The Issue of the Weifa and Yifa in Zhu Xi's Theory of Ren Xin and Dao Xin

In the interpretation by Zhu Xi, Ren Xin ((sic), the human mind) and Dao Xin ((sic), the way of mind) are approached through the Weifa-Yifa ((sic)-(sic), the unaroused and aroused) framework derived from the Doctrine of the Mean. It is widely held that the Ren Xin and Dao Xin, as expounded by Zhu Xi, fall under the category of Yifa. Nonetheless, such an interpretation, by overlooking the significance of Weifa, entails the serious repercussion of neglecting the Daben ((sic), the fundamental origin). Zhu Xi's conception of Dao Xin, however, is not limited merely to the Yifa phase; it integrates both Weifa and Yifa phases, whereas Ren Xin is attributed solely to the Yifa phase. Hence, Zhu Xi's theory of mind, rooted in the new theory of Zhong-He ((sic), equilibrium and harmony), is reflected in his exposition of Ren Xin and Dao Xin, underscoring the coherence of Zhu Xi's philosophical perspective on the mind.