Executive Briefing: The Metaphysical Revival
Responding to the metaphysical challenges of Buddhism and Taoism, Song Dynasty master Zhu Xi (1130–1200) synthesized Confucian ethics with a comprehensive cosmology of Li (transcendent principle) and Qi (physical energy-matter).
1. The Four Books as the New Canon
Zhu Xi elevated the Great Learning, Doctrine of the Mean, Analects, and Mencius into the definitive educational curriculum of East Asia for seven centuries.
2. References
- Zhu Xi. (12th c.). The Four Books with Collected Commentaries.
- Bol, P. K. (2008). Neo-Confucianism in History. Harvard University Asia Center.