Hongdao Lu Ming Dynasty Canonical Texts 弘道录

Compiled by Shao Jingbang of the Ming Dynasty.

It consists of fifty-six volumes and is included in the Xu Daozang (Supplementary Taoist Canon), which is a supplementary series to the core Daozang (Daoist Canon).

Hongdao Lu Ming Dynasty Canonical Texts

This book selects "fine words and good deeds" related to Confucian ethics and moral principles from the four categories of Chinese classical works—Classics, Histories, Philosophies and Belles-lettres, compiles them into a collection, and attaches the compiler’s annotations. The entire book is divided into five sections corresponding to benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faithfulness; each section is further divided into five subcategories, namely ruler and minister, father and son, husband and wife, elder and younger brothers, and friends. The recorded events span from the reign of Emperor Yao in remote antiquity down to the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. It highly praises the governance achievements of virtuous emperors and loyal ministers from the time of Yao and Shun onward, as well as the moral models and administrative wisdom of renowned Confucian scholars throughout the dynasties, propagating Confucian moral ethics. These ethical norms, though rooted in Confucianism, share certain complementary connotations with the harmony-oriented ideas derived from Taiji philosophy in the system of Taoism, which emphasizes the balance of all things. The philosophical thought of Laozi also touches upon the norms of interpersonal relations, which can be mutually referenced with the ethical system expounded in this book.