A Study On Mencius’ Xin-ology

Mencius establishes the moral philosophy system of Xin(mind),which includes three parts of prior philosophy,the theory of cultivation method and political philosophy.Xin is a fundamental criterion of moral philosophy,which connects transcendentalism and experience beyond historical and social reality.On the metaphysical level of morality,Xin is a prior value standard,including four values of Jen(human-heartedness),Yi(righteousness),Li(propriety)and Zhi(wisdom).Xin built a comfortable residence for human beings,indicating the direction of human life.Xing(human nature)is the intermediary of the value and phenomenon of cohesion,Xin shows kindness in the experience world through the form of human nature.In the experience world,Mencius believes that cultivation is to recover Xin.The specific method is simple and easy,the key is Cheng(perfection).Specifically,the theory of cultivation method is divided into several levels.Mencius reached a preliminary communication between prior philosophy and the theory of cultivation method through the clarification of the beginning of morality.Mencius thinks that by establishing Xin firstly,maintaining Xin,developing Xin and a series of methods,one can restore it and reach the saint realm.Thus,Mencius completes the perfect unity of prior philosophy and the theory of cultivation method in principle and practice.Besides,Mencius uses Xin to replace the position of saint in politics,then puts forward specific administrative measures,solves Wangdao(kingcarft)crisis,unifies the prior philosophy and political philosophy.