Abstract：The texture of “Ren”（仁）is intimately connected to the development of the concept of “Sheng sheng”(ceaseless producing). Its fundamental connotation is that of “softness” and “spring”, which gradually unfolded throughout the history of philosophy. The ideological development of “the Wu Xing（Five Elements）transformation” (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) led to the widespread association of the four seasons with the practice of governing, forming a prevalent mode of thinking. In the philosophy of The Book of Changes (Zhouyi), “Ren” was associated with the time of spring growth and the oriental direction, reaching maturity in the cosmology of the Han Dynasty. Later, Dong Zhongshu gave Confucian axiological meaning to the movement of heaven. During the period of Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism, “Ren” was elevated to the level of ontology, and spring became encompassed within the four seasons, evolving from being “one of” the four seasons to being the “oneness” of the four seasons. The fundamental characteristic of the texture of “Ren” is the softness of spring growth. The gentle and refined influence on people has become a significant personal trait of Confucian benevolent individuals, shaping the way of governing society through enlightened guidance and influencing its customs and traditions. The texture of “Ren” also possesses a rigid aspect, which can be further understood in contrast to the softness of Taoism. Throughout its ascent as a core concept in Chinese philosophy, this perceptual characteristic has persistently existed, finding its most concentrated expression in the Song-Ming Neo-Confucian discourse on the “shengyi” (vitality and growth) of plants. The texture of “Ren” points to the interaction between the “Ren” of heaven and earth and human beings, as well as the connection between the “Ren” of human beings and all things in the universe, which can deepen the exploration of the expressive characteristics of Chinese philosophy and the Being of the Chinese people. The texture of “Ren” explains the character of Chinese philosophy reflected by “Ren”, and also shows a disjunctive and analytical epistemological model and wisdom type different from that of the West.
2024, Vol. 41 
粤公网安备44030502007936号