Difference between revisions of "Academies (Shuyuan)" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Yuelu-Academy-Hunan-pond.jpg|300px|left|thumb|Yuelu Academy]]
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The '''Shūyuàn''' (书院), usually known in English as '''Academies''' or '''Academies of Classical Learning''', were a type of school in ancient [[China]]. Unlike [[Guoxue|national academy]] and district schools, ''shuyuan'' were usually private establishments built away from cities or towns, providing a quiet environment where scholars could engage in studies and contemplation without restrictions and worldly distractions.
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[[Image:Yuelu-Academy-Hunan-pond.jpg|300px|thumb|Yuelu Academy]]
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The '''Shūyuàn''' (书院), usually known in [[English|English]] as '''Academies''' or '''Academies of Classical Learning''', were private research and educational institutions in ancient [[China]]. They were built as early as the eighth century and flourished during the tenth and eleventh centuries with the support of various Emperors. The Shuyuan were not only centers for the compilation and study of classical literature, but were crucial for the development of [[Confucianism]] and [[Neo-Confucianism]]; notable Confucian thinkers such as [[Zhu Xi]] and [[Wang Yangming]] developed their ideas and taught at the Shuyuan.
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The Shuyuan declined during the [[Yuan Dynasty]] (Mongol), but were revived during the [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] and [[Qing Dynasty|Qing]] dynasties; some became universities, middle schools, museums, and libraries during the late Qing dynasty. One in particular, the Yuelu Academy, was established in 976 C.E. and still exists today as Hunan University, otherwise known as the "one-thousand-year-old academy."
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
The ''shuyuan'' originated in 725 during the [[Tang dynasty]]. They were places where scholars could teach and study the classics, and where books collected from around the country could be preserved. By the late Tang dynasty, private academies had appeared all over China.
+
The ''shuyuan'' originated in 725 C.E. during the [[Tang dynasty]]. They were places where scholars could teach and study the classics, and where books collected from around the country could be preserved. By the late Tang dynasty, private academies had appeared all over China.
  
During the [[Northern Song]] (960-1127), many academies were established with government encouragement. Each academy had its own teaching and administrative structure and was economically independent.
+
During the [[Northern Song]] (960-1127 C.E.), many academies were established with government encouragement. Each academy had its own teaching and administrative structure and was economically independent.
  
The bestowal of a calligraphic signboard by the Emperor was an extremely important symbol of an academy's status during the Northern Song period. The following academies received this honour:
+
The bestowal of a calligraphic signboard by the Emperor was an extremely important symbol of an academy's status during the Northern Song period. The following academies received this honor:
  
*997: Taishi Academy ([[Songyang Academy]]), bestowed by the [[Taizong]] emperor
+
*997: Taishi Academy (Songyang Academy), bestowed by the [[Taizong]] emperor
*1009: [[Yingtianfu Academy]], bestowed by the [[Zhenzong]] emperor
+
*1009: Yingtianfu Academy, bestowed by the [[Zhenzong]] emperor
*1015: [[Yuelu Academy]], bestowed by the Zhenzong emperor
+
*1015: Yuelu Academy, bestowed by the Zhenzong emperor
*1035: [[Shigu Academy]], bestowed by the [[Emperor Renzong of Song China|Renzong]] emperor
+
*1035: Shigu Academy, bestowed by the [[Emperor Renzong of Song China|Renzong]] emperor
  
 
Besides signboards, emperors also bestowed books. In 977, the Taizong Emperor bestowed on the [[White Deer Grotto Academy]] a copy of the Nine [[Confucian Classics]] printed by the [[Guozijian]]. The Yuelu Academy, the Songyang Academy and other academies also received books from the Emperor on a number of occasions.
 
Besides signboards, emperors also bestowed books. In 977, the Taizong Emperor bestowed on the [[White Deer Grotto Academy]] a copy of the Nine [[Confucian Classics]] printed by the [[Guozijian]]. The Yuelu Academy, the Songyang Academy and other academies also received books from the Emperor on a number of occasions.
  
