Firstly, as a background to Liu Tsung-chou’s thought, this study documents the re-emergence of the School of Mind in the early Ming. It describes Ch’en Hsien-chang’s teaching of sitting in meditation and his doctrine of emphasizing tranquillity. The development of the School of Mind in the middle Ming is explicated by way of Wang Yang-ming’s doctrine of the extension of innate knowledge. The fictionalization of the School of Mind in late Ming is documented through a study of the doctrines propounded by Wang Yang-ming’s followers. Secondly, Liu Tsung-chou’s family background, early life, political career, and intellectual achievement are introduced. Finally, Liu’s contribution to the reconsideration of the doctrines of Mind in Ming Neo-Confucianism are investigated through a systematic study of his views on the existing schools. With reference to Ch’en Hsien-chang’s doctrine, I will discuss the doctrine of “emphasizing tranquillity” and the teaching of sitting in meditation in the Ch’en Hsien-chang School; the arguments regarding them in the Wang Yang-ming School; and Liu’s views on them. With reference to Wang Yang-ming’s doctrine, I will discuss Liu’s changing, attitudes towards Wang’s doctrine; the two men’s different attitudes towards overcoming selfish human desires and extensive learning; and the difference between Wang and Liu on the correct interpretation of the Great Learning. In my investigation of Liu’s reconsideration of the doctrines promoted by Wang Yang-ming’s followers, I will discuss Liu’s sense of the degeneration of Wang’s followers; the debates on Wang’s “Four Sentences of Teaching”; Liu’s criticism of Wang’s “Four Sentences of Teaching” and the debates on it; Liu’s criticism of the moral decay in the circle of Wang Yang-ming’s followers; and Liu’s scheme of moral reformation of his time. The study concludes with an assessment of the impact of Liu’s reconstruction of Ming Neo-Confucianism and its influence in the period from late Ming to early Ch’ing.