Chinese Philosophy Research Articles

The Educational Spirit of Buddhabhadra: According to His Biographical and Translational Cortributions at Mount Lu, China, in the Fifth Century

Before Nālandā became a key center for Buddhist study, so many early pilgrims and translators introduced Buddhist teachings to China. These helped establish monastic institutions and educational programs, forming the basis for Buddhist scholarship in China. One important figure in this process was Buddhabhadra (佛馱跋陀羅, Chinese name Juexian 覺賢, 359–429 CE), an Indian monk who significantly contributed to the Buddhist community at Mount Lu (廬山). His work in translation, teaching, and meditation training was vital for early monastic education in Chinese Buddhism. Buddhabhadra initially worked with Kumārajīva (鳩摩羅什, 344–413 CE) in Chang’an (長安) before moving to Mount Lu. Over there to the south, he collaborated with Huiyuan (慧遠, 334–416 CE) and Faxian (法顯, 337–422 CE). He translated fifteen major texts, including the Mahāvaipulya Buddhāvataṃsaka Sūtra (大方廣佛華嚴經) and the Mahāsāṃghika Vinaya (摩訶僧祇律), both of which have deeply influenced Chinese Buddhist philosophy and monastic practices. It also impacts the teachings of Chan (禪, Zen) Buddhism and Huayan (華嚴) thought, which emphasize comprehensive harmony with a mindful life and continue to evolve in contemporary development. In addition to his written work, Buddhabhadra lived by the principles of the Threefold Training (Triśikṣā, 三增上學)—Moral Discipline (Śīla, 戒), Meditation (Samādhi, 定), and Wisdom (Prajñā, 慧). Those teachings and actions reflected these principles. His influence continued through scholars like Huiguan (慧觀), Zhiyan (智嚴) and Baoyun (寶雲), who helped shape monastic education in medieval China. This study highlights Buddhabhadra’s role in Buddhist translation, education, and monastic development, showing how he had a lasting impact on the cross-cultural transmission of Buddhist thought and practices between India and China.

The Pursuit of Universality in Chinese Buddhism

Having adopted, appropriated, and altered Indian forms of Buddhism, various schools of Chinese Buddhist thought inherited and transformed essential orientations of both Buddhism and traditional Chinese philosophy insofar as it exhibits a tendency toward seeking universality in its understanding of the world. Within the works of prominent figures and schools such as Sengzhao and the Tiantai school, Huayan, the Consciousness-Only school, and Chan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhist thought integrates the diversity of phenomena through the notion of a unifying “mind-consciousness”. This approach creates the framework for understanding the relationship between humans and all things based on the comprehensive nature of consciousness. Given this foundation, Chinese Buddhist thought places a high value on the equality of all beings, advocates for dismantling distinctions between individuals and the world, and transcends the distinctions of reality to pursue universal unity. By dissolving the boundaries of existence and non-existence, the self and things, and the individual ego, this philosophical outlook lays a cognitive foundation for eradicating the “discriminating mind” in daily life and offers insights into overcoming separatism and isolationism. The Chinese Buddhist pursuit of universal consistency, which is simultaneously of this world yet transcendent, reflects Buddhism’s profound concern for humanity’s shared destiny.

Transcendence and Nature in Chinese Philosophy: Man, Through the Eyes of Confucius, Laozi And Buddha

This article analyzes the concepts of transcendence and nature in Chinese philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius, Laozi, and Buddha. While Confucius sees man as a social being adapted to moral standards in society, Laozi considers him to be a natural being who must live in harmony with nature. In Buddhism, however, the central place is occupied by the attainment of spiritual maturation, deliverance from illusion, and reaching a transcendental state. This article provides a comparative analysis of the approaches of these three philosophical currents to human nature, its perception of the self and its spiritual and spiritual elevation. Through philosophical ideas, the relationship between man and nature is revealed, as well as the content of transcendence.