However, academies had begun to decline by the 12th century. The White Deer Grotto Academy, which had fallen into ruin, was rebuilt by the prominent neo-Confucianist [[Zhu Xi]] in 1179-80 during the [[Southern Song]] dynasty and reopened in 1180. It became an important centre of Confucian thought during eight centuries. Zhu Xi himself taught here during the Southern Song as did [[Wang Yangming]] during the Ming. As a result of Zhu Xi's efforts, the ''shuyuan'' became a permanent feature of Chinese education, taking up major responsibilities of local education.
+
However, academies had begun to decline by the twelfth century. The White Deer Grotto Academy, which had fallen into ruin, was rebuilt by the prominent neo-Confucianist [[Zhu Xi]] in 1179-80 during the [[Southern Song]] dynasty and reopened in 1180. It became an important center of Confucian thought during eight centuries. Zhu Xi himself taught here during the Southern Song as did [[Wang Yangming]] during the Ming. As a result of Zhu Xi's efforts, the ''shuyuan'' became a permanent feature of Chinese education, taking up major responsibilities of local education.
  
The system of academies was dismantled under the [[Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty]] (1271-1368) and all academies were placed under government control to became preparatory schools for the [[Imperial Examination]]s. However, the system was revived under the [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] (1368-1644) and the [[Qing]] (1644-1911).  
+
The system of academies was dismantled under the [[Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty]] (1271-1368 C.E.) and all academies were placed under government control to become preparatory schools for the [[Imperial Examination]]s. However, the system was revived under the [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] (1368-1644 C.E.) and the [[Qing]] (1644-1911 C.E.).  
  
In the Ming dynasty, academies devoted to discussing political issues appeared, such as the [[Donglin Academy]], often resulting in political repression. According to one study, 40% of the 1239 known Ming academies were built during the [[Jiajing Emperor|Chia-ching era]] (1522-1566).<ref>Lee, Thomas H. C. ''Education in Traditional China: A History.'' Leiden: Brill, 2000. p.100 ISBN 9004103635</ref> During the [[Qing]] dynasty, thousands of academies were created for the purpose of preparing students for the Imperial Examination, although there were still some that functioned as centres of study and research.
+
In the Ming dynasty, academies devoted to discussing political issues appeared, such as the [[Donglin Academy]], often resulting in political repression. According to one study, 40 percent of the 1239 known Ming academies were built during the [[Jiajing Emperor|Chia-ching era]] (1522-1566 C.E.).<ref>Thomas H. C. Lee, ''Education in Traditional China: A History'' (Leiden: Brill, 2000, ISBN 9004103635), 100.</ref> During the [[Qing]] dynasty, thousands of academies were created for the purpose of preparing students for the Imperial Examination, although there were still some that functioned as centers of study and research.
  
 
The academies were finally abolished under the [[Hundred Days' Reform]] in 1898 at the end of the Qing dynasty.
 
The academies were finally abolished under the [[Hundred Days' Reform]] in 1898 at the end of the Qing dynasty.
  
There were more than 7,000 academies of Shuyuan recorded. In the late Qing dynasty, some of the Shuyuan became universities, middle schools, public libraries and museums.
+
There were more than 7,000 Shuyuan academies recorded. In the late Qing dynasty, some of the Shuyuan became universities, middle schools, public libraries and museums.
  
 
In Korea, which also adopted Confucianism, the ''shuyuan'' were known as [[Seowon]].
 
In Korea, which also adopted Confucianism, the ''shuyuan'' were known as [[Seowon]].
  
 
==Shuyuan as a modern term==
 
==Shuyuan as a modern term==
In the late Qing dynasty, schools teaching Western science and technology were established. Many such schools were called ''Shuyuan'' in Chinese. Despite the common name, these ''shuyuan'' are quite modern in concept and are quite different from traditional academies of classical learning.
+
In the late Qing dynasty, schools teaching Western [[science] and [[technology]] were established. Many such schools were called ''Shuyuan'' in Chinese. Despite the common name, these ''shuyuan'' are quite modern in concept and different from traditional academies of classical learning.
  
 
==Notable Shuyuan==
 
==Notable Shuyuan==
In discussing the ''shuyuan'', it is common to speak of the "Four Great Academies" (四大书院) of ancient China. Usually the "Four Great Academies" refers to the Four Great Academies of the Northern Song. However, sources give a number of different lists, sometimes expanded to Six or Eight Great Academies. Only one academy, the Yuelu Academy, appears in all lists. Each school went up or down the list in different periods. White Deer Grotto Academy had long been an outstanding academy. As for the impact on the politics of China, Donglin Shuyuan in [[Ming Dynasty]] is especially notable.
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In discussing the ''shuyuan'', it is common to speak of the "Four Great Academies" (四大书院) of ancient China. While the "Four Great Academies" usually refer to the Four Great Academies of the Northern Song, there are a number of variations depending on the source. Sometimes the list is expanded to Six or Eight Great Academies; only the Yuelu Academy appears in every list.  
 
