Existence and Order: The Belittlement of Ricci on Buddhist Reincarnation Theory in Tian Zhu Shi Yi

Abstract

There are two different aspects for Ricci to belittle the Buddhist doctrine of transmigration in Tian Zhu Shi Yi. First, according to the logic of transmigration of soul, Ricci think that the Buddhism doctrine of transmigration is benefit neither for prevailing of good and punishing of evil, nor for maintaining the Confucian ethics. Second, according to the Aristotle’s theory of soul, Ricci conclude that the Buddhist doctrine of transmigration disrupt the order of species. In this paper, I think that because of misunderstanding of the Buddhist doctrine of transmigration that could interpret the question of human’s existence, Ricci’s first argument is untenable. Ricci think there are different kinds of sour possessed by different kinds of living things, and the order of different kinds of living things cannot be broken. But the Buddhist doctrine of transmigration hold the view that all beings are equal. So for the Confucian, Ricci’s second point is reasonable. In my opinion, the purpose of Ricci’s belittlement of Buddhist transmigration is introduce the Catholic soul conception. Analyzed the Catholic doctrine of soul discussed by Ricci, it could not only play a role of prevailing good and punishing evil, but also provide a new order of living things which is different from Confucianism.