Chang Tsai

Zhang Zai (1020–1077) was a Chinese philosopher and politician, best known for establishing four ontological goals for intellectuals. These included fostering the manifestations of Heaven and Earth's spirit, improving the well-being of the populace, preserving the endangered scholarship of past sages, and establishing eternal peace. His philosophical framework, deeply influenced by the Classic of Changes, posited 'qi' as the fundamental primordial substance composing all matter and forces in the universe. Zhang Zai's metaphysics focused on the nature and characteristics of qi, explaining the universe's processes through its condensation, dispersion, and the interplay of yin and yang. He believed that all beings share the same essence, leading to significant ethical implications. A key contribution was his concept of 'forming one body with the universe,' which emphasized the interconnectedness of individuals and the cosmos. This doctrine also served to distinguish Confucianism from Buddhism and Daoism, highlighting the inherent value of human life and the realization of sagehood within the tangible world of qi, rather than through an escape from it. Zhang Zai's writings, though many are lost, were influential, with selections preserved by Zhu Xi. His most important surviving works include 'Commentary on the Changes' and 'Correcting Ignorance'. His pupils largely became followers of the Cheng brothers, and his ideas were disseminated through them and Zhu Xi, who recognized Zhang Zai as a founder of the Study of the Way.