 
===Hanlin Academy===
 
The '''Hanlin Academy''' ([[Chinese language|Chinese]]: 翰林院, [[pinyin]]: ''Hànlín Yuàn'', literally "brush wood court") was founded in [[China]] by [[Emperor Xuanzong of Tang|Emperor Xuanzong]] in the [[8th century]] during the time of the [[Tang dynasty]].
 
 
 
It was an institution meant to perform, among others, secretarial and literary tasks for the court. Only the most elite scholars were allowed to join the academy. One of its main tasks was to decide on an interpretation of the [[Confucianism|Confucian]] [[Chinese classic texts|classics]]. This formed the basis of examinations that gave access to the higher levels of bureaucracy.
 
 
 
The famous Chinese scientist and statesman [[Shen Kuo]] (1031-1095) was once the leading chancellor of the Hanlin Academy.
 
 
 
The Academy operated continuously until its closure during the 1911 [[Xinhai Revolution]].
 
 
 
The Academy and its library were severely damaged in a fire started by [[Boxer Rebellion|Boxers]] during the siege of the Foreign Legations in [[Beijing]] in 1900. Many ancient texts were either destroyed by the flames or looted/rescued in their wake, including the last surviving volumes of the [[Yongle Encyclopedia]].<ref>Preston, Diana, and Diana Preston. ''The Boxer Rebellion: The Dramatic Story of China's War on Foreigners That Shook the World in the Summer of 1900.'' New York: Berkley, 2001.</ref>
 
 
 
 
===Yuelu Academy===
 
===Yuelu Academy===
[[Image:Yuelu-Academy-Hunan-roofs.jpg|150px|right|thumb|Roof of Yuelu academy]]
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[[Image:Yuelu-Academy-Hunan-roofs.jpg|180px|right|thumb|Roof of Yuelu academy]]
  
 
The '''Yuelu Academy''' (also as known as the "'''Yuelu Academy of Classical Learning'''," {{zh-stp|t=嶽麓書院|s=岳麓书院|p=Yuèlǔ Shūyuàn}}) is located on the east side of [[Yuelu Mountain]] in [[Changsha]], the [[capital]] of [[Hunan]] [[Province of China|province]], [[China]], on the west bank of the [[Xiang River]].
 
The '''Yuelu Academy''' (also as known as the "'''Yuelu Academy of Classical Learning'''," {{zh-stp|t=嶽麓書院|s=岳麓书院|p=Yuèlǔ Shūyuàn}}) is located on the east side of [[Yuelu Mountain]] in [[Changsha]], the [[capital]] of [[Hunan]] [[Province of China|province]], [[China]], on the west bank of the [[Xiang River]].
  
It was founded in 976, the 9th year of the [[Song Dynasty]] under the reign of [[Emperor Kaibao]], and was one of four most renowned Shuyuan ([[academies (China)|academies]] of higher learning).
+
It was founded in 976, the 9th year of the [[Song Dynasty]] under the reign of [[Emperor Kaibao]]. The [[Confucianism|Confucian scholars]] [[Zhu Xi]] and [[Zhang Shi]] both lectured at the academy.  
 
 
The renowned [[Confucianism|Confucian scholars]] [[Zhu Xi]] and [[Zhang Shi]] both lectured at the academy.
 
 
 
In 1903 the academy became a [[university]], and in 1926 it was officially named [[Hunan University]].
 
 
 
As one of the four most prestigious academies over the last 1000 years in China, Yuelu Academy has been a famous institution of higher learning as well as a centre of academic activities and cultures since it was formally set up in 976 (the [[Northern Song Dynasty]]). The Academy, which has survived the Song, [[Yuan Dynasty|Yuan]], [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] and [[Qing Dynasty|Qing]] dynasties, was converted into Hunan Institute of Higher Learning in 1903. It was later renamed [[Hunan Normal College]], Hunan Public Polytechnic School, and finally [[Hunan University]] in 1926.  
 
  
[[Image:Yuelu-Academy-Hunan-sign.jpg|100px|right|thumb|A sign at the academy]]
+
[[Image:Yuelu-Academy-Hunan-sign.jpg|180px|left|thumb|A sign at the academy]]
 +
The Academy, which has survived the Song, [[Yuan Dynasty|Yuan]], [[Ming Dynasty|Ming]] and [[Qing Dynasty|Qing]] dynasties, was converted into the Hunan Institute of Higher Learning in 1903. It was later renamed [[Hunan Normal College]], Hunan Public Polytechnic School, and finally [[Hunan University]] in 1926.
  
