thumb|Zhang Zai

Zhang Zai () (1020–1077) was a Chinese philosopher and politician. He is best known for laying out four ontological goals for intellectuals: to build up the manifestations of Heaven and Earth's spirit, to build up good life for the populace, to develop past sages' endangered scholarship, and to open up eternal peace.

Life and work

Zhang Zai was born in 1020 CE in Hengqu, in the province of Shaanxi. During his childhood he showed an interest in military affairs, but began to study the Confucian texts. Like many Song philosophers, Zhang was initially frustrated with Confucian thought and studied Buddhism along with Daoism for a number of years. But he decided that "The Way" could not be found in Buddhism or Daoism and returned back to Confucian texts. His exploration of diverse religious thought had a major impact on his own ideals. In 1056 CE Zhang lectured on the Classic of Changes, which is one of his most best known works. It is possible that around this time Zhang first met the Cheng brothers. After passing the highest level of the civil service examinations, he held several minor government posts.

In 1069 CE Zhang's name was put forward to the Emperor and he was given a place in the government in the capital. However, not long after, he had a major disagreement with the prime minister and decided to retire to his home Hengqu, where he spent his time studying and teaching. This was likely the most productive period of his life as he developed and spread his philosophical views. In 1076 CE he finished his most significant work, Correcting Ignorance, and presented it to his disciples. Later in 1076 CE he was summoned back to the capital and restored to a high ranking position. However, in the winter he became sick and was forced to resign again. He never reached his home town of Hengqu, dying on the road in 1077 CE. Zhang was enshrined in the Confucian temple in 1241 CE for his work. Many of Zhang's writings have been lost. Zhu Xi collected selections of Zhang's writings in his anthology of Song Study of the Way known as Reflections on Things at Hand (:zh:近思錄). His most important surviving works are probably his Commentary on the Changes and Correcting Ignorance.

After Zhang Zai's death most of his pupils became involved with the Cheng brothers' (Cheng Yi and Cheng Hao) school. Zhang Zai's thoughts and views became known for the most part through the efforts of the Cheng brothers and Zhu Xi. Zhu Xi honoured Zhang as one of the founders of the Study of the Way.

Zhang Zai's philosophy

thumb|Zhang Zai (1020-1077)

The meaning and characteristics of Qi according to Zhang Zai

Zhang Zai's metaphysics is largely based on the Classic of Changes. According to Zhang, all things of the world are composed of a primordial substance called qi (also spelled chi). For Zhang, qi includes matter and the forces that govern interactions between matter, yin and yang. In its dispersed, rarefied state, qi is invisible and insubstantial, but when it condenses it becomes a solid or liquid and takes on new properties. All material things are composed of condensed qi: rocks, trees, even people. There is nothing that is not qi. Thus, in a real sense, everything has the same essence, an idea which has important ethical implications.

Descendants

Zhang Zai's offspring held the title of Wujing Boshi (五经博士; 五經博士; Wǔjīng Bóshì).

In 1452 Wujing Boshi was bestowed upon the offspring of Mengzi-Meng Xiwen 孟希文 56th generation and Yan Hui-Yan Xihui 顔希惠 59th generation, the two Cheng brothers (Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi-Chen Keren 程克仁 17th generation

  • Son, Zhang Yin 張因
  • Grandson, Zhang Yan 張炎
  • Fourth generation descendant, Zhang Xuan 張選- who followed Emperor Gaozong of Song to southern China.
  • Fifth generation descendants, Zhang Jin張晉, Zhang Zhi 張智, and Zhang Yijun 張一俊.
  • Sixth generation descendant, Zhang Ting 張霆
  • Seventh generation descendant Zhang Riming 張日明
  • Eighth generation descendant Zhang Gumian 張谷勉
  • Ninth generation descendants Zhang Shirong, 張士榮, Zhang Shiming 張士名
  • Tenth generation descendant Zhang Wenyun 張文運

References

  • The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Zhang Zai (Chang Tsai, 1020-1077 CE). Retrieved October 25, 2008, from [http://www.iep.utm.edu/z/zhangzai.htm]
  • Huang, S. (1968). Philosophy East and West. University of Hawaii Press
  • Bookrags. Encyclopedia of Religion: Chang Tsai Summary. Retrieved October 25, 2008, from [http://www.bookrags.com/research/zhang-zai-eorl-14/]

Further reading

  • Kasoff, Ira E. (1984). The Thought of Chang Tsai. Cambridge University Press.