Research On Xunzi’s Self-cultivation Theory

As a basis for the self-cultivation,on the one hand,Xunzi’s self-cultivation theory is derived from Confucius’ s "Benevolence" and "Ritual" thoughts.He believes that people can have the trait of "benevolence" through the cultivation of there own conduct."Rite" regulates human behavior,provide a basis for self-cultivation.And the other point is Xunzi’s own point of view,in the “Relationship between Heaven and Human”,Xunzi think people have their own will and that is not restricted by heaven,that is people can nurture their own conduct,that makes the self-cultivation become possible.And in the “Theory on Evil Nature”,Xunzi thought the human nature is bad,if you want to eliminate the problem itself,it must pass a series of methods for training,that makes the self-cultivation become necessary.This goes to cultivation of related methods.Xunzi believed that cultivation to become a saint is inseparable from learning.Therefore,"Studying" is an important means of cultivation and runs through the whole process.In the process of self-cultivation,the inner of the “Heart-cultivation” is also important.In Xunzi’s theory,people do not Nourish there “Heart”,so they always be cheated.Xunzi believes that if people can nourish there “Heart”,they will attains the state of Void and Peace,his mind becomes peaceful and free of any distractions.He can withstand the temptations of the outside world.And he can get a realm,that is “On Emphatically Guarding against One-Sidedness”,therefore,he will know everything of the world.So Nourish “Heart” is also an important way of cultivation.The external aspect of cultivation is following the rites.Xunzi is famous of his rite theory,and his cultivation is focus on his rite theory.He thinks the cultivation have to implement to practice of rite,so following rites is important,too.During the cultivation process,there are three grades,scholar,person of noble character and saint.Xunzi believes that the ultimate goal of cultivation is to become a saint,If people want to become the saint,he has to keep studying,and combine the inner and external cultivation together,and make the "saint" as the goal of lifelong pursuit.These main contents in his theory of self-cultivation had a profound historical influence on that time and still played an irreplaceable role in modern society.