Zhu Xi on Gong (impartial) and Si (partial)

摘要

In elaborating on the ethical ideal, ZHU Xi ~ employs a number of conceptsemphasizing a common phenomenon that we may label "purity" and that hasto do with the absence of deviant elements that can adversely affect one's responseto the world. He uses wu ~, (nothing, not existing) to emphasize theabsence of certain problematic elements of the heart/mind (x/n ,t~,), whetherthese are problematic thoughts, desires, or emotions. He usesjing ~ (still, unperturbed)to emphasize the unperturbed state of the heart/mind that resultsfrom the absence of such problematic elements. He also uses xu ~ (vacuous) toemphasize the capability of the heart/mind to encompass li ~ (principle, pattern),as well as the absence of problematic elements that could potentially affectone's ability to understand and follow li. While differing in emphases, theseterms all refer to a common phenomenon that has to do with the absence ofproblematic elements in one's heart/mind.