The Study Of Chen Liang And Zhu Xi's "Human Perfection"

Based on comparative analysis,this thesis aims to explore the understanding differences in the way of human perfection between Chen Liang and Zhu Xi,and analyze the subjective and objective reasons for the differences as well as the patriotism cherished by Confucians in the Southern Song Dynasty.Furthermore,it also reveals the spirituality of scholars and the evolving course of Taoism at the end of 12th century,and discusses the historical influence of "human perfection" debate,thereby highlighting the significance thereof.The way of human perfection is an important proposition for Confucians to construct the ideal character."Human perfection" is an ideal character pursued by Confucians and featured with comprehensive development.Since Confucius,Confucians throughout history have had an in-depth understanding of the issue of"human perfection".As representatives of the Confucianism in the Southern Song Dynasty,Zhu Xi and Chen Liang conducted heated debates at the end of 12th century,in which;"human perfection" was one specially concerned topic."Human perfection"debate was initiated by Chen Liang.In order to oppose the ideal character of pure Confucians advocated by Zhu Xi,Chen Liang proposed the"human perfection" thoughts with heroic characters.He believed that the high-class people tended to be cruel,but there was no good or evil to humanity itself,so we needed to practice righteousness and benefit as well as respect for emperor as a sage.He stated that the ideal for human perfection should combine benevolence,intelligence and bravery.However,Zhu Xi viewed sainthood as the highest ideal,Taoism as transcending and humanity as purely kind,stressing on eliminating selfish desire and seeking for becoming a pure Confucian.Their understanding differences in the way of human perfection have also been displayed by their different evaluations over Han and Tang Dynasties.Under the perspective of respect for emperor as a sage,righteousness and benefit,Chen Liang highly praised the outstanding achievements by Han and Tang emperors by shaping the ideal of human perfection as a hero for opening up a new generation,while Zhu Xi denied the value of Han and Tang emperors,holding that they could not be seen as the ideal character model due to non-conformity to the kingly way.The "human perfection" debate was the first one about the ideal character among Confucians,not only witnessing the thinking collision between Zhu Xi and Chen Liang,but also serving as the product of historical development.Both Chen Liang and Zhu Xi lived in an era of crisis to nation and culture.Since the establishment of the Southern Song Dynasty,it had been faced with military threat from Jin Dynasty.At the time,the country was in turmoil with divided public opinions,and there was the weak and degenerate ethos prevalent among the scholars.At the end of 12th century,the style of study gradually shifted from tolerant to antagonistic,with the boundary between different schools becoming gradually clear.Affected by the then degenerate style of study and catering to the trend of its transformation,Chen Liang and Zhu Xi raised their own ways of human perfection based on profound understanding of Confucianism.Due to their differences in academic background,experience and personality,they had different focuses in leading to human perfection.The "human perfection"debate accelerated the internal division of Taoism,and led the academic wave of criticizing Taoism and humanistic pragmatism at the time of Ming and Qing Dynasties.The debate matured the thoughts of Chen Liang and Zhu Xi day by day,hence amplifying their influence.The thoughts of Chen Liang were spread fast in debate,speeding up the trend of East Zhejiang School detaching away from Taoism.After the debate,the Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism represented by Zhu Xi was advocated as the official orthodox thought.And during the three dynasties of Yuan,Ming and Qing,the "pure Confucian"thoughts were taken as the model pursued by scholars.Due to the excessive emphasis on fate and heavenly way to the neglect of practical conditions by "pure Confucian" thoughts,it could only become unreal charming imagination after combining with the imperial examination system.At the time of Ming and Qing Dynasties,the politics was declining,and the scholars were not satisfied with the pure Confucian human perfection thoughts,so they started to seek the character model with practical spirit.The "human perfection"thoughts of Chen Liang promoted the heroic character and emphasized practical effect and talents,hence contributing to opposing the corrupt practices of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism and getting rid of the fate argumentation.For this reason,the human perfection thoughts of Chen Liang were greatly revered by following Confucians,leading the academic wave of humanistic pragmatism.