The lineage of academic thought in academies is considered more advanced because it focuses on the transmission of academic spirit rather than a specific individual. Unlike Buddhist monasteries, which rely on the selection of a specific successor to carry on the Dharma lineage, academies emphasize the inheritance of scholarly ideas and spirit, allowing for greater intellectual freedom and innovation.
The concept of 'spiritual ignition' in academies highlights the importance of inspiring and enlightening students intellectually rather than focusing on personal relationships or hierarchical structures. It emphasizes the transmission of academic ideas and the encouragement of individual interpretation and development, fostering a dynamic and evolving scholarly environment.
Confucius's teachings, such as '三人行则必有我师' (Among any three people, there is always one who can be my teacher), promoted the idea that anyone can be a teacher and that students can surpass their teachers. This philosophy encouraged Confucian scholars to adopt a more open and inclusive approach to teacher-student relationships, valuing intellectual growth and the potential for students to develop and even correct their teachers' ideas.
During the Southern Song Dynasty, the main schools of thought taught in academies were Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism (朱学), Lu Jiuyuan's School of the Mind (陆学), and the practical philosophy of Zhejiang (浙学). These schools reflected the dominant intellectual trends of the time, with Zhu Xi's teachings focusing on moral principles, Lu Jiuyuan's emphasizing the mind and intuition, and Zhejiang's philosophy advocating for practical and utilitarian approaches to governance and society.
During the Qing Dynasty, academies shifted towards a return to classical studies and a rejection of metaphysical discussions. They emphasized the study of Han learning and practical knowledge, moving away from the abstract and spiritual debates that characterized earlier periods. This change reflected the broader intellectual trend of the time, which favored empirical and historical studies over speculative philosophy.