Confucianism, founded by the philosopher Confucius (551–479 BCE), has been a central element of Chinese civilization for over two millennia. As a system of thought, Confucianism emphasized moral governance, the cultivation of personal virtue, and the importance of education. The influence of Confucianism on Chinese political and cultural life is immense, particularly because it became the state ideology during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) and continued to shape Chinese society throughout successive dynasties.
One of the key aspects of Confucianism’s endurance and prominence in China was the royal patronage and endorsement it received from various emperors and the imperial court. The Chinese imperial family, from the Han Dynasty through to the Qing Dynasty, not only upheld Confucian teachings but also actively supported the study, dissemination, and preservation of Confucian texts. The emperors believed that these texts held the key to stable governance, ethical leadership, and the moral development of the state.
In this article, we will explore the classic Confucian texts that were sponsored and preserved by the royal family throughout Chinese history. These texts not only defined Confucian thought but also influenced the structure of Chinese society, politics, and education for centuries. We will discuss the most important of these texts, their impact on Chinese imperial policy, and the role of the royal family in their promotion and protection.
The Confucian Canon and the Role of the Royal Family
The Confucian canon, or the Confucian Classics (Sishu), is a collection of foundational texts that form the basis of Confucian thought. These texts were central to the education of scholars and officials in ancient China and played a vital role in the selection of government officials through the imperial examination system. The imperial court not only supported the study of these texts but also ensured their preservation and dissemination, recognizing their importance in maintaining the moral fabric of the state.
The most prominent Confucian texts, often sponsored by the royal family, include the Five Classics (Wujing) and the Four Books (Sishu). These texts were considered essential for understanding the principles of governance, social harmony, and ethical conduct.
The Five Classics (Wujing)
The Five Classics were regarded as the core texts of Confucian thought, serving as the foundation for governance and moral instruction in Chinese society. They were often studied by scholars seeking to enter the imperial civil service, and emperors saw them as essential guides to ruling with virtue and wisdom.
- The Book of Songs (Shijing)
The Book of Songs is one of the oldest and most important texts in the Confucian canon. It is a collection of poems, songs, and hymns that reflect the daily life, culture, and values of the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE). The poems cover a range of themes, from love and relationships to social issues and governance. The Book of Songs is seen as a vital text for understanding the role of the ruler in maintaining social order and moral virtue.
Emperors and scholars viewed the Book of Songs as a guide to the moral responsibilities of the ruler. The book’s emphasis on harmony, respect, and the proper conduct of both rulers and subjects made it a key text for the education of imperial officials and the formulation of policies.
- The Book of Documents (Shujing)
The Book of Documents is a compilation of speeches, edicts, and historical records from the early Zhou Dynasty through to the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 BCE). The text contains writings on governance, political philosophy, and the duties of the ruler. It is a reflection on the principles of good governance, offering insights into the relationship between the ruler and his subjects.
The Book of Documents was particularly important to the imperial court, as it provided a model for effective governance and statecraft. Emperors often referred to the text as a means of understanding the historical precedents for their policies and actions.
- The Book of Rites (Liji)
The Book of Rites is a comprehensive guide to the rituals, ceremonies, and social norms that governed Chinese society. It outlines the proper behavior for rulers, officials, and common people in various social contexts, including governance, family life, and religious observances.
The Book of Rites was integral to the maintenance of order and stability in the empire, emphasizing the importance of ritual in promoting harmony. Imperial families, especially during the Han and Tang dynasties, made sure that scholars and officials were well-versed in the principles of the Book of Rites, ensuring that the court maintained a strict adherence to these social codes.
- The Book of Changes (Yijing)
The Book of Changes, also known as the I Ching, is a philosophical text that explores the concept of change and the cyclical nature of the universe. It uses a system of divination to interpret changes in the natural world, providing guidance on how to respond to these changes in a harmonious manner.
Emperors and scholars often consulted the I Ching to understand the cosmic forces at work in the world. It was seen as a text that could help rulers make decisions that were in alignment with the natural order and the will of heaven. The I Ching’s influence was so profound that it was often incorporated into the imperial court’s decision-making process, particularly in times of crisis or uncertainty.
