The religious philosophy of Liang Shuming : the hidden Buddhist / / by Thierry Meynard.

• Superior document: Modern Chinese philosophy, 3
• Author: Meynard, Thierry.
• Year of Publication: 2011
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Modern Chinese philosophy ; v. 3.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (242 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

Liang Shuming (1895-1988) is one of the most important Chinese philosophers in twentieth century China. Generally considered to be a Confucian, and even the last Confucian, the author argues that he was in fact a Buddhist. Liang’s thoughts are analysed within the background of the intellectual debates on religion in republican China. He reshaped the Western concept of religion from the standpoint of Yogācāra Buddhism. Yet, he advocated for the present time Confucianism as the ethical religion that would lead ultimately to the Buddhist liberation. Examining Liang’s religious belief sheds new light on his fascinating life, particularly his involvement in the Rural Reconstruction movement of the nineteen-thirties. It also explains why Liang was the only intellectual who dared to publically oppose Mao in the nineteen-sixties and seventies.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material / T. Meynard -- Chapter One. The Shaping Of The Concept Of Religion In China / T. Meynard -- Chapter Two. A Philosophy And Typology Of Religion / T. Meynard -- Chapter Three. Christianity As A Social Religion / T. Meynard -- Chapter Four. Buddhism As The True Religion / T. Meynard -- Chapter Five. Buddhist Practice And Yogācāra Epistemology / T. Meynard -- Chapter Six. Buddhist Ontology / T. Meynard -- Chapter Seven. Opposition To Humanistic Buddhism / T. Meynard -- Chapter Eight. Confucian Morality As A Substitute For Religion / T. Meynard -- Chapter Nine. Religious Aspects Of Liang’s Public And Private Lives / T. Meynard -- Conclusion. Broadening The Concept Of Religion For Today / T. Meynard -- Bibliography / T. Meynard -- Index / T. Meynard.