Confucian Statement on Ecology

As education and literacy spread in China and scholars became influential as ministers of state, philosophers also began to flourish. In the late sixth century B.C.E., two of the greatest philosophers of all time emerged in China: Laozi, the founder of Daoism, and Confucius, whose philosophy and religion came to dominate China for more than two millennia. 

 

Confucian Statement on Ecology 

Confucianism sees its primary role to be the promotion of education designed to enable people to become truly human. Its purpose is the cultivation of a virtuous, responsible and caring person. Learning to be genuinely and fully human is an end in itself. Simultaneously it is also a dynamic and trans - formative process of self-realization, social engagement and cultural creativity…This process is set within the greater context of humanity and Heaven…Confucianism sees humankind to have a deep and cosmic significance. This significance manifests itself in partnership with both Heaven and Earth, forming the classic Chinese trinity of Heaven, Earth and Humankind, together manifesting the true embodiment of nature itself.  

Confucians know that the earth is alive. We observe its presence, appreciate its beauty and participate in its creativity. We therefore share its richness and fecundity with all life on the “Blue Planet”…However, humanity has repeatedly abused this beautiful gift by exploiting it recklessly, ignoring the Confucian notion of balance and harmony...This world is a precious heritage passed on to us from our ancestors and it is a resource entrusted to us by numerous generations yet to come…The sense of “awe and reverence before the universe” is prompted by our aspiration to respond to the ultimate reality that makes our lives purposeful and meaningful. Whether we come from a creationist or evolutionist perspective, we are indebted to “Heaven, Earth and the myriad things” for our existence. To repay this debt we cultivate ourselves so as to attain our full humaneness amidst the wonder of existence. 

~ Confucian Statement on Ecology: Professor Tu Weiming for the International Confucian Ecological Association, on the occasion of Confucianism joining the Alliance of Religion and Conservation in 2013.

Meet the Reader: Mary Evelyn Tucker teaches at Yale, directs the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, and is a scholar of Confucianism publishing five books in this area including two edited volumes with Tu Weiming on Confucian Spirituality.