《孝友齐家大舜(英文版)》讲述了大舜孝顺父母、友爱弟弟,虽屡遭陷害,却不改善良本性,*后被尧选中,成为贤明君主的故事。这本绘本通过讲述舜孝顺父母、以德报怨的品质,告诉大家中华民族的传统美德孝的力量。
Great Shun tells the story of Shun. He was filial to his parents and friendly to his brother, though he was ill-treated by his family members, he never changed his good nature. He was later chosen as the successor of Yao and became a wise king. This picture book shows the power of filial piety through Shuns story.
Mencius has observed, That whereby man differs from the lower animals
is but scarce 希, xi. Zhu Xi has noted that this remark means there
are very few differences between humans and animals. But I think that xi
in this remark perhaps also covers the meaning rare and uncommon.
As a kind of animals, humans naturally have very few differences from
other animals, but these tiny differences indeed matter and are therefore
valuable.
Then, what are our differences from animals or advantages over them?
In my opinion, humans are superior to animals not because our teeth
or hands are more capable, our bodies are stronger and more sophisticated,
not because we run faster, have more brilliant dwellings or eat
more exquisite food. We are differentiated from animals mainly because
we are morally advanced, which is represented in Mencius four terms,
including sympathy, sense of shame, courtesy and a clear mind to distinguish
between right and wrong.
Xiushen 修身, cultivation of ones moral self, as our ancestors kept
stressing, is to maintain and promote such differences, so that we would
not abandon the few advantages endowed by Heaven or obtained
through evolution and backslide into a barbaric status. Xiushen is the key
to self-cultivation through pursuit of knowledge and rectification of mind,
and to the regulation of families, states and the world.
Xiushen, therefore, is to cultivate an indestructible spirit. Though it
sounds illusory, there are innumerable ways of practicing such cultivation.
In the long history of China, numerable sages have set up examples
for us to cultivate ourselves. Despite the vast diversity of their paths of
life and achievements, they all show us, through their spiritual struggles,
their splendid personalities and the glory of human nature.
Todays society is very different from the past, marked by changing
environment and faster pace of life. For this reason, we should be more
consistently and diligently cultivating ourselves, so that we can stay true
and firm to our aspirations.
We wish that this series of picturebooks would offer children a
glimpse into ancient sages noble character, self-discipline and social
commitment. Perhaps, a worthy life of constant self-improvement could
start from these books.