School of Taoism: A Study of the Philosophical Thought of Zhou Jiaoyi

Author: Yang Zhucai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: This book presents a systematic study of the philosophical thought of Zhou Dunyi (1017-1037), a scholar of the Northern Song Dynasty. The book is divided into two parts, employing research methods of textual criticism and interpretation of principles. The first part conducts an in-depth and meticulous examination of the origins of Zhou Dunyi's works, particularly the Taiji Tu (Great Ultimate Diagram), clarifying that while Zhou Dunyi's ideas were influenced by Buddhism and Taoism, the Taiji Tu and its accompanying Commentary on the Taiji Tu were likely composed by Zhou Dunyi himself. The Commentary on the Taiji Tu and the Tongshu (Common Book) each possess relatively independent philosophical meanings while collectively forming a closely interconnected system of principles. The second part focuses on Zhou Dunyi's philosophy. On one hand, it explores the main themes and characteristics of Zhou Dunyi's philosophy by comparing his thought with the academic ideas of the early and mid-Northern Song Dynasty, particularly with the Yi Xue (Book of Changes) studies of Zhang Zai and the brothers Cheng Yi. On the other hand, it examines the influence of Zhou Dunyi's philosophical arguments on Zhang Zai and Cheng Yi, as well as on Zhu Xi, by analyzing key issues in Zhou Dunyi's philosophy, such as the unity of heaven and humanity, the joy of Confucius and Yan Hui, the emphasis on tranquility and the importance of unity, within the historical context of Song and Ming Neo-Confucianism. The book also evaluates Zhou Dunyi's historical position as the founding figure of Daoism in traditional thought and the pioneer of Neo-Confucianism in modern times.