Albeit their variated manifestations, a distinct humanistic spirit that is also characteristic of Chinese philosophy as a whole is found among the thoughts of the masters of Song-Ming Study of Principle. They advocated the pursuit of transcendence through concrete cultivation which generates refined faith, sincerity, courage and an enjoyable state-of-attainment. These contributions played a decisive part in the refinement of Confucian thought regarding theories of transcendence, for developments in the theory of spiritual effort in pursuit of transcendence during this period (...) are unique both with respect to China and abroad. This essay explores this uniqueness, through which we can enrich our understanding of Song-Ming Study of Principle as a tradition, and further appreciate the transcendental dimension from the perspective of social practice. Exemplifications of a quest for self-transcendence, including self-cultivation and the concern for ultimate values are rooted in everyday life and carried out in concrete social practice. (shrink)

Albeit their variated manifestations, a distinct humanistic spirit that is also characteristic of Chinese philosophy as a whole is found among the thoughts of the masters of Song-Ming Study of Principle. They advocated the pursuit of transcendence through concrete cultivation which generates refined faith, sincerity, courage and an enjoyable state-of-attainment. These contributions played a decisive part in the refinement of Confucian thought regarding theories of transcendence, for developments in the theory of spiritual effort in pursuit of transcendence during this period (...) are unique both with respect to China and abroad. This essay explores this uniqueness, through which we can enrich our understanding of Song-Ming Study of Principle as a tradition, and further appreciate the transcendental dimension from the perspective of social practice. Exemplifications of a quest for self-transcendence, including self-cultivation and the concern for ultimate values are rooted in everyday life and carried out in concrete social practice. (shrink)

The central topic for the philosophical study in China during the past century was to relate our study to Western philosophy and solve the problem of the modernization of Chinese philosophy. Thus, the development of Chinese philosophy during this period is marked by identifying itself with Western criteria of values in addition to its self-orientation, self-introspection, self-development, and self-perfection. In the 21st century, Chinese philosophers will transcend the boundaries of the country to reconcile itself with the world and, at the (...) same time, maintain a style of our own and set up a new theoretical system of Chinese philosophy. At the turn of the century and millennium, it is customary to look back and summarize the state of development of this century, drawing inspiration and lessons from it to anticipate and look forward to the next century. Since the 1990s, Chinese philosophical circles have held various forms of seminars on this topic, raising insightful and contemplative questions that have contributed significantly to an in-depth exploration of the issue. (shrink)

The central topic for the philosophical study in China during the past century was to relate our study to Western philosophy and solve the problem of the modernization of Chinese philosophy. Thus, the development of Chinese philosophy during this period is marked by identifying itself with Western criteria of values in addition to its self-orientation, self-introspection, self-development, and self-perfection. In the 21st century, Chinese philosophers will transcend the boundaries of the country to reconcile itself with the world and, at the (...) same time, maintain a style of our own and set up a new theoretical system of Chinese philosophy. At the turn of the century and millennium, it is customary to look back and summarize the state of development of this century, drawing inspiration and lessons from it to anticipate and look forward to the next century. Since the 1990s, Chinese philosophical circles have held various forms of seminars on this topic, raising insightful and contemplative questions that have contributed significantly to an in-depth exploration of the issue. (shrink)