Abstract:

It has always been an important issue puzzled by the intellectual circles that the developmental process from Confucius to Mencius theory of virtuous nature went through what changes. With the unearthing of the Guodian Chu bamboo - slip inscriptions, this situation has improved. The Confucian literature contained in the inscriptions unfolded an important link in the development of the primitive Confucian theory of virtuous nature, deepened Confucius theory of mind and nature, and provided a theoretical presupposition for Mencius' theory of the union of mind and body. Consequently, the Confucian theory of virtuous cultivation was preliminarily systematized, and the ideal of government by virtue showed its initial theoretical light, thus offering a foundation for Mencius who further expounded his Confucian theory of virtuous nature.

Key words: mind and nature, union of mind and body, virtuous cultivation, government by virtue