Classics Preservation
Classics Preservation
Let scattered candlelight converge into the light of the world
Classics Preservation Project
Our understanding of "classics preservation" is not about leaving books in libraries, but about bringing wisdom into human hearts.
Why It Matters
A Civilization's Light Source Belongs Beyond the Display Case
Preserved within classical Asian languages are over two hundred thousand high-quality texts. They discuss in profound depth how to live a good life, and how to build truly sustainable endeavors and organizations. This “actionable wisdom” is precisely the light we hope to rekindle.
The classics are not about nostalgia; they are the "deep underlying cause."
Through a new “Silk Road,” the project aims to present to the world the deep underlying causes behind the prosperity of civilizations, while cultivating individuals who are deeply versed in ancient classics wisdom, capable of bringing “soft power” to the world, and dedicated to serving it.
How We Make the Classics "Actionable Again"
From "Observing" to "Entering": Returning the Classics to an Actionable Path
Throughout the project’s progression, we constantly remind ourselves: severing Dunhuang’s wisdom from the real world—including business and organizational innovation—is an easy yet catastrophic mistake to make. The classics must return to a trajectory where they can be actively applied and can catalyze sustainable innovation.
Cataloging: Offering Future Learners a "Map to Wisdom"
Cataloging goes beyond merely verifying the “identity profile” of each classics text; it requires determining its optimal placement within the entire archival system to form a structure searchable by future generations via a “logical tree.” More importantly, when someone’s interest in the classics is sparked by the caves, the fruits of this cataloging will serve as the “map” for their journey into deeper learning.
The Classics and the Contemporary
Solving Not for Knowledge, But for Capability
Translating the Classics into Three Core Capabilities
1
Comprehension
The capability to comprehend and discern, knowing exactly where a specific teaching fits within the overarching system.
2
Practice
The capability to ground methodologies into daily training—rendering the mind steadier, clearer, and more inherently creative.
3
Transmission
The capability to bring the “soft power” of the classics into organizations, communities, and the wider world—translated through modern language and adapted for contemporary scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main focus of your "Dunhuang Classics" work?
We focus on three things: expert dialogues to broaden horizons, translation and commentary to lower barriers, and diamond mining to turn ancient texts into practical capabilities. Our goal is to make classics a usable and transmissible wisdom system.
Q2: Why focus on translating works like Master Kamalashila's commentaries?
When learners want to dive deep, they need reliable paths rather than blind enthusiasm. Through Geshe Michael Roach’s translations and Teacher Stanley Chen’s course guidance, these texts serve as stable maps for applying wisdom in modern life.
Q3: Are the classics truly relevant to contemporary life and career pursuits?
Absolutely. The project specifically emphasizes that isolating Dunhuang’s wisdom from business and organizational innovation traps the classics at a mere “exhibition level.” What we must do is return the classics to a trajectory that fuels continuous innovation and long-term prosperity.
Q4: I am not a researcher or scholar, can I still participate?
Absolutely. You can start by joining our courses and experiential programs, or contribute your professional skills in areas such as content creation, communication, design, media, translation support, data organization, and volunteering.