Through the long history of China, our forefathers have accumulated much of their experiences and lessons learnt in the form of books.
The noble intention for their efforts is for these knowledge, experiences and lessons to be passed on to future generations so that they can benefit from them and not make the mistakes of the past.
These books form the backbone of our Chinese culture and also define how a Chinese conducts himself in his daily course of life. At the end of Southern Song Dynasty, 13 of these books are recognized by all to be the definitive texts and the essence of our Chinese culture. These 13 texts are then given the title of ‘classics’.
These 13 classics help to shape and mould the thinking of future generations, influence our lifestyles, behavior and attitudes. In order to understand the Chinese perspective from the different eras, you have to understand the messages that these classics are trying to deliver.
So which of these 13 classics are chosen to define the history of China as a nation and a race?
中國數千年歷史來累積流傳的經典典籍浩如煙海 – 這也行成了中國傳下來的國學。
國學的主幹處了包含了儒，釋，道三家的學問，也包括建築，文學，醫學，藝術，戲劇，音樂，武術，菜肴，民俗等為枝葉的傳統中國文化體系。從此可看的出中國國學是一個膀大的體系而從中蓋括了一個人的生命中不同的領域。
國學的精華乃經。在南宋時，國學的精華得到了各方的肯定型成了“十三經”。要了解和研究中國封建社會的方方面面，不能不閱讀《十三經》。
