Fang Yizhi's Dao-Based Synthesis of the Three Teachings and Internal Awareness

Title

Fang Yizhi's Dao-Based Synthesis of the Three Teachings and Internal Awareness

Author

Chen-feng TSAI

Page

155-199

DOI

Abstract

This paper deals primarily with the following two points. First, we will look at thee various ways in which syntheses of China's Three Teachings have been attempted throughout history in order to get a better idea of what was unique to attempts at such a synthesis during the Ming dynasty in general and by Fang Yizhi (方以智) in particular. Second, we will analyze the connection between Fang's syncretism and the theory of internal awareness (體知 tizhi). We find that Fang's discussion can serve to respond to three theoretical questions concerning the idea of internal awareness. First, Fang's syncretism is not based on a literal understanding of the textual traditions but rather on a corporal praxis. Second, "language" in Fang's syncretism combines both "teaching of meaning" and "corporal praxis." Third, Fang's syncretism is informed by a particular interpretive principle that comes close to the idea of internal awareness.

Keyword

Fang Yizhi, Synthesis of the Three Teachings, Dao-Based Synthesis of the Three Teachings, internal awareness, Ming dynasty

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