朱熹
Zhu Xi
Neo-Confucianism · personZhu Xi (1130–1200 CE) was a Chinese philosopher, scholar, and statesman of the Song dynasty who systematized Neo-Confucianism into the comprehensive and influential 'School of Principle' (理学 Lixue). He synthesized Confucian ethics with Buddhist metaphysics and Taoist cosmology, centering on li (principle) and qi (material force). His commentaries on the Four Books became the official curriculum for Chinese civil service examinations for over 600 years, shaping East Asian intellectual history.
What Are the Key Facts About Zhu Xi?
- Tradition: Neo-Confucianism
- Chinese: 朱熹
- Category: Person
- Definition: Zhu Xi (1130–1200 CE) was a Chinese philosopher, scholar, and statesman of the Song dynasty who systematized Neo-Confucianism into the comprehensive and influential 'School of Principle' (理学 Lixue).
What Concepts Are Related to Zhu Xi?
Wang Yangming 王阳明Frequently Asked Questions About Zhu Xi
Who was Zhu Xi?
Zhu Xi (1130–1200) was the foremost Neo-Confucian, who synthesized Confucianism with Buddhist and Daoist ideas into a coherent system centered on li (principle) and qi (vital force).
What is Zhu Xi's metaphysics?
Reality is the interplay of li (the universal principles/pattern) and qi (vital material force); each thing has its li, and the human heart can apprehend the heavenly li through study and stillness.
What are the Four Books?
Zhu Xi selected and annotated the Analects, Mencius, Great Learning, and Doctrine of the Mean as the Four Books — the core curriculum of Confucian education for 700 years.
What is his method of cultivation?
Investigate things to extend knowledge' (gewu zhizhi) plus quiet sitting (jingzuo) to still the mind — combining rigorous study with inner composure.