Melancholic and monastic: moss as a symbol in Chinese literature

Abstract Moss, though seemingly insignificant in nature, holds great significance in Chinese literature. Unlike the precise scientific definition and taxonomy of the English term, the Chinese term “taixian” (苔藓 ‘mosses’) more loosely indicates any small, flowerless, leaf-stemmed plant, including moss, algae, and liverwort. In Chinese culture, moss is associated with “Yin” (阴), one of the two basic constitutive elements in the universe. Chinese folk culture and medicine classifies objects in the world into five natures, and within this scheme, moss is assigned a “cool” nature due to its preference for moist environments. According to the doctrines of Taoism and Chinese folk philosophy, the nature of things is always changing and can be converted into something different or opposite. Thus, moss in ancient Chinese literature initially conveyed negative emotions, such as women’s loneliness and complaint, while later becoming a more positive symbol of retreat from worldly concerns and delight in solitude. This duality established moss as a subject of aesthetic appreciation in Chinese literature and art. Often juxtaposed with bamboo, moss came to represent the spirit of a true gentleman. This tradition has deeply influenced Chinese cultural expressions and continues to shape artistic and environmental sensibilities today.

English Translation of Chinese Philosophical Concepts by Wing-tsit Chan: A Case Study of A Source Book of Chinese Philosophy

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The Impact of the RCEP Trade Alliance Policy Implementation on the Chinese Language Education Market in Malaysia

The implementation of the RCEP policy has impacted the Chinese language education market in Malaysia in various aspects, including academic research, cultural spirit, music, and media support. Through text mining, quantitative coding, and word clustering analysis, this paper reveals the close connections between these areas. Specifically, academic research not only focuses on language teaching but also explores Chinese culture, philosophy, and other aspects. Especially in the context of cross-cultural communication, cultural spirit may become an important part of academic research. Additionally, music, as a unique form of cultural expression, can be widely disseminated through media platforms, thus promoting the popularization and recognition of Chinese language and culture in Malaysia. These factors intertwine to drive the development of the Chinese language education market in Malaysia and deepen the cultural exchange between China and Malaysia.

Современная китайская живопись се-и: философский и историко-культурный контекст

The objective of this research is to gain new knowledge about the changes in artistic language and terminology used to describe the philosophical concepts of Xieyi, as well as about the updating of texts and the system of representation of the basic philosophical and cultural principles, tenets, and contexts of traditional Xieyi. The ideological and philosophical basis of Xieyi painting is the philosophical and aesthetic principles of the Daoist concept of "art for art's sake". The article analyzes artistic receptions of ancient cultural traditions and types of artistic innovation. The philosophical and cultural significance of these innovations, which are considered as receptions of classical works in the early 21st century, is identified and described. The research of Hu Jingzhi ("Modern Chinese Aesthetics. Anthology", 1987) and Zhang Gong and Zhang Yueneng ("Modern Chinese Aesthetics and Traditional Aesthetic Concepts of China", 1991) is devoted to rethinking the ideas, principles, and categories of traditional Chinese philosophy and aesthetics. These works have made the philosophical heritage understandable and meaningful to contemporaries. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that, for the first time, five aspects of interpreting changes in the philosophical foundation of Xieyi have been generalized and formulated, which represent an experience of updating the terminological apparatus and the system of representation of key ancient philosophical and cultural principles in modern contexts of traditional Xieyi. As a result, a complex of artistic, cultural, and historical contexts for the formation of the modern Xieyi style has been identified and described; the specifics of the reception of the historical and cultural heritage of traditional aesthetic principles and mental attitudes have been revealed; and the main directions and styles in the current state of Xieyi painting have been characterized.

Network Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Traditional Chinese Exercise on Stroke Patients.

Stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease characterized by a high incidence rate, significant disability, frequent recurrence, and elevated mortality. Exercise plays a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation, yet the relationship between traditional Chinese exercise and stroke recovery remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various conventional Chinese exercises through a systematic network meta-analysis and identify the most effective interventions for improving the rehabilitation outcomes of stroke patients. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and the China Science and Technology Journal Database (up to July 2024) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating traditional Chinese exercises for stroke patients. Trials were included if they utilized at least one form of traditional Chinese exercise. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 2.0). Data analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 and the Mvmeta package, employing a random-effects model. A total of 43 studies involving 2083 stroke patients were included. These studies assessed outcomes including upper limb motor function, lower limb motor function, overall motor ability, walking ability, balance ability, self-care ability, cognitive function, depression, quality of life, and sleep quality. Baduanjin, originating in the Song Dynasty and consisting of eight movements based on traditional Chinese medicine theories,was the most effective in improving upper limb motor function, overall motor ability, walking ability, self-care ability, cognitive function, quality of life, and sleep quality. Taiji, a practice integrating Chinese philosophy, martial arts, and wellness concepts, was the most effective in enhancing lower limb motor function. Wuqinxi, inspired by the dynamic movements of animals such as the tiger, deer, bear, apes, and birds, showed the best results for balance improvement. Liuzijue, a traditional exercise combining specific sound production, breathing, and movement, was most effective in alleviating depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that Baduanjin may be the most effective intervention for stroke rehabilitation. However, further high-quality RCTs are required to confirm these results. CRD42024566780, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024566780.

Book Review: “Chinese Mythology Philosophy” by Ye Shuxian

Book Review: “Chinese Mythology Philosophy” by Ye Shuxian

The case of rén 仁 in early Chinese-European dictionaries

Abstract When missionaries first arrived in China, they encountered important challenges in translating Chinese terms into Western languages and Christian concepts into Chinese. This complex process involved numerous contributors over time, leading to translational choices that were often revised as they proved inadequate. The journey of translation varied in complexity for different terms. Mandarin-European dictionaries compiled by missionaries provide valuable insights into these processes. These dictionaries capture the definitions of Chinese characters at specific historical moments, reflecting the authors’ intentions. This article examines the character ren 仁, central to Chinese philosophy, to illustrate how comparing entries in Chinese-European dictionaries reveals insights into both the history of the dictionaries and the translation processes. We analyze ren’s definitions in various lexicographic sources, from early Sino-Portuguese dictionaries by Jesuits to Mandarin-Spanish dictionaries by Dominicans, and finally to the Dictionarium Sinico-Latinum by Franciscan Basilio Brollo (1648–1704). This comparative analysis highlights differences and connections between dictionaries, assesses their informative value regarding authorship and dating, and explores the missionaries’ diverse translation strategies.

Philosophy of Balancing Between Contrasting Forces (A Study of Greek, Hindu, and Chinese Myths)

The philosophy of balancing contrasting forces is a recurring theme in mythological narratives and philosophical systems across various cultures. This study explores how Greek, Hindu, and Chinese traditions conceptualize and symbolize the equilibrium between opposing elements, shedding light on a shared human understanding of duality and harmony. Greek mythology presents the dichotomy between Apollonian and Dionysian forces, Hindu mythology embodies the balance through the figure of Lord Shiva, and Chinese philosophy encapsulates it in the Yin-Yang principle. Each tradition offers unique insights into the interplay of order and chaos, creation and destruction, and passivity and activity. This study aims to analyze the conceptual frameworks of balancing contrasting forces, compare and contrast the thematic expressions of duality in the narratives of these three cultural traditions, and identify universal principles and unique cultural expressions of balance as depicted in these mythologies. Employing a qualitative comparative analysis methodology, the research involves systematic collection, interpretation, and comparison of textual data from primary and secondary sources within these mythological traditions. Textual analysis, thematic coding, and comparative synthesis are utilized to uncover both universal principles and unique cultural expressions. Thematic similarities include interdependence and balance, cyclical nature of existence, and integration of opposites across the three traditions. Findings reveal thematic similarities across the traditions, including the interdependence and cyclical nature of existence and the integration of opposites. Additionally, the research highlights cultural distinctions in symbolic representations, practices, and philosophical interpretations. This comprehensive comparative analysis provides a deeper understanding of global philosophical perspectives on duality and harmony, emphasizing the shared human endeavor to achieve balance in life.

