Author ｜
Xiaojie Chen
Abstract ｜
Regarding Zhu Xi, the most famous neo-Confucian, and Ogyu Sorai, the anti-neo-Confucian philosopher in Edo period, the thoughts of both are usually seemed as opposite. However, by investigation of their consideration about “Heart of Heaven” and related concepts, I argue that this kind of prejudice requires revision, at least partly. For Zhu Xi,“Heart of Heaven” inherits some characteristics of emotional God in classics, on the other hand, the focus has been transferred to “Heart of Heaven and Earth”, which is comprehended in the context of Heaven creates everything in the world persistently. By contrast, Ogyu Sorai takes emphasis on the transcendental aspect of Heaven, and rejects any analogical consideration between “Heart of Heaven” and “human being’s mind”. Nonetheless, Ideal Man of Confucius, almost seemed as superman by Ogyu Sorai, couldstill apperceive Heaven’s intention in some extent, thus realize the “persistent creating” being more fundamental than endless cycle. Furthermore, it is necessary to being a gentleman as to “acknowledge the mandate of Heaven.” Such a knowledge is so absolute, that reminds us Zhu Xi’s consideration that there are two kinds of destinies, one is based on qi 氣 , the other is originated from li 理 , which should be pursued than the former. As a result, we can see that two philosophers in different styles, based on almost opposite presumptions, finally achieved the similar conclusion.
keywords ｜
Zhu Xi, Ogyu Sorai, Heart of Heaven tian xin, persistent creating process sheng sheng, mandate of Heaven tian ming