An Inquiry into the Relationship Between Nature and Emotion from the Perspective of Li Ao's Theory of Recovering Original Nature

Abstract

In Fuxing Shu, Li Ao expanded upon the doctrine of the orthodox Confucian lineage in an attempt to revitalize the Confucian learning of nature and destiny. The text focuses on the relationship between nature and emotion, aiming to propose a theory of moral cultivation centered on "eradicating emotions to restore original nature" (quqingfanxing 去情反性). In his discourse on "nature" (xing 性), Li Ao was deeply influenced by, yet not confined to, Mencius's doctrine of innate goodness. Incorporating ideas from Daoism and Wei-Jin Metaphysics, he characterized "nature" as inherently tranquil. Furthermore, by drawing on the concept of cheng (sincerity誠) from The Doctrine of the Mean, he sought to elevate "nature" to an ontological level. Li Ao's exposition on "emotion" is multi-layered. Generally, he views emotions as deviant and opposed to nature. However, to reconcile this contradiction, he introduced the concept of "virtuous emotions" to resolve issues concerning the nature-emotion relationship and the sage's engagement with the world. Li Ao's ultimate objective was to establish a Confucian theory of moral cultivation grounded in his doctrine of nature and emotion, thereby illuminating the path to sagehood. However, due to the absence of a robust Confucian ontology, his cultivation theory ultimately lapsed into a state of Buddhist-like emptiness and quiescence, detached from concrete reality. Despite his repeated reaffirmation of the Confucian ideals of self-cultivation, family regulation, state governance, and universal peace, he essentially relied on Buddhist methods to forge the Confucian "sage".