Lecture Garden

　　Fang Xuejian (active around the year 1600), courtesy name Daqing and style name Ben’an, was the father of Fang Dazhen, a renowned Neo-Confucian scholar during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, and the great-grandfather of Fang Yizhi, a celebrated historical figure. From a young age, Fang Xuejian was exceptionally intelligent and capable of writing essays by the age of 10. As he grew older, he devoted himself to the study of the mind and elucidated the meanings of classical texts. Later, through interactions with various scholars, his learning became increasingly refined and his reputation grew. For over twenty years, he served as the leading scholar among commoners, lecturing in the areas between Tongchuan and Qiupu, and establishing the Tongchuan Guild Hall, attracting hundreds of disciples. Known for his philanthropy and kindness, he passed away at the age of 75. Scholars posthumously honored him with the title “Master Mingshan” and he was enshrined in the “Local Worthies Shrine.” His surviving works include 65 volumes such as “Nearby Teachings,” “The School of the Mind,” and “Manuscripts from the Chongben Hall.”