-
用户827614
Mencius used these terms to refer to the mind and sensory organs, distinguishing between noble persons (大人 , dà rén) and petty persons (小人 , xiǎo rén). Sensory organs like the ears and eyes are called the "small body" (小体 , xiǎo tǐ). Lacking the ability to think and discern, these organs are easily led astray by external objects when interacting with them. Those who solely follow the "small body" become trapped in material desires, exemplifying petty persons. The mind, known as the "great body" (大体 , dà tǐ), is innately capable of thinking and discerning. By establishing the dominance of the "great body," one can uncover and continuously expand the inherent goodness within the mind through its function, avoiding being clouded by material desires. This embodies the noble person.