- The Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu)
The Spring and Autumn Annals is a historical record of the State of Lu, the home state of Confucius, covering the period from 722 BCE to 481 BCE. While it is primarily a chronicle of historical events, the text also reflects Confucian values by emphasizing the importance of virtue and moral leadership.
Emperors and scholars saw the Spring and Autumn Annals as an important text for understanding the actions of past rulers and learning from their successes and failures. The text also provided a framework for understanding the relationship between the ruler and his subjects, particularly in times of war and conflict.
The Four Books (Sishu)
In addition to the Five Classics, the Four Books became a critical part of Confucian education during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE). The Four Books were selected by the scholar Zhu Xi (1130–1200) as the core texts for teaching Confucian thought. These texts focused on the moral philosophy and ethical conduct of individuals, emphasizing the cultivation of virtue and the importance of filial piety.
- The Analects (Lunyu)
The Analects is a collection of sayings and dialogues attributed to Confucius. It is one of the most widely studied Confucian texts and provides insights into Confucius’s thoughts on morality, governance, and social harmony. The Analects emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and the cultivation of personal virtue.
The Analects was central to the education of imperial officials. Emperors often looked to this text for guidance on the moral responsibilities of ruling, as it highlights the importance of leading by example and cultivating a benevolent relationship with the people.
- The Mencius (Mengzi)
The Mencius is a collection of the teachings of Mencius, a Confucian philosopher who elaborated on the ideas of Confucius. It emphasizes the inherent goodness of human nature and the importance of moral cultivation in achieving a harmonious society. Mencius’s teachings had a significant influence on the development of Confucian thought and were often consulted by emperors for guidance on governance.
Mencius’s emphasis on the ruler’s role in ensuring the welfare of the people resonated deeply with the imperial court. The text reinforced the idea that the emperor’s primary responsibility was to act in the best interests of his subjects, and it was often cited in discussions about state policy and leadership.
- The Great Learning (Daxue)
The Great Learning is a text that outlines the principles of self-cultivation, governance, and social order. It teaches that personal virtue is the foundation of good governance and that the ruler’s moral example will lead to harmony in the state.
The Great Learning was a key text for imperial education, as it emphasized the relationship between personal morality and political stability. The emperor was seen as the moral leader of the state, and his actions were expected to reflect the principles of virtue and harmony outlined in this text.
- The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong)
The Doctrine of the Mean is a text that emphasizes balance, harmony, and moderation. It teaches that the ideal way of living is to act in accordance with the “mean,” avoiding extremes and maintaining a sense of equilibrium in all aspects of life.
The Doctrine of the Mean was a key text for understanding the concept of balance in governance. Emperors sought to maintain stability and harmony within their realms by adhering to the principles of moderation and balance outlined in this text.
The Role of the Royal Family in Promoting Confucianism
The Chinese imperial family played a crucial role in the dissemination and preservation of Confucian thought. Emperors supported Confucian scholars, promoted Confucian education, and incorporated Confucian principles into the administration of the state.
Through the establishment of state-sponsored schools and the imperial examination system, the royal family ensured that Confucianism remained at the heart of Chinese governance. The imperial patronage of Confucian texts, such as the Five Classics and the Four Books, helped to solidify the relationship between philosophy and imperial rule.
The royal family also acted as protectors of the Confucian canon, ensuring that the texts were copied, preserved, and passed down
to future generations. By doing so, they ensured that the moral and ethical principles espoused by Confucianism would continue to shape the governance and culture of China for centuries to come.
Conclusion
The classic Confucian texts that were sponsored by the royal family of China form the foundation of Confucian thought and have had a profound impact on the history, politics, and culture of China. These texts, from the Five Classics to the Four Books, provided the moral framework for rulers and officials, guiding them in their duties and responsibilities. Through royal patronage, Confucianism became the cornerstone of Chinese statecraft, influencing the development of Chinese society for more than two thousand years. The imperial family’s support of Confucianism not only ensured its preservation but also cemented its place as the guiding philosophy for the Chinese empire.
