The Philosophy of Wang Yang Ming

lves (their entire mind) to natural law alone. "In consequence, the cherishing of reverence also implies a thorough examination of principles. The carrying out of the saying, 'to devote one's self particularly to the thorough examination of principles,' is what is called cherishing reverence. The carrying out of the saying, 'Cherish the very essence of reverence,' is what is called thoroughly examining principles. This does not imply that in addition to the cherishing of reverence the mind also thoroughly examines principles, or that at the time of carrying on a thorough investigation of principles the mind also cherishes reverence. Though the names are different, the task is the same. This is in accordance with the saying of the Book of Changes that reverence is for the purpose of rectifying the inner nature, while righteousness is for the purpose of correcting the external conduct. Reverence is the righteousness of the time when one is unoccupied, while righteousness is the reverence of the time when one is occupied. (28) "When the two are harmonized, they are one. "When Confucius, for example, said, 'In cultivating himself he uses reverence,' he did not need to speak of righteousness." When Mencius spoke of 'the accumulation of righteousness,' he did not need to say reverence.1' At the time when they are brought together, though you discuss them from any angle, the task is the same. If one dotes on literary style and expressions, and does not know the origin or...