The Influence of Chen Baisha's Concept of Neo-Confucianism on Social Edification

Confucian scholars attach great importance to social edification, and this concept is particularly prominent in Chen Baisha, a Ming dynasty Neo-Confucianist. As a key figure in the transformation of Ming Dynasty Neo Confucianism to mind philosophy, Chen Baisha adhered to the spirit of guiding the people toward goodness and devoted his whole life to social edification. He not only emphasized the virtuous view of "sincerity", but also set a good example by influencing his disciples through edification methods such as poetry, calligraphy, music, etc. He focused filial piety and fraternal duty in edification, as well as the cultivation of various virtues, including forbearance, tolerance, industriousness, thriftiness, loyalty, and trust. Furthermore, he advocated establish a culture of edification through reading and understanding, in which the family and the nation were one. Chen Baisha's social edification practice is rich in mind philosophy and the spiritual temperament of personal practice. Along with Chen Baisha's growing social reputation, the people of Lingnan as well as many officials were deeply influenced by Chen Baisha's Neo Confucianism edification.