A New Study of Xiong Shili's Interpretation of The Great Learning
Xiong Shili offers a creative interpretation of The Great Learning by drawing upon concepts such as"inherent mind","integration with Heaven and Earth and all things",and"non-duality of fundamental reality and function".It demonstrates a comprehensive coherence,elucidating both"the three guiding principles"and"the eight items"in the context of clarifying"the virtue of heaven"(Tiande)and"the way of kingship"(Wangdao).This concept accentuates the wholeness and diminishes the distinction between the inside and outside compared to the traditional saying of"the inner sage and the outer king".Xiong Shili expands the ideas presented in The Great Learning in three dimensions.Firstly,morality is not imposed as an external norm but as innate conscience,which he identifies as"the virtue of heaven",an intrinsic aspect of one's essence that includes not only all virtues but also embodies dynamic,ever-changing vitality.Secondly,conscience extends beyond morality to encompass scientific spirit,rationality,and knowledge as essential components.Therefore,only when phenomena are measured correctly can conscience manifest itself and fullfill its functions.Thirdly,"the way of kingship"used to be only a responsibility of rulers,officials,and scholars,but Xiong Shili extends it to all individuals.Every person should harness his or her own life spirit,engage in vigorous activities,and strive for the ultimate goodness.
The Great LearningXiong Shiliinherent mindthe virtue of heaventhe way of kingship
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