Source Being Subtle And Function Following Principles-Ch'eng I-ch'uan's Completion Of Morality Through The Idea Of "Substance And Function Share The Same Source"

Ch'eng I(Ch'eng I-ch'uan)not only proposed and constructed the ideological system with "the Principle of Nature",but also invented and summed up a method of moral cultivation with the work of "the investigation of things for the extension of knowledge,self-cultivation with dwelling in seriousness".Through the analysis of the literature review,it is found that the study of his thoughts has never been sufficient.Compared with the predecessors,who either indirectly discusses I-ch'uan's theory in the version of Chu Hsi's thoughts,while ignoring the original appearance of I-ch'uan's thoughts,or interprets his thoughts of principle(Li)and material force(Ch'i)or nature(Hsing)and feelings as dualistic framework with the analysis of history of philosophy,or like Mou Zong-san,debases his thoughts with the theory of"Being but Inactivity",this thesis will try it best to avoid some relevant judgements mentioned above,which could eliminate the value and efforts with I-ch'uan transcending the reality and becoming saintly.In a more careful and objective view,this thesis will understand and survey the significance of his self-cultivation of "the full development of the nature,the great accomplishment of moral life and becoming a saint".Through this study,firstly,we find that "the Principle of Nature",which is established by differentiation of metaphysical and physical,does not directly act as the beginning or substance of moral cultivation in I-ch'uan's thoughs.I-ch 'uan built the doctrine of "Ti-yong yiyuan,Xian-wei wujian(substance and function share the same source,and there is no gap between the manifest and the hidden)",which is based on the production and reproduction of the Way of Heaven and the way of man's life.According to this doctrine,the source or substance of man's moral life is subtle and man can only grasp it from its being.Consequently,the "principle(Li)" is produced,manifested and appeared from human affairs or life,the "function" is the moral cultivation which man just need to use and extend these moral principles to the utmost.Secondly,this theory of self-cultivation works through "the investigation of things and the extension of knowledge",which means that man should handle present occurring affairs to hold and cultivate the moral principles manifesting from affairs or existence,and obey its will to extend it to the proper way,so this work is called"Function Following Principles".With this accomplishment,"knowledge" is produced with the construction of "Intentional Activity".It is on this basis that "Understanding Principle" turn into reality,consequently,I-ch'uan recognized and understood sufficient principles by investigating many things and accumulated much knowledge to achieve a thorough understanding of "the Principle of Nature",so he built the doctrine of "the Principle of Nature" as the pure,absolute and constant self-existence.Thirdly,in I-ch'uan's thoughs,the discrimination of concepts can be helpful and powerful to ensure the success of the self-cultivation.