英文摘要 |
Canonization in the Confucian temple (Kongmiao 孔廟) was a particularly important issue in Imperial China. The canonization list of those who could be canonized or not, represented not only the value of “good style of study” of the government, but also the goal to which scholars aspired. The criteria of canonization which emphasized classical exegesis were established in the Tang dynasty, and remained effective until 1530 when the government added another reference standard attaching importance to the moral conduct of a Confucian. Scholars may connect this phenomenon with the trend of Wang Yangming’s (王陽明) philosophy due to its emphasis on personal morality, self-cultivation, and conduct. However, this sort of ethos and inclination appeared from the Hongwu period (洪武, 1368-1398), and was completely expressed in Cheng Minzheng’s (1445-1499) memorial. The transformation in 1530 was actually based on Cheng’s proposal, it was not related to the rising Mind learning (Yangming Xinxue 陽明心學). Cheng emphasized the most important function of Confucian Temple is to ameliorate the general mood by canonizing some splendid predecessors. Therefore, their moral conduct, not just their academic achievement, had to be commanded. Cheng even proposed to expel a number of earlier Confucians who had been honoured in the Confucian temple. These proposals relied mainly on his conviction: “honor the virtuous nature but also follow the path of knowledge.”(尊德性為主輔之以道問學) Additionally, the deposition of the legitimate descendent of Confucius (衍聖公), Cheng’ brother-in law, may also had been a stimulation. |