Research On Mencius’s Theory Of Gongfu

The theory of Gongfu is a unique ideology and an important part of Chinese philosophy.The appearance of Mencius’s theory of Gongfu stems from the transformation of the Confucian emphasis,that is,from the reconstruction of Zhou dynasty ceremony System by Confucius to the perfection of personality and establish inner order of spiritual world by Mencius.Mencius’s theory of Gongfu has inherited from Confucius and his disciples,and on this basis,it has been refined and extended,forming a systemic and perfect theory of Gongfu.His theory of Gongfu is based on the theory of heart-mind and nature(the theory of good nature)and then establish its ideological system.Mencius’s theory of good nature can be divided into four stages.Firstly,the concept range of"nature"is defined.Secondly,whether the issue of benevolence and righteousness is external is discussed.Thirdly,the theory of good nature is affirmed by four moral beginings(四端).And finally the generation of evil is discussed.On the basis of the theory of good nature,Mencius’theory of Gongfu can be divided into three parts.First,Gongfu needs to be start with noble aim.It emphasizes the necessity of high ambition,and puts forward the Gongfu of“zhilei(知类,knowing the essential difference between the human and animal)”,“zhichi(知耻,Shame Consciousness)”,and“zhiwu(知务,knowing the essential affair in one’s life)”.Second,the Gongfu of virtue cultivation.Virtue cultivation includes three parts:self-reflection mode,expansion and perseverance,and“zhiyan yangqi(知言养气,understanding words and cultivating virtues)”.Reflection and introspection are equated with righteousness and sincerity.It is achieved through continuous observation,awareness,reflection and correction of oneself.By the Gongfu of expansion and perseverance,the four moral beginnings can be cultivated to four virtues.Whether the cultivation of good nature,or the expansion of“haoranzhengqi(浩然正气,Awe-inspiring righteousness)”,it needs to rely on the Gongfu of expansion and perseverance.“zhiyan yangqi(知言养气,understanding words and cultivating virtues)”includes“yangyong(养勇,cultivating the courage)”,“zhiyan(知言,understanding words)”,“jiyi(集义,promoting righteousness)”,and“yangqi(cultivating virtue)”.The ultimate goal of“zhiyan yangqi”is to achieve“bu dong xin(不动心,not wavering in the heart)”.Third,the main body of the theory of Gongfu.Mencius gave two paths of the Gongfu system,which covered all the content of Mencius’s Gongfu thoughts.One is to“jinxing(尽心,endeavors of explore one’s mind”,“zhixing(知性,cognition of one’s nature)”,and“zhitian(知天,knowing one’s destiny)”.The another is to“cunxin(存心,retaining innate goodness)”,“yangxing(养性,nourishing the mind)”,and“shitian(事天,following one’s destiny)”.The former path emphasizes the return of“liangxin(良心,innate goodness)”which based on the essence of our nature(inate goodness).The latter path emphasizes the postnatal effort which continuously nourish the mind to follow one’s destiny.Although the two paths are elaborated from different angles,the inner and final realms are consistent.The system of Gongfu theory which is based on the theory of heart-mind and nature,is in order to gradually realize the ideal of self-cultivation,family regulated,the states well governed,and world peace.His theory of Gongfu plays a hinge role in both his own ideological system and Confucianism.