Wang Yangming's theory of aspiration involves the philosophy of mind, ontology, and the understanding of the nature of human beings and the truth of the universe at a deeper level. To delve deeper into this theory, we can place it in the context of a broader philosophical and spiritual inquiry:
The ontological position of the mind:
In Wang Yangming's thought, the "heart" is not only the carrier of individual consciousness or emotion, but also the location of the moral law of the universe. In Wang Yangming's philosophy, aspiration is not only the will to decide to do something, but also a kind of inner moral will and self-awakening. He believed that there is an innate and good moral nature in every human heart. To aspire is to awaken and uphold this inner goodness and make it a guiding principle for one's actions. His view of "mind as reason" elevated the status of the mind as a fundamental starting point for understanding the world and self-realization. In this framework, aspiration is the mind's response and embodiment to the deepest morality and ideas of the universe.
The relation of subjectivity to the world of objects
Wang Yangming closely links the subjective mind with the objective world. In his view, through determination, individuals are not only realizing the moral sublimation of their own minds, but also influencing and changing the objective world. This view goes beyond individualism and emphasizes the individual's interaction and unity with the world.
The nature and purpose of ethical practice
The deep-seated purpose of Wang Yangming's theory is not only the perfection of personal morality, but also the realization of a harmonious unity between man and nature, man and the universe. This unity is not achieved through external institutions or forms, but through the inner moral practice and the transformation of the mind. The practice of ethics here has a profound ontological significance, concerning the human way of being and fundamental attitudes towards the world. Wang Yangming advocated that people's behavior should be guided by noble moral aspirations. To aspire means to set the right moral goals and to pursue them continually. In his view, true knowledge is not knowledge from books, but moral knowledge that is realized through practice.
The deep meaning of the unity of knowledge and action
Wang Yangming's idea of "unity of knowledge and action" is the core of his aspiration theory. He rejected the traditional Confucian view that knowledge and action were not two separate things, but inseparable. Under this framework, determination is to unify inner cognition and external behavior, that is, what you think is what you do, and what you do is what you think. In Wang Yangming's philosophy, the unity of knowledge and action is not only a guide to moral practice, but also a profound insight into human understanding and action. The unity of knowledge and action means that knowledge and action are not two separate realms, but a unified whole. From this perspective, aspiration becomes a way of life, a practice that integrates moral ideas into everyday life.
Transformation of the mind and change of worldview
Wang Yangming's theory of aspiration requires individuals to undergo a spiritual transformation that not only changes their behavior patterns, but also their worldview. Through aspiration, the individual moves from a self-centered view to a more holistic and harmonious worldview, a shift that has far-reaching moral, cognitive, and existential implications.
On a deeper level, Wang's theory of aspiration reveals a comprehensive perspective on human existence, moral practice, and understanding of the universe. It is not only a guide to the moral perfection of the individual, but also a profound philosophical reflection on how people relate to the world and how to live and exist in the true sense of the word.