The academy has witnessed more than a thousand years of history and is the only one of the ancient Chinese academies of Classical Learning to have evolved into a modern institution of higher learning. The historical transformation from Yuelu Academy to Hunan University can be seen as the epitome of the development of China's [[higher education]], a change which mirrors the vicissitudes of [[Education in the People's Republic of China|education system in mainland China]]. As a part of [[Hunan University]], today the academy is a center of publication and research of the ancient [[Chinese language]], and is one of the most important academic and [[Culture of China|cultural]] centers in China.
+
The Academy has witnessed more than a thousand years of history, so Hunan University is also known as "one-thousand-year-old academy." Today, Hunan university's [[Chinese language]] and classical studies department is one of the best research centers for the study of Chinese classics.
  
 
===White Deer Grotto Academy===
 
===White Deer Grotto Academy===
[[Image:White Deer Academy interior courtyard.jpg|thumb|An interior courtyard of the White Deer Grotto Academy, August 2005.]]
+
[[Image:White Deer Academy interior courtyard.jpg|180px|thumb|An interior courtyard of the White Deer Grotto Academy, August 2005.]]
 
The '''White Deer Grotto Academy''' ({{zh-sp|s=白鹿洞书院|p=Báilùdòng Shūyuàn}}, sometimes translated as '''White Deer Cave Academy''' or '''White Deer Hollow Academy''') was located at the foot of [[Wulou]] Peak in [[Mount Lushan|Lushan]], now in [[Jiujiang]], [[Jiangxi]] province. It was one of the Four Great [[Academies (China)|Academies]] of China.
 
The '''White Deer Grotto Academy''' ({{zh-sp|s=白鹿洞书院|p=Báilùdòng Shūyuàn}}, sometimes translated as '''White Deer Cave Academy''' or '''White Deer Hollow Academy''') was located at the foot of [[Wulou]] Peak in [[Mount Lushan|Lushan]], now in [[Jiujiang]], [[Jiangxi]] province. It was one of the Four Great [[Academies (China)|Academies]] of China.
  
The academy had its beginnings as a place for the pursuit of learning by the [[Tang Dynasty]] poet Li Bo (李渤 Lǐ Bó, d. 831, not to be confused with the more famous Tang poet [[Li Po]] or Li Bai) when he was living in retirement. As Li Bo kept a white deer, he was known as the White Deer Teacher and the school premises themselves as the White Deer Grotto. Between the years 937—942, when the area was under the control of the [[Southern Tang]], a school was officially established here under the name "Lushan Guoxue" (庐山国学, meaning "Mount Lu National School").
+
The academy was established as a place of learning by the [[Tang Dynasty]] poet Li Bo (李渤 Lǐ Bó, d. 831 C.E., not to be confused with the more famous Tang poet [[Li Po]] or Li Bai) when he was living in retirement. Because Li Bo kept a white deer, he was known as the White Deer Teacher and the school as the White Deer Grotto. Between the years 937—942, when the area was under the control of the [[Southern Tang]], a school was officially established here under the name "Lushan Guoxue" (庐山国学, meaning "Mount Lu National School").
  
In the early years of the [[Northern Song]] dynasty, which began in 960, the Lushan Guoxue was transformed into an academy, known as the White Deer Grotto Academy. The academy was the recipient of imperial favour from the Emperor [[Emperor Taizong of Song|Taizong]] (r. 976-997), who bestowed on it books and awarded official rank to the academy's head. However, it later fell into disrepair.
+
In the early years of the [[Northern Song]] dynasty, which began in 960, the Lushan Guoxue was transformed into an academy, known as the White Deer Grotto Academy. The academy was the recipient of imperial favour from the Emperor [[Emperor Taizong of Song|Taizong]] (r. 976-997 C.E.), who bestowed on it books and awarded official rank to the academy's head. However, it later fell into disrepair.
  
