T?ung Chung-shu

views updated

Tʾung Chung-shu (c.180–c.105 BCE). Confucian philosopher who effected the connection between the assumptions underlying the Yin-yang school (Tsou Yen) and the state, thus opening the way for Confucianism to become the state religion. His major work is Chʾun-chʾiu fan-lu (Profound Meaning of the Spring and Autumn Annals). Tʾien has a will and creates all things for a purpose: for humans, that purpose is to sustain order. For this reason, tʾien-ming (Mandate of Heaven) is conferred on the emperor who must respond to this trust with moral excellence. In this way, tʾien-chih (the will of heaven) is expressed in the world. It is manifest especially in the Three Bonds of yang and yin which hold society together: ruler (yang) and subject (yin), father and son, husband and wife.

More From encyclopedia.com