Thierry Meynard, The Religious Philosophy of Liang Shuming： The Hidden

Liang Shuming is one of the most influential new Confucian philosophers of the twentieth century. His contribution to modern Confucian discourse and peasant organization has made him prominent in the academic field of Eastern philosophy. Most of his efforts have been dedicated to formulating a cohesive theory to explain the interaction and progression of different religious philosophies, and the moral justification for adopting Confucianism in republican China. The Religious Philosophy of Liang Shuming is centered around Liang＇s theory and concerns three different cultures as well as the religions respectively associated with them. These are the West and Christianity, China and Confucianism, and India and Buddhism. Part of this review will address the difficulties that ensue from Liang＇s generalizations, his lack of a coherent explanation of the process of mass transition in an individual＇s personal philosophy, and the missing components of his theory. I will also address the underlying disconnect between Liang＇s life as a political figure and as a Buddhist.