Title

Xie Liang-zuo, Li Tung and the Early Thought of Zhu Xi

Author

Tsai-chun Chung

Genre

Article  

Pages

35-73

Download

PDF

Language

Chinese

Key words

Neo-confucianism, Xie Liang-zuo, Li Tung, Zhu Xi, principle, Mind-heart

Abstract

  The Neo-Confucian thought of Xie Liang-zuo and Li Tung had great influence on the early thought of Zhu Xi. Judging from the dictum of the Two Chengs that “The sages base (their lives) on Heaven, but the Buddhists base (their lives) on Mind-heart," Xie Liang-zuo centered his doctrine on Mind-heart whose meaning however showed a transition from Buddhism to Confucianism as a result of studying with the Chengs. Xie was serious in uniting his mind, his heart, and his daily affairs. Zhu Xi was influenced by the doctrines of Xie in his early years. Li Tung's learning emphasized cultivation. He reached the calmness of Mind-heart by way of holding to his serious principle, and remained comfortable while conducting daily affairs. But Zhu Xi benefited at that time from theoretical discussion with Li Tung. The concept “oneness of principle and differences of particulars," central to Zhu's concept of principle, was proposed in his discussion with Li Tung. N otwithstanding their common understanding of the concept, they exhibited different interests towards theory and effort respectively. Both Xie and Li emphasized experiencing substance and practising daily affairs, while Zhu Xi was more concerned about the objective world constructed with oneness of principle and differences of particulars.