The Legacy of Integrity and Frugality:Tracing the Origins and Progression of Sima Guang's Family Background and Family Tradition
Integrity and frugality are the core values championed by Sima Guang in establishing a virtuous family tradition. This article,using epitaphs and biographies written by Song Dynasty scholars,along with the extant genealogy of the Sima fami-ly,as primary historical materials,conducts a systematic examination of the origins and development of the Sima Guang family's heritage and traditions to offer an in-depth exploration of the ideological roots behind Sima Guang's theories on family tradition building. The Sima family,which derived its surname from an official title,traces its origins to Cheng Boxiufu at the end of the Western Zhou period. After the Eastern Zhou Dynasty,the Sima family split into three branches. Sima Guang's lineage descend-ed from the "Henei Sima family" that migrated to the Zhao State and venerates Sima Fu,the Anping Prince of Jin,as their pro-genitor. Around the Northern Wei Period,the family relocated to Sushui Township in Xia County. Over the ensuing four to five hundred years,they lived modestly before experiencing a resurgence during the Song Dynasty. Throughout its development,the family cultivated values such as integrity and righteousness,virtue and frugality,dedication to agriculture,and living harmonious-ly under one roof. These values became the precious spiritual heritage inherited by Sima Guang and his descendants,who were re-garded as "sons of gentlemen".
Sima Guangfamily historyfamily traditionideological foundation
万方数据
