Discover the philosophy of Zhu Xi and the pushback against Neo Confucianism. Dive into the difference between Cheng-Zhu School and Lu-Wang School. Explore Wang Yangming's life and unique perspective in the mid Ming Dynasty.
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Quick takeaways
Chinese philosophy emphasizes the concepts of qi and li, representing vital force and individual principles, respectively.
Neo-Confucianism, led by Zhu Xi, influenced Chinese, Korean, and Japanese philosophical thought despite criticism for preserving the status quo.
Deep dives
The Concept of Qi and Li in Chinese Philosophy
Chinese philosophy encompasses the essential concepts of qi and li, representing vital force and individual principles or nature, respectively. Exploring the science of qi gong reveals how individuals controlled their qi over time, leading to extraordinary abilities and powers. The historical context in 1313 marked a resurgence of Confucianism under Emperor Renzong, integrating Confucian ideology into the Mongol rule, influencing subsequent dynasties and political landscapes.
Evolution of Neo-Confucianism and Zhu Xi's Influence
The evolution of Neo-Confucianism, particularly under Zhu Xi's guidance, extended from China to Korea and Japan, shaping philosophical thought profoundly. Zhu Xi's emphasis on the interaction between principles (Li) and vital force (Qi) laid the foundation for Neo-Confucian thought. Despite criticism for preserving the status quo and impeding new ideas, Zhu Xi's teachings persisted in Chinese civil service examinations until the early 20th century.
Wang Yangming's Background and Philosophical Contributions
Wang Yangming, a prominent figure in mid-Ming Dynasty philosophy, emerged from humble beginnings amidst a family of scholarly prestige. His journey from Yuyao to Beijing reflected his intellectual prowess and versatile interests beyond traditional Confucianism. Enduring setbacks, including imprisonment and exile, Wang Yangming's philosophical insights and moral rectitude elevated his status as a military leader, scholar, and philosopher. Through his teachings, Wang Yangming gathered a devoted following, preserving his philosophical legacy for future generations.
We're almost at the end. We continue on in Part 17 with Zhu Xi and his philosophy. There will be more discussion about Qi, Han Studies (Han Xue) and the pushback against Neo Confucianism. We begin looking at the final philosopher in this series, Wang Shouren (a.k.a. Wang Yangming). Then we look at the primary difference between the Cheng-Zhu School vs. the Lu-Wang School.