On The Theory Of Qi In Wang Yangming’s Philosophy

Wang Yangming is the greatest thinker of philosophy of mind in Ming Dynasty.His main philosophical thoughts,such as Mind is Principle,the Unity of Knowledge and Action,and the Extension of Innate Knowledge,have been studied extensively by all the scholars from time to time.However,Qi is paid less attention by academicians,which has run throughout Wang Yangming’s thoughts.Qi is divided into two parts,nature and nurture.The part of nature is good,but the other is evil.Qi of nature has made up of Qi of material and Qi of spirit.Qi of material is based on the origin of Qi,while Qi of spirit mainly talks about the moral virtue.Since the Innate Knowledge is the highest principle in Wang Yangming’s thoughts,the meaning of Qi is unique.For example,the connotation of the spiritual Qi is quite diverse,it contains Qi of virtue,emotion,wisdom and character,all of these are inborn and good,which are not supposed to be seen or recognized,but they are expressing by Qi and being understood by people.In this way,the relation of Qi and human nature is associated closely.They are the reason why everyone is different but kind.The reason of human nature’s evilness is what the bad thoughts or habits have led to,also called Ke Qi.Thus there should be ways to eliminate Ke Qi,in order to keep the Innate Knowledge.First,one need have the aim.Second,clean up one’s mind or extend the Innate Knowledge.Then realize the ultimate subject—being the Sage.Sage is the people who has the wonderfully kind of virtue,regards every thing as one entirety,has the wisest head,keeps calm anytime,and knows the truth.Wang Yangming thinks every one have the chance to be a Sage,because there’s a potential in every one’s mind which is the Innate Knowledge.