LIFE OF CHOO-FOO-TSZE.

An ornamental typographical divider consisting of a central leaf motif with symmetrical horizontal flourishes and scrolls.

The writings of Choo-tsze Zhu Xi, 1130–1200 AD, the most influential Neo-Confucian philosopher come next to the Classics in the opinion of the Chinese. “As regards the learning of Confucius, Choo alone,” say the Chinese historians, “fully comprehended its true import; and has transmitted it to future generations so perfect and immaculate, that were Confucius himself, or any of the ancient Sages to come back to life, they would not alter what he has written.”¹ “In discussing the meaning of Spirits and Gods original: "鬼 神 Kwei Shin"; refers to the dual nature of spiritual beings or ancestral forces,” says Dr. Medhurst, “we shall be greatly aided by the analyzation of a treatise on the subject by Master Zhu original: "朱 夫 子 Choo-foo-tsze", the learned commentator on the Four Books, and the elucidator of the five Classics, who, by fixing the sense of the standard writings of the Chinese, has created, as it were the mind of China, and established a system from which all subsequent writers have borrowed, and according to which all modern essayists must be conformed, or they cannot succeed at the literary examinations, through which alone distinction and power can be attained. The opinions of Choo-foo-tsze, therefore, constitute the orthodoxy of China, and all who differ from him are considered heterodox, insomuch that some modern writers, who have dared to dissent from his views, have not only failed in obtaining office, but have also been prevented, through fear of persecution, from publishing their lucubrations laborious studies or writings.”²

This philosopher flourished during the Sung Dynasty 960–1279 AD, a period of great cultural and intellectual achievement. He was born A. D. 1130, in the reign of Kaou-tsung at Hwuy-chow, in the province of Ngan-hwuy; and died A. D. 1201 at the age of 71. His father was a Member of the Board of Office. It is related that when Choo-tsze was only four years of age, his father, pointing to the sky, pronounced the word “Heaven,” whereupon the child, to the father’s astonishment, asked the question, “What is there above it?” At eight years of age he mastered

1. Chinese Repository Vol. xviii, p. 204.                      2. Theology of the Chinese, p. 162.