청 왕조의 통치 전략과 ‘사서’의 만주어 번역

Abstract

Emperor Wu of Han recognized Confucianism as the only valid school among the Hundred Schools of Thought. Afterward, Confucianism became the foundation of China’s systems, laws, order, civilization, and culture. The Manchu rulers of the Qing dynasty, after seizing power in China, followed the same path. From the early stages of the dynasty, the Qing emphasized orthodox Zhu Xi Confucianism and positioned themselves as protectors of Confucianism. Even during the reigns of the Qing’s Taizu(努爾合赤) and Taizong(皇太極), which were marked by severe conflict with the Ming dynasty, they actively embraced Han Chinese traditional culture and governance experience. Emperor Taizong, also known as Huang Taiji, established Confucian norms as the standard for educating his offspring. He personally studied the Confucian classics. After the Qing entered China proper, Confucianism gained even greater importance. Many Confucian texts were translated into Manchu and widely distributed. The study of Confucian scriptures was emphasized. During the Qing dynasty, Confucian texts became the model for governance, the foundation of administration, and a path to career advancement. Emperor Shunzhi(順治) proclaimed, “As the world gradually stabilizes, I shall promote literature and education, and through the veneration of Confucian writings, usher in an era of peace and prosperity.” He thus advocated for the importance of scholarship and education as the means to build a peaceful world. Emperor Kangxi(康熙) declared that he would “revere Confucianism, emphasize the Dao, and advance culture and education by examining the practices of the past.” Kangxi devoted efforts to promoting Confucian ideology, preserving traditional culture, and recruiting Confucian scholars. He held discussions with scholars through various formats, including ‘regular study sessions’ and ‘daily lectures’. The Confucian classics were translated into Manchu and used as teaching materials. The emperor and officials discussed ways to govern the country using the Four Books(四書). The Confucian texts that Kangxi studied were later published under titles such as The Collected Interpretations of the Four Books (日講四書解義), The Collected Interpretations of the Book of Documents (日講書經解義), and The Collected Interpretations of the Book of Changes (日講易經解義), with Kangxi himself writing the prefaces. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the foundations of the Qing’s rule became more solid, and the economy flourished. With the stability of the state, there was greater focus on the study of Confucianism. Qianlong(乾隆) took steps to revitalize the Manchu language and ordered the retranslation of Confucian classics. Works such as the Four Books, the Book of Documents, the Book of Changes, the Book of Songs, the Rites of Zhou, the Book of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn Annals were meticulously translated into Manchu and published at the Wuying Hall(武英殿). The Four Books served as a reference for state governance in Qing China. They were the study materials for imperial lectures and the examination syllabus for Confucian scholars. The Manchu language used in the Manchu Four Books—which the emperor and scholars scrutinized—became the standard form of the language. The Four Books were, without doubt, the most critical texts for the administration of the Qing state and its development.