LanternOperAR: Engaging Yue Opera Culture with Chinese Philosophy in Hybrid Gift through Interactive Experience

LanternOperAR: Engaging Yue Opera Culture with Chinese Philosophy in Hybrid Gift through Interactive Experience

Teacher support and academic achievement among Chinese middle school students: A moderated mediation model

Despite the ability of teacher support to improve students’ development and achievement, contemporary education practices in China tend to follow traditional Chinese teaching philosophy’s emphasis on discipline instead. This study examined the mediating effect of attachment to school and the moderating effect of parental involvement on the relationship between teacher support and academic achievement in the Chinese context. We used convenience sampling to survey 1,205 Chinese middle-school students and conducted conditional process analyses. Results were as follows: (a) teacher support was positively associated with students’ attachment to school and academic achievement, (b) attachment to school mediated the relationship between teacher support and academic achievement, and (c) parental involvement moderated the relationships between teacher support and academic achievement and between attachment to school and academic achievement. Through explaining the complex interactions between factors in the family and school domain, this study has important implications for school administrators and teachers to calibrate their teaching orientations.

The transition of leadership via accounting practices: the case of a Chinese entrepreneurial firm

Purpose Accounting changes that take place in the context of different leadership styles, especially in SMEs, require further investigation. This paper aims to explore how accounting enhances monitoring and control for legalistic leaders and how accounting changes facilitate leadership transition to resolve accounting issues and emotional conflicts within entrepreneurial firms. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a case study in a Chinese entrepreneurial firm to explore the relationship between accounting changes and leadership behaviours rooted in the traditional Chinese philosophies. Findings Legalistic leaders enhance monitoring and control, through the flow and interpretation of accounting information, to retain power. However, rule-based accounting order, with rewards and punishment, may create emotional conflicts. The difficulties of implementing accounting changes facilitate legalistic leaders to embrace transformational leadership to resolve trust, emotional conflicts and accounting issues. Originality/value This paper provides insights into the transition of leadership styles in the process of implementing accounting changes in the Chinese context, which contributes to future comparative leadership and accounting practices with Western philosophies.

A Review of Research on the Effects of Mindful Exercises on Emotion Regulation and Mental Health Among Adolescents

The rising prevalence of mental health challenges among Chinese adolescents—driven by academic pressure, social change, and post-pandemic psychological stress—has underscored the urgent need for accessible, culturally congruent interventions. Mindful movement practices such as Tai Chi and yoga, which integrate breath regulation, body awareness, and meditative focus, have garnered increasing attention for their capacity to enhance emotional regulation and psychological resilience during adolescence. This review synthesizes current empirical research on the psychological and neurocognitive effects of Tai Chi and yoga among adolescents in China, with an emphasis on developmental appropriateness, cultural fit, and mechanisms of change. Drawing from systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and neurophysiological studies, the paper highlights the cognitive and emotional benefits of these interventions—particularly in modulating stress responses, improving executive functioning, and strengthening prefrontal-limbic connectivity. Tai Chi, rooted in traditional Chinese culture and health philosophy, enjoys institutional support and strong cultural legitimacy, making it highly scalable in school and community contexts. Yoga, while culturally imported, has found increasing acceptance among urban adolescents, especially when adapted to local norms and delivered in secular, wellness-oriented formats. The paper also explores the role of interoception, autonomic regulation, and implicit emotional processing as key pathways for therapeutic benefit. Finally, the review discusses comparative cultural considerations, public health implications, and future research directions, arguing that both practices—especially when thoughtfully adapted—can serve as complementary tools for promoting adolescent mental health in China.

Mohism as a Weapon to Criticise Confucianism: Navigating the Complex Dynamics between Christianity and Confucianism in Nineteenth-Century China

The relationship between Christianity and Confucianism in China has been complex and multifaceted. Since the introduction of Christianity in the seventh century, these two belief systems have interacted in various ways, ranging from conflict to accommodation. However, it was in the nineteenth century that a significant discovery had a profound impact on the evangelistic policy of missionaries in China. This discovery involved the works of Mozi, an influential pre-Qin Chinese philosopher who openly criticised Confucianism. In this article, we will delve into how these nineteenth-century missionaries astutely utilised Mohist philosophy as a potent tool to challenge Confucianism, marking a departure from the earlier approach of accommodation. By analysing this historical development, this article deepens the understanding of the complexities involved in interlingual transmission and sheds light on the challenges faced by missionaries in navigating the clash of ideologies between Christianity and Confucianism in China.

