Lin Xiyuan, courtesy named Maozhen, and also known by the pseudonym Ciya, was born in the 17th year of the Chenghua of the Ming Dynasty (1481) and passed away at the age of 85 in the 44th year of the Jiajing (1565). Hailing from Tong’an County, Fujian, he was briefly mentioned in the History of Ming: Confucian Scholars, with his status being subordinate to Chen Chen. In Huang Zongxi’s Ming Confucianism Cases, he was listed alongside Cai Qing, Luo Qinshun, and Zhang Yue, yet these accounts lacked thorough examination. However, in the anthology of review, one finds a deep concern for the nation and its people. Despite facing setbacks, remained committed to principles of Taoism and scholarly pursuits. He authored the Reserved Questions on the Four Books (Sishu Cunyi), engaging in academic debates, rectifying the style of Fujian school, and opposed Yangming’s theory of “mind,” arguing that despite being part of physical energy, the human mind represents the pinnacle of that energy. The “elite”, represented by Lin Xiyuan, embodied the potential for moral and intellectual ascendance, countering the prevalent overconfidence of his contemporaries. Principle and mind are the key to self-cultivation. Lin Xiyuan’s transition from political engagement to scholarly pursuits was both practical and useful. Grounded in reverence for metaphysical principles, he sensed the prevalence of heavenly truths. Amidst the propagation of the School of Mind, his perspective from the tradition of Min Province offered a unique viewpoint, becoming a poignant voice of dissent amidst the tumultuous societal landscape of his era.
Page：
21-54
Keywords：
Lin Xiyuan; the Reserved Questions of the Four Books (Sishu Cunyi); Cai Qing; Yangming; Min Xue
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHINESE LITERATURE NATIONAL CHENGCHI UNIVERSITY NO.41