In 1179-80, during the [[Southern Song]] dynasty, the academy was rebuilt and expanded by [[Zhu Xi]], later to become the most preeminent of the [[neo-Confucianism|neo-Confucianist]]s. Zhu Xi, who was serving as prefect of Nankang Prefecture (now Nankang City), rebuilt the academy based on the layout of the [[Temple of Confucius]] at [[Qufu]]. The new academy opened its doors to students and scholars in 1180. It was involved in instruction, the collection and preservation of books, religious sacrifices, the development of curricula, and lectures by famous scholars, including such notable names as [[Lu Jiuyuan]], [[Lü Zuqian]], and later [[Wang Yangming]]. The academy continued to flourish for eight centuries. The rules of the Academy as set down by Zhu Xi had a profound and lasting influence on the subsequent development of [[Confucianism]].
+
In 1179-80, during the [[Southern Song]] dynasty, the academy was rebuilt and expanded by [[Zhu Xi]], later to become the most preeminent of the [[neo-Confucianism|neo-Confucianist]]s. Zhu Xi, who was serving as prefect of Nankang Prefecture (now Nankang City), rebuilt the academy based on the layout of the [[Temple of Confucius]] at [[Qufu]]. The new academy opened its doors to students and scholars in 1180. It was involved in instruction, the collection and preservation of books, religious devotions, the development of curricula, and lectures by famous scholars, including such notable names as [[Lu Jiuyuan]], [[Lü Zuqian]], and later [[Wang Yangming]]. The academy continued to flourish for eight centuries. The rules of the Academy as set down by Zhu Xi had a profound and lasting influence on the subsequent development of [[Confucianism]].
  
 
===Donglin Academy===
 
===Donglin Academy===
The '''Donglin Academy''' (東林書院 ''Dōnglín Shūyuàn''—literally meaning "Eastern Grove Academy"), also known as the '''Guishan Academy''' (龜山書院 ''Guīshān Shūyuàn''), was originally built in A.D. 1111 during the [[Northern Song]] (北宋) dynasty at present-day [[Wuxi]] in [[China]]. It was originally a school where the [[neo-Confucian]] scholar [[Yang Shi]] taught, but later fell into disuse.
+
The '''Donglin Academy''' (東林書院 ''Dōnglín Shūyuàn''—literally meaning "Eastern Grove Academy"), also known as the '''Guishan Academy''' (龜山書院 ''Guīshān Shūyuàn''), was originally built in 1111 during the [[Northern Song]] (北宋) dynasty at present-day [[Wuxi]] in [[China]]. It was originally a school where the [[neo-Confucian]] scholar [[Yang Shi]] taught, but later fell into disuse.  
 
 
In 1604, during the [[Wanli]] era, [[Gu Xiancheng]] (顧憲成 Gù Xiànchéng, (1550-1612), a Ming Grand Secretary, along with [[Gao Panlong]] (高攀龍 Gāo Pānlóng, 1562-1626), a scholar, restored the Donglin Academy on the same site with the financial backing of local gentry and officials. The academy gave its name to the resulting [[Donglin movement]].
 
  
The Donglin Academy can be found at 867, Jiefang Donglu, Wuxi City.
+
In 1604, during the [[Wanli]] era, [[Gu Xiancheng]] (顧憲成 Gù Xiànchéng, (1550-1612 C.E.), a Ming Grand Secretary, along with [[Gao Panlong]] (高攀龍 Gāo Pānlóng, 1562-1626 C.E.), a scholar, restored the Donglin Academy on the same site with the financial backing of local gentry and officials. The academy gave its name to the resulting [[Donglin movement]].
  
 
==List of notable Shuyuan==
 
==List of notable Shuyuan==
Line 84: Line 68:
 
*Songyang Academy
 
*Songyang Academy
 
*Yingtianfu Academy
 
*Yingtianfu Academy
*[[Yuelu Academy]]
+
*Yuelu Academy
*[[White Deer Grotto Academy]]
+
*White Deer Grotto Academy
  
 
Sometimes the Shigu Academy is substituted for the Songyang Academy.
 
Sometimes the Shigu Academy is substituted for the Songyang Academy.
Line 91: Line 75:
 
===The Four Great Academies of the Early Song===
 
===The Four Great Academies of the Early Song===
 
*Shigu Academy
 
*Shigu Academy
*[[Jinshan Academy]]
+
*Jinshan Academy
*[[Yuelu Academy]]
+
*Yuelu Academy
*[[Culai Academy]]
+
*Culai Academy
*[[White Deer Grotto Academy]]
+
*White Deer Grotto Academy
  
 
===The Four Great Academies of the Southern Song===
 
===The Four Great Academies of the Southern Song===
*[[Lize Academy]]
+
*Lize Academy
*[[Xiangshan Academy]]
+
*Xiangshan Academy
 
*Yuelu Academy
 
*Yuelu Academy
 
*White Deer Grotto Academy
 
*White Deer Grotto Academy
Line 109: Line 93:
 
plus
 
plus
 
*Shigu Academy
 
*Shigu Academy
*[[Maoshan Academy]]
+
*Maoshan Academy
  
 
(An alternative list of "Six Great Academies of the Northern Song" contains the same academies in a different order).
 
