二程理學“天人感應”論略析

Abstract

Tianren ganying 天人感應 (the interaction between Heaven and man) is an important notion in traditional Chinese culture. Along with the flowering of Neo-Confucianism during the Song dynasty, the traditional notion of the “interaction between Heaven and man” also developed new aspects during this period. Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi, key founders of Neo-Confucianism, both held that the li 理 (Principle) or tianli 天理 (Heavenly Principle) is the ultimate basis of the “Interaction between Heaven and man.” They also emphasized the interaction between original mind and all things when they explained the generating principle, which greatly reduced the dominant status of the mysterious “Heaven.” As a result, the theory of the “Interaction between Heaven and man” within their thought was converted to an emphasis on the immanence or the innermost being of the subject, which they referred to as “original mind.” One long-term consequence of their interpretation is that the traditional notion of “consistence between virtue and happiness” has been fitted with a more profound theoretical basis and stronger support. In this regard, it can be said that the Neo-Confucianism was not a simple system confined to the righteousness and virtue, since it also paid attention to utilitarian values and practices. What Neo-Confucianism advocates is the highest good which can create more happiness.