Wang Yangming’s Concept of Oneness from the Perspective of Mysticism

Wang Yangming's philosophy of oneness, while appearing to describe a mystical union with all things, is better understood as a form of introvertive mysticism. This is due to his specific definition of "thing" and the central role of the heart-mind. The realm of oneness arises from a heart-mind that pervades the universe, with liangzhi serving as both pure consciousness and the foundation of reality. Viewing his theory through a mystical philosophical lens reveals it as a spiritual philosophy that goes beyond mere ethical claims, deepening the understanding of his philosophy of mind.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Wang Yangming’s emphasis on the concept of oneness establishes a significant connection between his philosophy and mysticism. This comparative study draws upon his mystical encounters and conceptual framework. Although “all things form one body” appears to be a typical formula of extrovertive mysticism, his doctrine is more inclined to be classified as a type of introvertive mysticism because of the special definition of “thing” and the deep involvement of heart–mind. The realm of oneness is based on the mode of a heart–mind pervading the entirety of the universe and all things, with the core concept of liangzhi as both pure consciousness and the base of the world. The adoption of a mystical philosophical perspective highlights Wang’s theory of oneness as a spiritual philosophy, transcending general ethical claims, thus enriching our understanding of Wang’s philosophy of mind.