An Introduction of the Great Learning

The Great Learning (Daxue) was one chapter of the Record of the Rites (Liji). Han Yu emphasized the importance of Daxue with the aim of reviving Confucianism. Zhu Xi chose Daxue as one part of the Four Books and the status of Daxue was improved. And then Daxue became a significant classic resource of imperial examination, which has a great influence on Confucianism and Chinese culture. Daxue consists of one chapter (jing) and ten commentaries, and the core content is three principles and eight items (sangang bamu). These three principles and eight items describe the target and procedure of study. As a result, the study of Daxue should be the first step of the study of the Four Books for it confirms the study framework of study.