Research on The Mind-Nature Theory of Kuo Hsiang
Date Issued
2004
Date
2004
Author(s)
Chang, Che-Ting
DOI
zh-TW
Abstract
Abstract
Mind-nature theory has been an important theme in the history of Chinese philosophy. Before this dissertation, studies about mind-nature theory had mainly placed on Sung-Ming Neo-Confucianism, Confucianism, Buddhism (especially on Tien-Tai's), more than discussion about Mind-nature theory of Taoism. In fact, Kuo Hsiang, one of representative figures in Taoism, his Mind-nature theory is also pretty special and significant. Kuo Hsiang places on a key place in the history of Chinese philosophy－－between the Pre-Ch'in period, Han dynasty, and South-north dynasties , Sui-T'ang dynasties, Sung-Ming－－therefore, if we want to inquire the background of his philosophical thinking, we have to retroactively seek for Confucianism and Taoism, especially Confucianism, Mencius, Lao Tsu, Chuang Tzu, who had affected Kuo Hsiang deeply.
“Nature” of Kuo Hsiang’s Mind-nature theory is individual, that is to say, Nature is different for each other. On the other hand, how about the function of “mind”? For Kuo Hsiang, everyone has to satisfy of his own nature, and he should not pursue for something beyond potentiality of his own nature. Mind, as a spiritual subject, should attend to the highest cumstance－－corresponding of things, without opposing relationship－－therefore becomes divine and perfect. Kuo Hsiang’s philosophy joints Confucianism and Taoism, he considers that man do not oppose to nature, and acting in the world do not contract to the mind out of the world. Therefore, we can participate in the governmental affaires,simultaneously our mind is no more different from habiting in the nature.
In Kuo Hsiang’s thought, the most important method is “No-mind”. Through efforts upon “No-mind”, we can conceal the opposite between subject and object, joint them together, and attend correspondence. Political rulers should also adopt “No Mind” for people’s nature life.
About theory of learning, Kuo Hsiang concerns the importance of learning. Man should obey his own nature for learning, otherwise he will fail. However, “Tao”, the highest idea, is not learnable. We can only understand it naturally.
About government of state, Kuo Hsiang claims that the rulers should be generous for his people, making the people feel easy and stable. Besides, rulers must make everyone doing in his own given abilities to improve the whole country working better.
Keywords: Kuo Hsiang; Mind-nature theory; Taoism in Wei and Jin Dynasties; Neo-Taoism; Chuang Tzu Zhu.
Subjects
莊子注
魏晉玄學
新道家
心性論
郭象
Mind-nature theory
Kuo Hsiang
Taoism in Wei and
Type
thesis
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