《中庸》慎其独”说及其相关问题

The "Cautiousness" of Zhongyong and Its Related Issues

Junzi is cautious when is alone??(Cautiousness) is an important proposition of the Confu- cian theory of Moral Cultivation of the Zhongyong； it is also an important topic causing controversy in Chi- nese academic history . By focusing on the main divergences displayed by ancient and modern interpreters， and following the principle of interpreting Zhongyong by referring to the text of the Zhongyong， interpre- ting Confucian Classics by referring to texts of Classic， tt is argued in this paper that ^Cautiousness” is a significant part of the complete Moral Effort of Sincerity (namely the moral effort of Vigilance). The theo- retical premise of Cautiousness is “there is nothing more visible than what is secret， and noth ing more manifest than what is minute” ； the basic connotation s to purify one?s intentions and feelings； and the practical resource of personal effort s L i (the Rule of Propriety). Zhu Xi?s interpretation which was based on his “Preserving and Watchfulness” framework (i. e. ， Giving full development of one?s heart to nourish the moral nature， and watching over any wicked intentions) ， not only deviates from the original meaning of Zhongyong，but also has the inherent defect， which misguides the approachable Confucian theory of Self Cultivation to the mysterious realm.