"Keys to Composition of Meanings" is a classic literary theory written by Ni Shiyi, a scholar in the Yuan Dynasty. Although it is only one volume, it can be regarded as the general outline of the ancient "composition of classics and meanings" and is known as a guiding light for scholars to "break down the topic and understand the reason".
At that time, the weight of the imperial examinations was based on the "text of classics and meanings", and the text must be reasonable, powerful and energetic. The opening chapter of "Essentials of Composition of Meanings" states: "The first thing is to understand the truth thoroughly, the second thing is to understand the purpose of the text, and the third thing is to understand the general principles of regulating chaos and safety in ancient and modern times." These few words directly hit the soul of the article on the meaning of the scriptures - the intention is lofty, the reason is clear in the heart, and the text is to convey the doctrine. Ni Shiyi emphasized that the beauty of an article lies not in the gorgeous rhetoric, but in the subtlety of the mind: if the intention is unattainable, it will be empty; if it is new but has no basis, it will fall into weirdness. Only by understanding the principles and scriptures can we achieve the state of "seeing the Tao in the text and feeling in the principles".
The book not only teaches people how to deal with the examination room, but also teaches people how to establish themselves and study. It integrates "righteousness" and "current situation", and connects the interpretation of scriptures with the way of governing the world. When reading, you can see not only the majestic literary spirit, but also the enlightenment of the mind.
"Keys to Composition" is both a writing guide and an ideological enlightenment book. It makes people understand that a real article is not a pile of words, but a way to explore the truth through words and illuminate people's hearts with reason.
