Zhu's Notes on Four Books is one of the important works of ancient Confucian classics in China. Chapter Sentence of University is a comment on the article "University" in The Book of Rites, which mainly emphasizes the relationship between personal cultivation and social governance, and puts forward eight items: discipline, knowledge, honesty, self-cultivation, keeping the family in order, governing the country and leveling the world.
The Doctrine of the Mean is a comment on The Doctrine of the Mean. This paper mainly expounds the doctrine of the mean, emphasizes the importance of the doctrine of the mean, moderation and timeliness, and puts forward five steps: erudition, interrogation, deliberation, discernment and perseverance.
Annotation on the Analects of Confucius is a commentary on the Analects of Confucius, which mainly expounds Confucius' thoughts and words and deeds, emphasizing the core concepts of Confucianism such as benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom and faithfulness, as well as the differences between personality concepts such as gentlemen and villains. Notes on Mencius is a comment on Mencius, which mainly expounds Mencius' thoughts, words and deeds, emphasizes the view that human nature is good, and the importance of political thoughts such as benevolent governance and kingliness.
Characteristics of Zhu's Notes on Four Books;
1. Integration of hundred schools of thought: Zhu integrated Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and hundred schools of thought in the Notes on Four Books, forming a unique neo-Confucianism system. Taking Confucianism as the main line and drawing lessons from other schools, he made a new interpretation and development of Confucian classics, making the Notes on Four Books one of the important representatives of Neo-Confucianism.
2. Pay attention to practice: Zhu emphasized the importance of practice in the Notes to Four Books and put forward the viewpoint of "integration of knowledge and practice". He believes that only through practice can we truly understand the connotation of Confucian classics and apply them to daily life. Therefore, he pays attention to explaining the practical significance of classics in his notes and guides readers to experience the true meaning of Confucianism through practice.
3. Annotations are simple and easy to understand: Zhu's Annotations to Four Books are simple and easy to understand, and Confucian classics are easy to understand. His annotations not only focus on explaining the connotation of classics, but also on explaining the language and cultural background of classics, so that readers can better understand the meaning of classics. In addition, he also uses charts, notes and other forms to help readers better understand the connotation of classics.