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Bullet Gist – Confucianism, Ren, and Ontological Basis of Self-Cultivation
Ren as Ontological and Ethical Principle
Ren = morality, but extends beyond ethics to convey religious significance in Mencian Confucianism.
Serves as a driving force for self-cultivation and a meaning-structure above mere conduct.
Function: Criticizes human limitations, corrects deficiencies, and enlarges human possibilities.
Connection to Cosmic Order
Ren (moral mind) is identified with the cosmic mind in Confucian thought.
Analogous to Vedānta, where human self (Ātman) is identified with cosmic mind of Brahman.
Both systems emphasize immanence and transcendence of the ultimate principle.
Heaven (Tian) and Mandate of Heaven
Heaven functions as a critical, regulative ideal rather than just justification.
Correct use: guides moral and historical evaluation
Misuse: can justify wrongdoing if treated dogmatically.
Highlights limits of correlative thinking if traditions are considered immune to critique.
Tradition and Historical Consciousness
Confucianism emphasizes acknowledgment of tradition and historical learning.
Critics argue for reform using past insights rather than rigid justification.
Relevance to Western Cosmology / Theology
Raises the question: If the universe is all there is, how can God exist beyond it?
Both Confucian and Western perspectives question absolute transcendence, emphasizing the immanent aspect of ultimate reality.
Key Insight:
Self-cultivation (via ren) integrates ethical, religious, and cosmic dimensions, showing ontological grounding of morality.
Parallels Vedānta in linking individual self to universal principle, emphasizing both immanence and transcendence.
If you want, I can make a diagram comparing Confucian Ren–Tian with Vedānta Ātman–Brahman, showing self-cultivation, cosmic mind, and immanence vs transcendence — it’s a very clear visual for study.
Do you want me to make that diagram?
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