For thousands of years, China has used an education of moral ethics, virtue, causality, and sage teachings to establish the country, imparting benevolence, honor, and moral virtues from one generation to the next. Throughout the generations, the teaching syllabus has been the Five Cardinal Relationships, the Five Constant Virtues, the Four Anchors, and the Eight Virtues.

Traditional Chinese culture stems from the firm foundation of “the loving relationship between parent and child”. It is natural for parents to love their children, particularly a mother’s painstaking care for her three- or four-month old infant. Although a child may not be able to speak, their love for mother is apparent from the expression of their eyes and body language, which exemplifies the loving relationship between parent and child. This is the origin of traditional Chinese education.

What is the objective of education? First, to preserve this love so it never changes. Second, to extend this sincere love to siblings, relatives, friends, and the wider community. To the extent of “loving all beings” including all animals, plants, the natural environment, and the whole universe. This is the traditional education of China.

Thus, the traditional education of China is always about harmony and altruism without self-interest.

The opening phrases of The Three Character Classic embody the guiding principle behind generations of China’s traditional education.

The first phrase states: “Human beings are born with innate goodness and purity.” From the outset, those involved in education must believe that people are innately pure. In other words, people can be taught to return to their innate goodness.

Why is education essential? “Although we are born with a similar nature, acquired habits set us apart. Without education, human nature degenerates.” Although human nature is innately pure, in the absence of proper teaching, we gradually develop improper habits with age. Education thus aims to restore our innate nature.

How to go about teaching? “The proper way of teaching is to emphasise focused learning.” Our forefathers explained “focused learning” as “specialising in one subject over a long period of time, and to realise the meaning of a book by reading it a thousand times.” It is about restoring a pure mind and being single-mindedly concentrated. When learning the teachings of the sages, it is unfeasible to study more than one course or subject as one becomes distracted. Only a true mind can be in accordance with true wisdom. Therefore, studying by having a sincere, pure, and respectful mind, the meaning will naturally be uncovered.