A Study on the Complementary Phenomenon of Confucianism and Daoism in Wang Yangmings Thought

Wang Yangming, as a representative figure of the new Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty, was deeply influenced by the intellectual trend of synthesizing the three teachings since the Tang and Song Dynasties and the complementarity of Confucianism and Daoism. He ingeniously integrated the cultural essences of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, forming the unique philosophy of Yangmings mind. The formation of this ideology not only originated from his distant family cultural tradition but also closely related to his unique life experiences. In Yangmings mind philosophy, the complementary features of Confucianism and Daoism are particularly evident. Based on the ontology of mind philosophy, Wang Yangming actively drew on Daoist speculative philosophy, daringly questioned Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, and developed Confucianism by incorporating Daoism. This had a profound impact on the intellectual and literary artistic creation of ancient Chinese literati. His thoughts reveal the rich results brought about by the exchange and collision of diverse cultures in the development of ancient Chinese philosophy. In the history of Chinese thought, it has unique philosophical connotations and research value. Exploring the complementary phenomenon of Confucianism and Daoism in Wang Yangmings thought contributes to a deeper study and understanding of his philosophy.