The Meaning and Prospect of Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi’s “The Unitary and the Divided Principles” Theory

• Main Authors: Ku Ling-kuang, 古苓光
• Other Authors: Ho kwong-Yim
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/68310439661702568070

碩士 === 華梵大學 === 東方人文思想研究所 === 97 === The study was aimed at discussing the essence of “The Unitary and the Divided Principles” theory of Cheng Yi (Yin-Chuan, 1033-1107A.D.) and Zhu Xi (Hui-An, 1130-1200A.D.) to discover its new meanings and challenges faced in the era of globalisation in the 21st century. Firstly, the study would briefly introduce the development of Daoism and Neo-Confucianism, starting from Northern Song Dynasty to end in becoming the mainstream in Southern Song Dynasty. The theory of “The Unitary and the Divided Principles” is not only the key element in Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi’s ideology but also regarded as the methodology of Neo-Confucianism. With Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi’s “The Unitary and the Divided Principles” theory, a more deliberate, complete and critical philosophical structure of Neo-Confucianism is then accomplished. Secondly, the study would state the relations and the continuity between “The Unitary Principle as One” and “The Divided Principles” in “The Unitary and the Divided Principles” theory. The study analyzed subsequently the interpretations of “The Unitary and the Divided Principles” adopted by modern Confucians to conclude that the drive of forming a harmonic and cooperative human society lied in the influence generated by reading classic works under the trend of developing Chinese culture in globalization. As an ideology, “The Unitary and the Divided Principles” was a sustainable core value in interpersonal relationship. In a globalized world, the modern interpretations of “The Unitary and the Divided Principles” helped to find a passage connecting modern world with traditional one. Furthermore, concerning the international relationship, mutual respects, tolerance and understandings can then be achieved. Each culture, religion and tradition should be equally treated. The pursuit of world peace could finally be realized through dialogues, deepened understandings, mutual support and consensus so as to avoid generating cultural conflicts. Keywords: Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi, Neo-Confucianism, The Unitary and the Divided Principles, Globalization, ethics