The Squires And Local Charities In Late Ming Dynasty

Chen Longzheng is a well-known philanthropist in Late Ming. The chaotic political situation and frequent natural disasters in late Ming increase the people's survival. In particular, Chongzhen disaster almost every year, everywhere is a bust of depression. This position even appear in south of Yangtze River which is rich. Many victims fall into dilemma, while the official relief has become increasingly weak. So there are many squires such as Chen in Late Ming. The groups are active in the local. Different from the official relief, the local relief became popular in south of Yangtze River. Chen makes a great achievement in Jiashan when he is homebound or retirement, he saved a large number of people in distress directly and effectively. Therefore, this article attempts to focus on Chen's charity in his hometown as an example to explore the squires and local charity relationship in late Ming.The main article divides into four parts to discuss.The first part mainly introduces Chen and his charity ideas. Introduce Chen's life and the lives of the background briefing. Generalize the origin and features of his charity ideas.The second part mainly introduces the practice of Chen's organization charity. Through the feature of consanguinity and geographical in his charity, there are divided into three concentric circles which are extending outward region. And introduce the specific initiatives in each region.The third part focuses on Chen's enlightenment and practice of charity. Introduce his enlightenment which is run through his charity practice. And he carried out it in TongShan organization's lectures.The fourth part focuses on the attitude in philanthropy of Jiashan's squires. Morality book and Gongguoge were very popular in south of Yangtze River. Introduce the squires' attitude of them. Chen and other squires' common and difference in Buddhism and Buddhist charity fangsheng organization.Their attitude in Chen Longzheng's charitable ideas and activities.