论程颐“性即理”思想

On Cheng Yi’s Thought of “Xing Is Li”

“性即理”是宋代理学在人性论方面的重要命题。程颐将性与天道都理解为形而上之理,认为理贯通天道性命,普遍存在于天地万物之中。他从体用一源的角度构建本体论,提出“性即理”,为人性奠定形而上学根基,挺立了人的本质,提升了人的地位和价值。他还提出“涵养用敬”、“格物致知”的工夫论,构建从理论命题到工夫实践的人性论体系。本文围绕程颐“性即理”的理论,分析性与心、情、气、才的关系,并探讨“性即理”的工夫路径:涵养须用敬和格物致知。

“Xing is Li” is an important proposition in the theory of human nature of Neo-Confucianism in Song Dynasty. Cheng Yi understood both nature and the Tao of heaven as metaphysical principles, and believed that principles were connected with the Tao of heaven and life, which exists universally in the universe. He constructed the ontology from the perspective of the same source of fundamental structure and practical use, proposed that “Xing is Li”, which laid the metaphysical foundation for human nature, established the essence of human beings, and promoted the status and value of human beings. He also established the Gongfu theory of “self-cultivation with respectfulness” and “Understanding coming from inquiring into things”, then formed a system of human nature theory from theoretical proposition to practice. Based on Cheng Yi’s theory of “Xing is Li”, this paper analyzes the relationship among Xin, emotion, Qi and ability, and discusses the method of “Xing is Li”: self-cultivation with respectfulness and understanding coming from inquiring into things.