Book on Yangmingism debuts in Guizhou

A new book on Yangmingism is released in Guizhou's Xiuwen county. [Photo by Lin Jian/provided to eguizhou.gov.cn]

A new book called "心学的诞生" (the birth of Yangmingism) was released in Yangming cave – the birth place of Yangmingism – in Xiuwen county in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, on Feb 20.

The book tells the story of neo-Confucian philosopher, Wang Yangming (1472-1529), who developed the philosophical theory of Yangmingism and began preaching it in Guizhou.

In the spring of 1508, Wang Yangming arrived in Xiuwen's Longchang where he became enlightened. In his second year in Guizhou, Wang Yangming started to give lectures on the main tenet of Yangmingism, which is "to regard inner knowledge and exterior actions as one", at Guiyang's Wenming Academy.

Starting in Guiyang, Yangmingism was soon spread across the country, and has gained influence in the Korean Peninsula and Japan since the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).

Li Bo, author of the book, said that Yangmingism provides wisdom, promotes the realization of worldly ideals, and helps people liberate their souls. Li hopes that the book allows readers to learn about Wang Yangming, and that it raises interest in Yangmingism.

As early as 2020, Guizhou province opened a tourist route based around the essentials of Yangming culture, the historical changes in the province, and its rich culture and tourism resources.