The academic from Neo-Confucian scholars in ancient China can be divided into three stages; "Northern Song …show more content…
The early Neo-Confucian scholars from Northern Song Dynasty are Zhou Dunyi, Zhang Zai, Cheng Hao, Cheng Yi, Shao Yong, they are also well-known as Five Masters of the early Song period; Zhu Xi and Lu Jiuyuan as the representative in the Southern Song Dynasty; and Wang Yangming as the representative in the Ming Dynasty. In the past, the Neo-Confucianism system can be divided into four factions: the study of philosophic principles “li”, study of the heart/mind “xin”, study of material force "qi" and Great Ultimate “taiji”. (Yao pg117) The discussion of the Neo-Confucianism can be different based on different periods. Neo-Confucianism and the "Five Classics" from the Confucianism period had a major difference that is the "Four Books" become the core books about respect and trust. The main basis of the study and the issues are closely related to the the Great Learning, Analects of Confucius, Mencius, and the Doctrine of the Mean. “ The doctrinal system based on the concept of “qi” (originally meaning air, breath and the vital force of life, translated variously as material force, primary energy, ether or matter), li (principle or reason), xin (the heart/mind) and xing (nature or human nature), Heaven (yang) and the heavy part descending to …show more content…
According tp professor Magagna said in class, “Confucianism has already in rationalization. Rationalization also mean by simplification is use a different way to consideration of how to write and speak the Confucian tradition” (Prof. Magagna, 07/13) After different ideologies emerged and change, Confucianism became more complicated in its language; therefore, they tried to transparent and make it simple for all people in the world can be read and understand. It was the first step to access to Neo-Confucian renovation. Neo-Confucianism becomes standardization since it is the first time when Confucianism introduce into the canon which is called “Four Books”. The Confucianism scriptures, known as the "Five Classics", were replaced by the "Four Books". Four book that represent the core of teaching and moral life. The four books are “Great Learning” which is the entry of learning process in Confucianism. The second one is the Analects of Confucius which has been modified by the Confucian scholars in the Qin Dynasty. It has been different from the "Great Learning", the purpose of the Analects of Confucius is not take the beginning of justice for the two words for the title, but to extract the contents of the title of the article. It is the book records Confucius and his students' words and deeds. "The Analects of Confucius" involves philosophy, politics, economy, education, literature and many other aspects,