The Principle of the Void and the Phenomenal Realm: A Study on the Taoism of Kong Ying-da’s Zhouyi Zhengyi
Date Issued
2015
Date
2015
Author(s)
Ho, Han-Chan
Abstract
Abstract Constructing a philosophical system through performing exegesis on the classics was initiated by Wang Bi(C.E. 226-249). When interpreting The Book of Changes, Wang Bi propounds distinguishing ideas: holding the one to unify the masses, grasping the meaning beyond the hexagram symbols, returning to the origin wu(無), and the Gua-zhu theory to construct his philosophy. Based on Wang’s exegesis, Kong Yingda(C.E. 574-648) creates his own Yi-ology and accomplishes the exegesis Zhouyi Zhengyi. The most representative part of Zhouyi Zhengyi is its theory of Tao, which is the main concern of this thesis. The core concept of the Tao theory is that the Yi-principle contains both substance and principium. Tao takes on two dimensions: the pursuit of the principium, and the concern for real life. In Kong’s belief, the principle of the void is derived from the physical world. The Yi-principle is not empty modality. Every principle exists in concrete symbols, whereas the concrete symbols do not merely refer to objects, but all perceptible things. Therefore, Kong Yingda stresses that the Yi-principle relies on substances. The Book of Changes was composed for the purpose of moral instruction, indicating that Tao fully manifests itself in its this-worldly function. This demonstrates Kong’s belief in essence-function unity, a conviction Wang Bi adheres to likewise. However, Kong does not strongly emphasize essence as the source of function as Wang Bi does, but to affirm the importance that Tao exists for moral education. Consequently, by means of understanding human affairs through natural images, Zhouyi Zhengyi expresses its humanistic concern through Confucianism ethics. Focusing on Taoism, this thesis is divided into six chapters. The first chapter introduces the purport of this research, literature review, and research methodology. The second chapter expounds Zhouyi Zhengyi’s hermeneutic principles and regulations of symbol-adopting（取象） and meaning-adopting （取義） methods. This chapter seeks to explain how Kong has created his distinctive rules for interpretation. The third chapter discusses Tao from two aspects--the principle of the void and the physical realm. To avoid being too ethereal, Kong derived his Qi-ology from the principle of the void (Tai-shu). Furthermore, this chapter presents the Li-hsiang-yun (Principle-symbol-function) structure in order to construe the holistic meaning of essence and function. The fourth chapter focuses on the mind-less state of Tao, and the non-relative feature of this mind-less state. Mind-lessness suggests that one reaches the mental state in which any dichotomization of the cognitive notion is eliminated. By perceiving with the non-relative mind, one can merge the Taoist spontaneous act (Wu wei) with Confucianist ethics within the mind, and turn things in the world into a harmonious totality. Only by reaching this mindless state can one attain impartial transparent heart of openness. The fifth chapter examines Kong’s theory of the sage. In his exegesis, the sage is a holy intermediary between heaven and humankind, and always maintains his role under a reasonable condition. Meanwhile, the sage completes all things without exception under the mind-less state. Finally, the sixth chapter will evaluate the significance of Kong’s Tao theory in history and how his theory influences later generations. Keywords: Kong Yingda, Zhouyi Zhengyi, the Theory of Tao, the Principle of the Void, the phenomenal realm, mind-lessness, and the non-relative feature.
Subjects
Kong Yingda
Zhouyi Zhengyi
the Theory of Tao
the Principle of the Void
the phenomenal realm
mind-lessness
and the non-relative feature.
Type
thesis
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