Daoist School Master (A Study of the Philosophical Thought of Zhou Dunyi)

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 meaning. 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 commentary Commentary on the Taiji Tu were likely his own original works. The Commentary on the Taiji Tu and Tongshu (Common Books) each possess relatively independent philosophical meanings but together form a closely interconnected system of thought. The second part focuses on Zhou Dunyi's philosophy, exploring on one hand the main themes and characteristics of his philosophy compared to the (Yixue) of Zhang Zai and the brothers Cheng Yi, in the context of the academic thought of the early and mid-Northern Song Dynasty. On the other hand, it examines Zhou Dunyi's philosophical arguments in relation to the historical development of Song and Ming Neo-Confucianism, particularly addressing key issues in his thought such as the unity of heaven and humanity, the joy of Confucius and Yan Hui, the importance of tranquility and unity, as well as controversial topics in Song and Ming Neo-Confucianism. The book also discusses the influence of Zhou Dunyi's ideas on Zhang Zai and Cheng Yi, and Zhu Xi, evaluating his historical position as the founder of the Daoist tradition and the pioneer of Neo-Confucianism in both traditional and modern perspectives.