中国佛教文化大观︱A GRAND EXPOSITION OFCHINESE CULTURE SERIES GENERAL PREFACE

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A GRAND EXPOSITION OFCHINESE CULTURE SERIES GENERAL PREFACE

Half a century ago a sage full of misgivings asked: “Whither is the fine spirit of Chinese culture going?” When we recall his question today,we feel the same bewilderment. The condition of the country is daily changing, and the world is in a constant flux. In the context of contemporary world culture, that of the Chinese nation is being transformed under the impact of foreign cultures and in the fusion of eastern and western cultures. It is a matter of no small importance that our Chinese culture should acquire a new life and yet preserve and develop its fine spirit for good and all. 　As to culture,it is the light to the soul of the nation. Sublime and uplifting art and literature, the magnanimous and tolerant philosophical temper, the everlasting national spirit, the all-embracing and eclectic attitude of culture—all this is the essence of the Chinese national ethos. The nature of Chinese culture stresses the fusion of different schools of thought,aiming at the formation of the ideal character and the propagation of national culture. Thus says The Book of Changes:“The heavens move steadily,and the good man never ceases to perfect himself. ”Confucius says: “The superior man is affable, but not adulatory; the mean is adulatory,but not affable. ”Mencius says:“I will build up my manly spirit.” To understand the meaning of a statement we must know the man who makes it. It is man who affects the growth or decline of the spirit of culture as well as the prosperity or decay of a nation. In view of this, I consider the roots of culture to be found in man. The creation of culture is going on every day and is ever renewing,showing an infinite variety and aiming at the highest perfection. Consequently we attach great importance to the scruting and appreciation of the treasures of our culture in an attempt to remould the aesthetic taste of the Chinese people and propagate the best heritage of our national culture. Hence the Grand Exposition Series, to be presented to people of a Chinese origin as well as friends and colleagues. 　“A Grand Exposition” implies the multifarious veriety and the all-embracing range of our cultural treasures on exhibition. Some books in this series deal with philological evidence, tracing the origin of our ancient civilization in theearly forms of Chinese characters;others are travel books and geographical accounts of cultural sites and scenic spots;still others are descriptions of cave paintings and sculptures and subterranean royal tombs. There are also books of art history, social history, philosophy, and what not. Each volume in the series contains over a million words and more than a hundred illustrations. Each volume presents a broad vista,a fresh approach,and a wealth of material; and each is written in a lively style, and is in a exquisite binding. The series survey all aspects of Chinese culture in an expert way so that they can serve as scholarly works,reference books,collecters'pieces,etc. 　The series are made possible by the joint support and united collaboration of our whole staff. We extend to all our heartfelt thanks. 　As the present century is drawing near its end,we look expectantly into the future.We sincerely hope that our readers at home and abroad will support our efforts to rejuvenate and glorify the everlasting culture of the Chinese people. Jiang Rong 　Peking University Spring,1990