(An alternative list of "Six Great Academies of the Northern Song" contains the same academies in a different order).
Line 120: Line 104:
 
*Songyang Academy
 
*Songyang Academy
 
*Maoshan Academy
 
*Maoshan Academy
*[[Longmen Academy]]
+
*Longmen Academy
 
*Culai Academy
 
*Culai Academy
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
*[[Donglin Academy]]
+
*[[Confucianism]]
*[[Dongpo Academy]]
+
*[[Imperial Examinations (Keju)]]
 +
*[[Neo-Confucianism]]
 +
*[[Wang Yangming]]
 +
*[[Zhu Xi]]
 +
 
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
*Lee, Thomas H. C. ''Education in Traditional China: A History.'' Leiden: Brill, 2000. ISBN 9004103635
 
*Lee, Thomas H. C. ''Education in Traditional China: A History.'' Leiden: Brill, 2000. ISBN 9004103635
*Preston, Diana, and Diana Preston. ''The Boxer Rebellion: The Dramatic Story of China's War on Foreigners That Shook the World in the Summer of 1900.'' New York: Berkley, 2001. ISBN 0425180840 ISBN 9780425180846
+
*Meskill, John Thomas. ''Academies in Ming China: A Historical Essay.'' Monographs of the Association for Asian Studies, no. 39. Tucson, Ariz: Published for the Association for Asian Studies by the University of Arizona Press, 1982. ISBN 0816507716 ISBN 9780816507719
 +
*Preston, Diana. ''The Boxer Rebellion: The Dramatic Story of China's War on Foreigners That Shook the World in the Summer of 1900.'' New York: Berkley, 2001. ISBN 0425180840 ISBN 9780425180846
 +
*Taga, Akigoro. ''The History of Education in T'ang China: Todai Kyoikushi No Kenkyu.'' Osaka: Osaka Univ, 1985.
 +
*Walton, Linda A. ''Academies and Society in Southern Sung China.'' Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 1999. ISBN 0585321515 ISBN 9780585321516
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 
+
All links retrieved February 5, 2016.
*[http://dm.hnu.net.cn/ Yuelu Academy (Bilingual)]
 
 
*[http://faculty.washington.edu/mkalton/10dia%20ch5%20web.htm Rules of the White Deer Hollow Academy and comments by Korean Confucianist T'oegye]
 
*[http://faculty.washington.edu/mkalton/10dia%20ch5%20web.htm Rules of the White Deer Hollow Academy and comments by Korean Confucianist T'oegye]
 +
*[http://www.wxdlsy.com/eabout.htm Introduction of Donglin Academy]
 +
*[http://wyxy.hunnu.edu.cn/hxwh/renwendili/Yuelu%20Academy%20Modern%20Learning.htm Yuelu Academy: Modern Learning]
  
[[Category:Confucianism]]
+
[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Chinese culture]]
+
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:History of Imperial China]]
 
[[Category:History of education]]
 
[[Category:Chinese philosophy]]
 
  
 
{{credits|Academies_(Shuyuan)|199983648|White_Deer_Grotto_Academy|216300015|Donglin_Academy|198448298|Yuelu_Academy|206961264}}
 
{{credits|Academies_(Shuyuan)|199983648|White_Deer_Grotto_Academy|216300015|Donglin_Academy|198448298|Yuelu_Academy|206961264}}

Revision as of 17:28, 5 February 2016

Yuelu Academy

The Shūyuàn (书院), usually known in English as Academies or Academies of Classical Learning, were private research and educational institutions in ancient China. They were built as early as the eighth century and flourished during the tenth and eleventh centuries with the support of various Emperors. The Shuyuan were not only centers for the compilation and study of classical literature, but were crucial for the development of Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism; notable Confucian thinkers such as Zhu Xi and Wang Yangming developed their ideas and taught at the Shuyuan.

The Shuyuan declined during the Yuan Dynasty (Mongol), but were revived during the Ming and Qing dynasties; some became universities, middle schools, museums, and libraries during the late Qing dynasty. One in particular, the Yuelu Academy, was established in 976 C.E. and still exists today as Hunan University, otherwise known as the "one-thousand-year-old academy."

