The Influence of Wang Yang-Ming “Xin-Xue" to the Four Books Study in Late Ming Dynasty

Wang Yang-Ming’s influential “Xin-Xue” prevailed in late Ming dynasty. The 4 key developments appeared on the Four Books studies in the period of late Ming dynasty as follows :(1)The authority of Zhu study decreased obviously in late Ming dynasty. Scholars interpreted the Four Books with more self-confidence and were bold to criticize the Zhu study;(2)The theories of Wang Yang-Ming study became the basis and the patterns for the scholars; (3)The view of “Xin-Xue” appeared in the period of late Ming dynasty;(4)The view of “the combination of 3 religions” appeared. The spirit of moral self-consciousness and practice in “Xin-Xue” still has value of reference and inspiration for scholars today.