Cultivate the Body and Nourish the Spirit

Drawing on Chinese cultural traditions, this book distills eight guiding principles related to self-cultivation: finding joy in poverty and delight in the Way, honoring teachers and valuing education, never tiring of learning, reflecting on oneself and making a fresh start, taking discipline as one’s teacher, showing compassion and helping the world, not coveting fame or profit, and realizing the innate truth of the Dharma. It brings these eight principles together under the theme of self-cultivation. By uncovering the valuable cultural heritage of self-cultivation in historical texts, the book explores how education that cultivates both virtue and talent can be given relevance in our time, and presents the rich historical and humanistic meaning of self-cultivation to readers. It holds timely and far-reaching significance for carrying forward the traditional Chinese spirit of self-cultivation and introspection. The book takes a distinctive approach, addresses representative topics, and is written in clear, accessible language with graceful, flowing prose. It is an excellent introduction to culture for general readers.