History

The shuyuan originated in 725 C.E. during the Tang dynasty. They were places where scholars could teach and study the classics, and where books collected from around the country could be preserved. By the late Tang dynasty, private academies had appeared all over China.

During the Northern Song (960-1127 C.E.), many academies were established with government encouragement. Each academy had its own teaching and administrative structure and was economically independent.

The bestowal of a calligraphic signboard by the Emperor was an extremely important symbol of an academy's status during the Northern Song period. The following academies received this honor:

  • 997: Taishi Academy (Songyang Academy), bestowed by the Taizong emperor
  • 1009: Yingtianfu Academy, bestowed by the Zhenzong emperor
  • 1015: Yuelu Academy, bestowed by the Zhenzong emperor
  • 1035: Shigu Academy, bestowed by the Renzong emperor

Besides signboards, emperors also bestowed books. In 977, the Taizong Emperor bestowed on the White Deer Grotto Academy a copy of the Nine Confucian Classics printed by the Guozijian. The Yuelu Academy, the Songyang Academy and other academies also received books from the Emperor on a number of occasions.

However, academies had begun to decline by the twelfth century. The White Deer Grotto Academy, which had fallen into ruin, was rebuilt by the prominent neo-Confucianist Zhu Xi in 1179-80 during the Southern Song dynasty and reopened in 1180. It became an important center of Confucian thought during eight centuries. Zhu Xi himself taught here during the Southern Song as did Wang Yangming during the Ming. As a result of Zhu Xi's efforts, the shuyuan became a permanent feature of Chinese education, taking up major responsibilities of local education.

The system of academies was dismantled under the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty (1271-1368 C.E.) and all academies were placed under government control to become preparatory schools for the Imperial Examinations. However, the system was revived under the Ming (1368-1644 C.E.) and the Qing (1644-1911 C.E.).

In the Ming dynasty, academies devoted to discussing political issues appeared, such as the Donglin Academy, often resulting in political repression. According to one study, 40 percent of the 1239 known Ming academies were built during the Chia-ching era (1522-1566 C.E.).[1] During the Qing dynasty, thousands of academies were created for the purpose of preparing students for the Imperial Examination, although there were still some that functioned as centers of study and research.

The academies were finally abolished under the Hundred Days' Reform in 1898 at the end of the Qing dynasty.

There were more than 7,000 Shuyuan academies recorded. In the late Qing dynasty, some of the Shuyuan became universities, middle schools, public libraries and museums.

In Korea, which also adopted Confucianism, the shuyuan were known as Seowon.

Shuyuan as a modern term

In the late Qing dynasty, schools teaching Western [[science] and technology were established. Many such schools were called Shuyuan in Chinese. Despite the common name, these shuyuan are quite modern in concept and different from traditional academies of classical learning.

Notable Shuyuan

In discussing the shuyuan, it is common to speak of the "Four Great Academies" (四大书院) of ancient China. While the "Four Great Academies" usually refer to the Four Great Academies of the Northern Song, there are a number of variations depending on the source. Sometimes the list is expanded to Six or Eight Great Academies; only the Yuelu Academy appears in every list.

Yuelu Academy

Roof of Yuelu academy

The Yuelu Academy (also as known as the "Yuelu Academy of Classical Learning," Simplified Chinese: 岳麓书院; Traditional Chinese: 嶽麓書院; pinyin: Yuèlǔ Shūyuàn) is located on the east side of Yuelu Mountain in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, China, on the west bank of the Xiang River.

It was founded in 976, the 9th year of the Song Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Kaibao. The Confucian scholars Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi both lectured at the academy.

A sign at the academy

The Academy, which has survived the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, was converted into the Hunan Institute of Higher Learning in 1903. It was later renamed Hunan Normal College, Hunan Public Polytechnic School, and finally Hunan University in 1926.

The Academy has witnessed more than a thousand years of history, so Hunan University is also known as "one-thousand-year-old academy." Today, Hunan university's Chinese language and classical studies department is one of the best research centers for the study of Chinese classics.

White Deer Grotto Academy

An interior courtyard of the White Deer Grotto Academy, August 2005.

The White Deer Grotto Academy (Simplified Chinese: 白鹿洞书院; pinyin: Báilùdòng Shūyuàn, sometimes translated as White Deer Cave Academy or White Deer Hollow Academy) was located at the foot of Wulou Peak in Lushan, now in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province. It was one of the Four Great Academies of China.

