Dao, Taiji, and Shen in Han Kangbo’s commentaries to the book of changes :  a contribution to the study of Dao-based metaphysics / Raphaël Van Daele

Monumenta Serica, Volume 74, Issue 1 (2026), p. 1-26

Available through

Taylor & Francis

Abstract:

This article focuses on Han Kangbo’s (332–380/385) exegetical works on the Zhouyi (Book of Changes), especially his commentary on the Xici zhuan. It aims to develop a philosophical reading of three key terms of the Changes exegetical tradition: dao, taiji, and shen. Although Han’s works represent a major step within the history of Changes exegesis, he seems to have been an overlooked thinker, regarded simply as a follower of Wang Bi (226–249). In this article, I intend to show that Han elaborates an original reading of the above-mentioned terms. By stressing the inner complexity and the exegetical challenges these terms raise, the present article shall also contribute to a more detailed understanding of the impact early medieval Chinese thinkers had on the history of what I call dao-based metaphysics.