Confucian Temple Reform in the Mid-Ming: A Study of the Theoretical Positions Advanced by Cheng Minzheng and Zhang Cong
Vol. 47 No.1 3/2017
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Title |
Confucian Temple Reform in the Mid-Ming: A Study of the Theoretical Positions Advanced by Cheng Minzheng and Zhang Cong |
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Author |
Ho Wei-hsuan |
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Genre |
Article |
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Pages |
45-84 |
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Download |
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Language |
Chinese |
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Key words |
Cheng Minzheng, Zhang Cong, Confucian temple (Kongmiao), canonization, the Great Ritual Controversy |
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Abstract |
In 1530, Prime Minister Zhang Cong 張璁 (1475-1539) implemented several innovations regarding the forms and systems used in the Confucian temple (kongmiao 孔廟). However, many of these ideas had earlier been proposed by Cheng Minzheng 程敏政 (1445-1499) in 1488. At that time, Cheng suggested that the canonization list in the Confucian temple needed to be revised, and that the Qisheng Temple had to be expanded. Since Zhang Cong later chose to execute Cheng’s proposals, it is necessary to investigate meticulously the memorial where Cheng advanced the blueprint for these reforms, and to delineate the differences between the two men’s aims. This article demonstrates that, unlike the political calculations that informed Zhang’s position, Cheng’s views were mainly based in his classical scholarship. |