Exploring the Concept of Harmony in Chinese History: A Search for the Peace

The article is divided in three parts; first, the philosophical origin of concept of harmony and its use for maintaining peace in the Chinese past. Second, the emergence of the conception of conflict in modern China with the defeat in Opium War in 1840s. Third, the revival of concept of harmony in the Post-Mao Period in present time. The idea of harmony dates back thousands of years in Chinese philosophy. It is not the same as the notion of equality and sameness but rather addresses the issue of diversity in society. The idea of harmony was used to arrange society since it is more sensible and takes into consideration the requirements of all parts of society. Diversity, not sameness and equality, is at the heart of what we mean by "harmony." In the Modern China, the concept of conflict got popular with the interaction of West in Post-1840. During Mao’s period class conflict was a dominant philosophical school of thought till 1980s. The attempt to revive harmony is in post-Mao’s period. Hu Jintao has made strides towards the realisation of the objective of becoming an ideal model for the settlement of conflicts that occur on both the national and international levels using concept of harmony.

Rethinking work, with the pandemic disruption: metatheorizing with world hypotheses and systems changes

PurposeAs economies have reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic, resumption of pre-pandemic normalcy in work has not been uniform. For each worker and leader, an essential question is whether the world of work has changed irreversibly, or if prior careers and business models can be resumed. A philosophical inquiry into theories of the world of work provides a framing that separates everyday changes from systems changes.Design/methodology/approachA metatheoretical approach to world theories from 1942 is revisited. Attention is drawn to systems of knowledge along the dimensions of analytic-deductive treatments, and dispersive-integrative treatments. Socio-Technical Systems relate to Organicism, and Socio-Ecological Systems relate to Contextualism. Reworking a processual philosophy, an alternative World Hypothesis is proposed.Findings(Con)texturalism-dyadicism reframes causal texture theory as (1) rhythmic pacing; (2) dyadic diachrony; and (3) transformative reifying. New insights into the effects with the onset and passing of the pandemic disruption are gained.Research limitations/implicationsUpdating systems theories of socio-technical and socio-ecological perspectives invokes a post-colonial constructivist philosophy that appreciates roots in American pragmatism, ecological anthropology, and Chinese philosophy of science. The emphasis of systems rhythms prioritizes a processual orientation, compatible with a yinyang material-immaterial onto-epistemology.Practical implicationsAs the world recovers from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the changed nature of work is only one of many aspects that been altered. Systems perspectives both of parts inside an organization (i.e. socio-technical individuals in groups) and wholes alongside other wholes (i.e. socio-ecological groups co-responding with their (con)textures) are not independent, but interrelated. Disruption of work systems may result in only incremental adaptation for some, with transformative shifts in world theory for others. Recognizing that organizations change from within, persistent pathologies may be diagnosed.Originality/valueSystems theories of work from the 1960s were based on pragmatism from the 1940s. The metatheoretical contextualism of Stephen C. Pepper is complemented by a 21st century constructivist philosophy that is post-colonial and non-anthropocentric. Reifying organizational systems theories for audiences founded on a Western philosophy of science requires extended explanations bridging over to a non-Western (i.e. Classical Chinese) lineage.

Cultural nationalism of philosophical discourses of the 1920-1930s as interpreted by contemporary Chinese philosophers

Cultural nationalism of philosophical discourses of the 1920-1930s as interpreted by contemporary Chinese philosophers

Feasibility Study of a Culturally Tailored Support Group Program for the Psychosocial Wellbeing of Caregivers of Individuals Living With Dementia.

Culturally tailored support group interventions can help family caregivers. Little is known about the impacts of integrating philosophical thoughts in the interventions on the psychosocial wellbeing of family caregivers of persons with dementia. A program integrating Chinese philosophies was provided to caregivers in the intervention group. A total of 33 and 30 caregivers in Hong Kong joined the intervention and control groups. They were asked to complete pre- and post-tests to assess their psychosocial health. There were significant positive changes for the level of satisfaction with social support (p < .05) and general quality of life (p < .05). There were also significant improvements in the four aspects of coping (positive reframing: p < .01; planning: p < .05; humor: p < .01; religion: p < .01). The intervention could provide insight into how culturally tailored interventions can improve the psychosocial wellbeing of family caregivers in Chinese communities.