I kuan
I kuan
The “one thread” or central principle that runs through the teachings of Confucius. See Chung yung. This is interpreted as
The Confucian doctrine of being true to the principles of one’s nature (chung) and the benevolent exercise of them in relation to others (shu), by Confucius’ pupil, Tseng Tzu.
The central principle of centrality and harmony (chung yung) by which all human affairs and natural phenomena may be understood. (Earlv Confucianism.)
“Man and things forming one organic unity,” there being no discrimination between the self and the non-self. (Ch’eng I-ch’uan, 1033-1107.)
Sincerity (ch’eng), which is the way of Heaven, indestructible, by which all things are in their proper places. Sincerity is the thread that runs through all affairs and things, and being true to the principles of one’s nature and the benevolent exercise of them in relation to others is the way to try to be sincere. (Chu Hsi, 1130-1200.)
The “one” is the Great Ultimate in general and the “thread” is the Great Ultimate in each thing. (Chu Hsi.)
— W.T.C.