XIAN LI

SELF PLANTING OF SPIRITUAL ROOTS: CHINESE PHILOSOPHY AND CHINESE IN THE WORLD (BOOK REVIEW)

Introduction

Self planting of spiritual roots: chinese philosophy and chinese in the world (book review). Explore the book "Self Planting of Spiritual Roots: Chinese Philosophy and Chinese in the World," edited by Li and Xiao. A review on global Chinese thought.

Abstract

Self planting of Spiritual Roots: Chinese Philosophy and Chinese in the World 灵根自植 中国哲学与世界华人 ). Edited by Chenyang Li and Hong Xiao. Singapore: Confucius Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 2019. 430 Pp.

Review

*Self planting of Spiritual Roots: Chinese Philosophy and Chinese in the World*, edited by Chenyang Li and Hong Xiao, emerges as a significant volume from the Confucius Institute at Nanyang Technological University. Published in 2019 and spanning 430 pages, the book’s intriguing title immediately signals an ambitious exploration into the nexus of philosophical tradition and contemporary identity. The phrase "Self planting of Spiritual Roots" evokes a sense of agency and deliberate cultivation, suggesting an internal process by which individuals or communities—specifically the global Chinese diaspora—engage with and re-embed themselves in their philosophical heritage. This premise positions the work at the forefront of discussions concerning cultural transmission, ethnic identity, and the enduring relevance of Chinese thought in an increasingly interconnected world. Given its title and the esteemed editors, the volume likely offers a multifaceted examination of how Chinese philosophy informs the experiences and self-understanding of Chinese people worldwide. Readers can anticipate contributions that delve into various schools of Chinese thought—Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, among others—and analyze their practical implications for modern challenges, ethical dilemmas, and cultural adaptation outside mainland China. The scope promises to be broad, potentially encompassing historical analyses of philosophical migration, sociological studies of diaspora communities, and theoretical frameworks for understanding identity formation. The target audience would undoubtedly include scholars of Chinese philosophy, cultural studies, diaspora studies, and anyone interested in the complex interplay between cultural roots and global contemporary life. While the absence of specific chapter details precludes an assessment of its content, the very premise of *Self planting of Spiritual Roots* positions it as a timely and vital contribution to ongoing academic and public dialogues. The editors, Chenyang Li and Hong Xiao, bring scholarly authority to a topic of profound contemporary relevance. This collection, published by an institution deeply committed to promoting Chinese culture and thought, holds the potential to illuminate the intricate ways in which individuals and communities navigate their heritage in a globalized context, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural continuity and transformation. It promises to be a valuable resource for enriching academic discourse and encouraging self-reflection among the global Chinese community.

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