The Inner Unity of Li Zhi's Confucian-Buddhist Contradictions

Abstract

Li Zhi, as an open-minded thinker during the late Ming transitional period, exhibited significant complexity in his thought, with the
main thread being the interweaving of Confucianism and Buddhism, manifested concretely in the conflict between worldly engagement (rushi)
and otherworldly withdrawal (chushi). However, this contradiction possesses an inherent unity: Li Zhi's thought was oriented by practical
needsat the tangible level, it emphasized practical accomplishment and efficacy; at the metaphysical level, it eclectically adopted various
schools to seek the Way of personal liberation. The Way is not singular; learning must emphasize practical results.At this dimension, his Way
seeking life outlook and pragmatic values achieved the unity of Confucian and Buddhist thought.