The academy was established as a place of learning by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bo (李渤 Lǐ Bó, d. 831 C.E., not to be confused with the more famous Tang poet Li Po or Li Bai) when he was living in retirement. Because Li Bo kept a white deer, he was known as the White Deer Teacher and the school as the White Deer Grotto. Between the years 937—942, when the area was under the control of the Southern Tang, a school was officially established here under the name "Lushan Guoxue" (庐山国学, meaning "Mount Lu National School").

In the early years of the Northern Song dynasty, which began in 960, the Lushan Guoxue was transformed into an academy, known as the White Deer Grotto Academy. The academy was the recipient of imperial favour from the Emperor Taizong (r. 976-997 C.E.), who bestowed on it books and awarded official rank to the academy's head. However, it later fell into disrepair.

In 1179-80, during the Southern Song dynasty, the academy was rebuilt and expanded by Zhu Xi, later to become the most preeminent of the neo-Confucianists. Zhu Xi, who was serving as prefect of Nankang Prefecture (now Nankang City), rebuilt the academy based on the layout of the Temple of Confucius at Qufu. The new academy opened its doors to students and scholars in 1180. It was involved in instruction, the collection and preservation of books, religious devotions, the development of curricula, and lectures by famous scholars, including such notable names as Lu Jiuyuan, Lü Zuqian, and later Wang Yangming. The academy continued to flourish for eight centuries. The rules of the Academy as set down by Zhu Xi had a profound and lasting influence on the subsequent development of Confucianism.

Donglin Academy

The Donglin Academy (東林書院 Dōnglín Shūyuàn—literally meaning "Eastern Grove Academy"), also known as the Guishan Academy (龜山書院 Guīshān Shūyuàn), was originally built in 1111 during the Northern Song (北宋) dynasty at present-day Wuxi in China. It was originally a school where the neo-Confucian scholar Yang Shi taught, but later fell into disuse.

In 1604, during the Wanli era, Gu Xiancheng (顧憲成 Gù Xiànchéng, (1550-1612 C.E.), a Ming Grand Secretary, along with Gao Panlong (高攀龍 Gāo Pānlóng, 1562-1626 C.E.), a scholar, restored the Donglin Academy on the same site with the financial backing of local gentry and officials. The academy gave its name to the resulting Donglin movement.

List of notable Shuyuan

The Four Great Academies

Also known as the Four Great Academies of the Northern Song or the Four Northern Song Academies.

  • Songyang Academy
  • Yingtianfu Academy
  • Yuelu Academy
  • White Deer Grotto Academy

Sometimes the Shigu Academy is substituted for the Songyang Academy.

The Four Great Academies of the Early Song

  • Shigu Academy
  • Jinshan Academy
  • Yuelu Academy
  • Culai Academy
  • White Deer Grotto Academy

The Four Great Academies of the Southern Song

  • Lize Academy
  • Xiangshan Academy
  • Yuelu Academy
  • White Deer Grotto Academy

The Six Great Academies

  • Songyang Academy
  • Yingtianfu Academy
  • Yuelu Academy
  • White Deer Grotto Academy

plus

  • Shigu Academy
  • Maoshan Academy

(An alternative list of "Six Great Academies of the Northern Song" contains the same academies in a different order).

The Eight Great Academies of the Northern Song

  • Shigu Academy
  • Yingtianfu Academy
  • Yuelu Academy
  • White Deer Grotto Academy
  • Songyang Academy
  • Maoshan Academy
  • Longmen Academy
  • Culai Academy

See also

Notes

  1. Thomas H. C. Lee, Education in Traditional China: A History (Leiden: Brill, 2000, ISBN 9004103635), 100.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Lee, Thomas H. C. Education in Traditional China: A History. Leiden: Brill, 2000. ISBN 9004103635
  • Meskill, John Thomas. Academies in Ming China: A Historical Essay. Monographs of the Association for Asian Studies, no. 39. Tucson, Ariz: Published for the Association for Asian Studies by the University of Arizona Press, 1982. ISBN 0816507716 ISBN 9780816507719
  • Preston, Diana. The Boxer Rebellion: The Dramatic Story of China's War on Foreigners That Shook the World in the Summer of 1900. New York: Berkley, 2001. ISBN 0425180840 ISBN 9780425180846
  • Taga, Akigoro. The History of Education in T'ang China: Todai Kyoikushi No Kenkyu. Osaka: Osaka Univ, 1985.
  • Walton, Linda A. Academies and Society in Southern Sung China. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 1999. ISBN 0585321515 ISBN 9780585321516

External links

All links retrieved February 5, 2016.

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