Yang Jian (1140-1226) et sa critique de la notion d’intention (yi)

Abstract

Yang Jian (1141-1226) and his critique of the notion of intention (yi). Yang Jian, one of Lu Jiuyuan’s most influential disciples, took over and developed his master’s intuitional thesis, emphasizing the notion of xin (mind-and-heart). Yang also focused his reflections on the sense of yi, translated here as “ intention”. Yang sets it against xin and considers it as the cause of all moral drift. Thus, “ stopping the emergence of intention” (bu qi yi) becomes the main goal of moral training and the keyword for his interpretations of the Confucian Classics. This part of his approach, clearly related to Chan Buddhism, has often been criticized. Nevertheless, a careful study of his works enables us to further our understanding of this erudite thinker who is seldom studied in the West.