王夫之 ≪薑齋文集⋅螘鬭賦≫ 역해

Abstract

Wang Fuzhi(王夫之)’s ≪JiangZhaiWenJi(薑齋文集)⋅Yi Dou Fu(螘鬭賦)≫ draws a parallel between the ruthless battles of ant swarms and humanity’s brutal conflicts, articulating philosophical reflections and a message aimed at transcending such violence. His philosophical thesis asserts: “Heaven (Nature) does not permit humans to slaughter at will, nor are all things (物) governed through coercive authority.” This message emerges from his contemplation of the cyclical principles governing the cosmos. Rejecting the warfare and bloodshed of his era, Wang Fuzhi emphasized that to overcome such strife and sustain peace and tranquility, humanity must align with the cosmic laws of motion — ｢qi (氣) — dynamic force (機) — movement (往) — return (歸)｣. This framework is rooted in his philosophy of qi. He stressed that serene qi, when accumulated and activated within the self, purges sinister and malevolent intentions, nurturing instead a pure and temperate disposition. He further argued that human fortune, misfortune, life, and death are not dictated by artificial forces like war or slaughter but follow the natural cycles of qi’s dispersion and convergence. This critique arose in response to the arbitrary manipulation of human fate during the Revolt of the Three Feudatories and the conflicts between Wu Sangui and the Qing dynasty. Wang Fuzhi’s philosophical insights retain profound resonance even today. Research on this work has yielded notable contributions: moving beyond literal interpretations to elaborate on the implications of phrases and passages; clarifying the meaning of ｢qi—dynamic force—movement—return｣as a cosmic cycle and analyzing each concept; proposing innovative interpretations and debating their plausibility; exploring Wang Fuzhi’s conceptual framework; and meticulously contextualizing the historical wars referenced in the text. These advances provide valuable insights for understanding the work. However, unresolved gaps remain, leaving room for deeper inquiry. Future studies may further illuminate these complexities. This research hopes to enhance understanding of the philosophical reflections and messages embedded in Wang Fuzhi’s Ant Battle Rhapsody.