Confucianism is sometimes seen as more of a philosophy than a religion, more
a system for improvement of self and society than for spiritual enlightenment.
While Confucius disapproved of practices like asking for intervention from the
gods, he did address concepts such as Heaven in his teachings. However, his
principles focused more on transformation during life than on achieving
salvation or enlightenment after death. According to Confucianism, Heaven does
have a plan for human life, one that emphasizes harmony, happiness and peace.
It is through study, ritual and moral behavior that we discover this plan and
achieve transformation.
The path to self-transformation is an important concept in Confucianism, one
that benefits not only the person, but all of society. According to
Confucianism, human nature is inherently good, but can be corrupted if it is
not nourished. Human nature suffers because of oppressive laws, impropriety in
personal and social relationships and the abuse of power by leaders. However,
by studying our own nature and the nature of the universe as dictated by
Heaven, we can realize our goodness and nobility. We will then be living in
accordance with the Will of Heaven.
The education of an individual was believed to be good for all of society,
because as their quest for knowledge transformed them, it would also transform
everyone around them. Confucian teachings state that as the person gains
knowledge, their will becomes more sincere. As their will becomes more sincere,
their mind is strengthened. As the mind is strengthened, so is the personal
life. As the personal life is strengthened, family relationships are improved.
When family relationships are improved, the state becomes more orderly. And
when the state becomes more orderly, there is peace in the world. Thus,
knowledge and education are inherently beneficial.
Confucius’ teaching background is evident in his emphasis on the power of
education to bring about self-transformation. Confucius believed education
helped people open their minds and realize their potential to become noble
people in tune with the will of Heaven and in tune with other people. Education
is so important to Confucianism that it is one of the primary methods used to
reach a higher state of being. Confucius believed studying the liberal arts
could create a better-rounded person, with each field of study helping to
strengthen a specific aspect of personality. Education included study of six
areas: poetry, to refine thought and expression; history, for understanding
tradition and developing moral judgment; ritual, for understanding propriety;
music, for inner transformation; politics, for social transformation; and
cosmology, for achieving harmony with the sacred forces.
Confucius believed that a thorough and well-rounded education would create
good and noble people, who could then help others develop humanity and
goodness. This path required a long-term commitment, however. Such profound
transformation could not be obtained quickly or easily; the road to
transformation required dedication and patience. This intensive education was
not simply for knowledge’s sake; the process of learning was just as important,
and could, gradually, help the individual grow and cultivate their inner
goodness, eventually becoming attuned to the Will of Heaven.