@article{ART003315132},
author={Yi Jongwoo},
title={Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives},
journal={Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University},
issn={1598-3021},
year={2026},
volume={83},
number={1},
pages={243-261}
TY - JOUR
AU - Yi Jongwoo
TI - Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives
JO - Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University
PY - 2026
VL - 83
IS - 1
PB - Institute of Humanities, Seoul National University
SP - 243
EP - 261
SN - 1598-3021
AB - In his youth, Zhu Xi studied Zen Buddhism, but under the guidance of his master Li Tong, he transitioned to Neo-Confucianism and began to critique both Silent Illumination Zen (Mukjoseon) and Phrase-Observing Zen (Ganhwaseon). He criticized Silent Illumination Zen because he interpreted it as merely severing thought and sitting in stillness to achieve an instantaneous enlightenment. While Zhu Xi utilized Quiet Sitting (Jeongjwa), he viewed it as a foundational practice of Mindfulness (Gyeong)— a means to prepare for practicing human ethics. He argued that seeking enlightenment while ignoring practical moral action was a disregard for reality. Furthermore, he criticized Phrase-Observing Zen for its reliance on Hwadu (Gong’an)— riddles devoid of logical structure — to reach sudden enlightenment, calling it groundless. He believed this approach ignored the necessary stages of learning. He contrasted this with his own concept of Investigation of Things (Gyeokmul). Zhu Xi advocated for Jeukmul Gungni, the principle of investigating the reason in things directly to reach knowledge, thereby understanding the inherent principles within one’s own mind.
KW - Silent Illumination Zen;Phrase-Observing Zen;Quiet Sitting; Mindfulness;Investigation of Principle in Things
DO -
UR -
ER -
Yi Jongwoo. (2026). Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, 83(1), 243-261.
Yi Jongwoo. 2026, "Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives", Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, vol.83, no.1 pp.243-261.
Yi Jongwoo "Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 83.1 pp.243-261 (2026) : 243.
Yi Jongwoo. Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives. 2026; 83(1), 243-261.
Yi Jongwoo. "Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 83, no.1 (2026) : 243-261.
Yi Jongwoo. Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, 83(1), 243-261.
Yi Jongwoo. Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University. 2026; 83(1) 243-261.
Yi Jongwoo. Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives. 2026; 83(1), 243-261.
Yi Jongwoo. "Zhu Xi’s Critiques of Silent Illumination and Phrase-Observing Zen and His Neo-Confucian Alternatives" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 83, no.1 (2026) : 243-261.
