Research On Zhang Zaicheng's Theory Of Nature

In the history of the Song and Ming dynasties,Zhang Zai is the founder of Guan-Xue School,so as one of the important pioneer and founder of Song and Ming Neo-confucianism.In Guan-Xue system,his theory with the goal of “Cheng-Xing” is unique.The background of his theory of “Cheng-Xing” is to respond to the challenge of Buddhism and Taoism at that time.He reconstructed Confucianism in a reflective way.Based on the ontology of “Tai-xu is qi” and the theory of human nature of“combining xu and qi”,Zhang Zai expounded the connotation and realm of“Cheng-Xing” from the perspective of the unity of heaven and man,forming a strong humanistic sentiment that echoes the universe and humanity.This thesis takes the theory of “Cheng-Xing” as the research topic,discusses the proposal and formation of the theory,the theoretical basis,the approach of effort and the realization of ideal personality,in order to clarify the internal logic system of “Cheng-Xing” theory.The construction of his thought was influenced by the academic environment of Confucianism,Buddhism and Taoism since the Jin and Tang Dynasties.While exploring Buddhism and Taoism,Zhang Zai absorbed and integrated their thought into his own thought,creating his own unique thought.This chapter will start with the academic environment of at that time,and explore his own “Cheng-Xing” theory in his reflection on the academic environment.At the same time,in this chapter it will explore the source of “Cheng-Xing’,and analyze the connotation and significance of it in Yi Zhuan.This chapter will further analyze the internal relationship between his“Cheng-Xing” and Yi Zhuan’s,with a view to further Accurately grasp the connotation and significance of Cheng-Xing.The theoretical basis of “Cheng-Xing” theory is: ontological basis-“Tai-Xu is qi”.Zhang Zai put forward the ontology of it in order to respond to the challenge of Buddhism and Taoism,and build a transcendental and metaphysical ontology for Confucianism.The theoretical basis of human nature-“combining xu and qi”,itreveals the metaphysical origin and reality of human nature.This paper will explore the ontological foundation of “Cheng-Xing” theory of “Tai-Xu is Qi” and the foundation of human nature-“combination tai-xu and qi”.He also take "changing temperament" as his basic goal and explain the inherent logical connection between his “Cheng-Xing” theory and its ontology and the theory of human nature.Zhang Zai’s theory based on ontology and human nature has its own way.It mainly contains the two paths of “Zi-cheng-ming” and “Zi-ming-cheng”.Among them,“Zi-cheng-ming” will explain his effort of our heart and mind,that is to say,to unite one’s mind with one’s temperament,to be open-minded and modest;“ Zi ming-cheng is”Zhang Zai’s effort of making a thorough study before making the best use of nature,including the effort of knowing etiquette.In the two ways,Zhang Zai advocates the cultivation of “Zi-ming-cheng”,which has a wider adaptation and more realistic educational significance and feasibility.Zhang Zai’s “Cheng-Xing” theory is a process of persistent cultivation.This paper will analyze Zhang Zai’s three stages of “from the scholar to the Yanzi section,from Yanzi to Zhongni”,and analyze the stage characteristics and realm.Confucianism always regards the pursuit of sage as the ultimate value pursuit,and Zhang-Zai also regards saints as the highest goal of cultivation.In addition,this chapter will also analyze the ideals and missions of life contained in the four sentences of Heng-qu.