Scholars from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Fuzhou to discuss -The Complete Works of Zhengyi Tang·Yang Guishan Collection-

On October 16, an academic seminar titled “The Compilation and Research of ‘The Complete Works of Zhengyi Hall: The Collected Works of Yang Guishan'” took place at the Zhengyi Academy of the Fujian Provincial Library in Fuzhou. The event was organized by the Institute of Confucian Studies at Fujian Normal University and the Research Center for Zhu Xi Studies at Wuyi University, with support from the Fujian Provincial Library.

The seminar brought together nearly 20 experts and scholars from universities and research institutions across both sides of the Taiwan Strait, including National Taiwan University, Chinese Culture University, Shanghai Normal University, the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of History, and the Research Center for Song-Ming Confucianism at Wuyi University.

Yang Shi was a prominent Confucian scholar and educator during the Song Dynasty, acclaimed for bridging the lineage from the philosophical traditions of Lian and Luo to the continuation seen in figures like Luo (Zongyan), Li (Dong), and Kao Ting (Zhu Xi). He is revered as the “Father of Fujian Studies.” This seminar aimed to delve deeply into Yang Shi’s academic thoughts to aid in the exploration, research, and preservation of Fujian’s cultural heritage.

During the seminar, participants engaged in discussions centered around the “Complete Works of Zhengyi Hall: The Collected Works of Yang Guishan.” Scholars such as Zhang Pinduan, Zhu Haoyi, and Jian Yiguang presented topics like “Yang Shi’s Thoughts on the ‘Doctrine of the Mean’ and Their Key Characteristics” and “Research on the Versions and Selections from ‘The Complete Works of Zhengyi Hall: The Collected Works of Yang Guishan’,” facilitating an in-depth exchange of ideas with attendees.

In a setting reminiscent of ancient scholarly gatherings, scholars from both sides of the Strait united at Zhengyi Academy. Through thematic discussions and open dialogues centered on Yang Shi’s academic thoughts, they fostered cultural exchange, with the outcomes of the meeting to be compiled into a dedicated collection of papers.

The organizers highlighted that the seminar aimed to enhance collaboration and communication among scholars from both sides of the Strait, to further uncover the contemporary relevance of Yang Shi’s academic ideas, and to promote the creative transformation and innovative development of outstanding Chinese traditional culture.