu (1883–1967), whose given name was Fu and who used Yifu as his courtesy name and Zhanweng as his literary name, was a native of Shaoxing, Zhejiang. A modern Chinese thinker, philosopher, poet and calligrapher, he was one of the early representative figures of modern New Confucianism and, together with Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili, was known as one of the "Three Sages of New Confucianism." In 1939 he founded Fuxing Academy in Leshan, Sichuan, where he continued to lecture and write. His works combine philosophical reflection with a literary and poetic temperament, often taking the form of lecture records, talks, answers to questions and poetry talks, with closely reasoned argument and elegant, refined language. Works such as Lecture Records of Fuxing Academy, Talks at Taihe and Yishan, Answers to Questions at Erya Terrace and Poetry Talks from the Juanxi Studio embody his exposition of Confucian principles and his continuation of traditional scholarship. The library holds 32 of his works, spanning classics, Eastern philosophy and modern poetry, which shows the enduring influence of his writings on the transmission of modern Confucianism and the study of traditional culture.