Abstract：Xin and universe are important concepts in Xiangshan’s Xinxue and they construct the system of Xiangshan’s Xinxue in the form of ontology and phenomena. The universe generally refers to the systematic, continuous, and developing entity of time and space, as well as all things within time and space. The cosmic problem runs through Xiangshan’s life, and he often thinks about philosophical, literary, political, educational and other issues from the perspective of the universe. Xiangshan often talks about and imparts ideas about the universe, and its academic work is often referred to as the universe. A systematic and in-depth interpretation centered on the universe not only helps to reconstruct the system of Xiangshan’s Xinxue, but also demonstrates the multidimensional unity of cosmology, human status and responsibilities in the universe, and the pursuit of harmony and happiness in the universe.Xiangshan first searched for the noumenon of the existence of all things and the rule of the universe’s operation from the objective universe of existence, thus constructing the physical universe. Then Xiangshan reflected on the relationship between the physical universe and the human mind, including the human mind’s understanding, reflection, construction, and manifestation of the physical universe, as well as the identity and differences of each person’s psychological universe, in order to construct the psychological universe. Finally, based on the integration of the physical universe and the psychological universe, Xiangshan proposed the ethical universe of “the universe is one family”. In the ethical universe, human beings and all things are inherently intimately united, sharing weal and woe, mutual benevolence, and coexisting harmoniously. The three are interrelated, with similarities and differences coexisting, together forming a multidimensional and progressive cosmology.As a member of the universe, humans can become “cosmic beings” and stand side by side with heaven and earth as three poles. Human beings should take the affairs of the universe as their own responsibility, follow the rule of the universe, and assist in the smooth operation of the universe. Human beings must enjoy, know, practice, and popularize the Tao. The cosmic realm pursued by Xiangshan is the harmony and happiness of the universe. The harmony and happiness are the ideal state of the universe, and also the ultimate goal of Xiangshan’s cosmic thought. In the sum of the universe, the popularization and popularity of “true morality” and “the filling of the universe with harmony” have reached a state of mutual perception, mutual understanding, unity of heart, virtue, and strength, harmonious coexistence, and no competition or struggle. There is only one family in the universe, and there is no longer a dispute between “my family” and “other family”. Heresy, the ideal state where evil deeds and bad habits will never occur. People and all things achieve the happiness of the universe in the sum of the universe. Everyone in the world can respect virtue, enjoy Tao, and live and work in peace and contentment, be happy and at ease.The Xiangshan cosmology is one of the representative achievements of the Song Dynasty’s cosmology, and also one of the theories representing the purpose and characteristics of Xiangshan’s Xinxue. Discussing the position and role of the universe in Xiangshan’s Xinxue can highlight the field and main theme of Xiangshan’s Xinxue from an ontological perspective. In Xiangshan’s Xinxue, cosmology, as an interpretation and construction of the phenomenal world or existence as a whole, forms a multidimensional worldview that Unified noumenon and phenomenon with mind and Li. The theory of life, as a concrete practice of the original mind and the construction of the order of the universe, has opened up a path of Large and profound for Xiangshan’s Xinxue. The unity of mind and Li, as well as the harmony and happiness of the universe, jointly construct a beautiful destination and ultimate realm in the thought of Xinxue. The Xiangshan cosmology provides valuable philosophical resources for Xinxue in later generations and helps to solve current issues such as mental illness, moral cultivation, racial disputes, and ecological degradation.
邓国坤. “宇宙”在象山心学的地位与作用[J]. 浙江大学学报(人文社会科学版), 2025, 55(7): 119-128.
Deng Guokun. The Position and Role of “Universe” in Xiangshan's Xinxue. JOURNAL OF ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, 2025, 55(7): 119-128.
2025, Vol. 55 
