Research On The Theory Of Mind And Nature Of Wang Yangming

The theory of Mind and Nature of Wang Yangming is highly representative ofConfucianism. When Wang Yangming was born, Confucianism, Buddhism andTaoism continued conflict and merge in the history of Chinese philosophy. WhenWang Yangming was young he was addicted to Buddhism and Taoism, and therefore,his thoughts were affected by Buddhism and Taoism. For Confucianism andBuddhism he was both criticism and inheritance from the formation of WangYangming’s theory of Mind and Nature. But the basic point is Confucianism.By describing the meaning and the relation of Mind and Nature, Wang Yangmingimproved the position of mind. He inherited and developed Lu Jiuyuan’s theory--“The original substance is mind”. He believed in the mind is principle. After hefound the principle in Longchang, the theory of innate knowledge was put forward.Innate knowledge, which is inherited and developed in Mengzi’s theory, is one of themost important concepts of Wang Yangming’s theory. He described his theory ofinnate knowledge from substance, moral and cognition. He thought innate knowledgeis the first princeple of self-cultivation. To achieve the purpose of innate knowledge,he holds the theory of unity of knowledge and action, sincerity and keep kind.Wang Yangming’s theory inherited and developed Confucian, but also affectedthe later scholars. The main features to emphasize the human consciousness on histheory provide an important basis to the scholars of the Ming and Qing to seekemancipation and human rights.As an important Confucian, Wang Yangming established an intellectual pursuitof the ideal model for the people. His thoughts toward a profound impact on thinkingin the late Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, but also spread overseas, East Asia,Southeast Asia, plays a profound impact.