Interpretation of Transcendence by Generality or Configuration of Generality by Transcendence——A Re-reflection on the Logical Patterning of Zhu Xi's Philosophy

As cumulation of rationalistic Confucianism in North and South Song Dynasty,Zhu Xi's philosophy was regarded as the most extensive and most profound in history of Chinese civilization.However,ever since its establishment,Zhu's philosophy has been exposed to criticisms in different ways and from philosophers of different historical periods.Lu Xiangshan condemned it as being obscure in Tao;Wang Yangming despised it as the learning of old;Mu Zongsan criticized it of mistaking micro for macro and discussing existence with animation.All this shows a course from criticization through adjustment to contention.Since Zhu always maintained his approach of interpreting and realizing transcendence by generality,he not only regarded morality and rationale as existence but also made human nature physiological.This determined his resentment of Buddhism and avoidance of any advancement of his rationalistic Confucianism.Meanwhile it limited his view of universe and its orientation.As a result,an equivalence of common sense to spirit of transcendence remains weakness of Zhu's philosophy and major reason for repeated and continuous criticisms of it.