On Confucius’ View Of Tianming

The concept of "Tianming" runs through the development course of traditional Chinese philosophy.Originating from the embryonic stage where the ancients reflect on the relationship between man and nature,it aims at responding to their desire to figure out the value and meaning of life.Since the Shang and Zhou Dynasties,the ancients had been constantly interpreting "Tianming" from the aspects of religion,political and social development and ethics to grasp the existence and development rules of the universe,nature and human society."Tianming" is also one of the core propositions in Confucian ideological system.He inherited partial thoughts from traditional outlook on destiny,and futher transformed and developed them.All his life,he devoted himself to exploring,pursing and finally grasping the deep meaning of “Tianming”.Although he talked of “Tianming” rarely and vaguely,we can make a supplement and exploration through the thoughts of "seeking benevolence","serving the government","self-cultivation",etc.It in turn leaves us a richer space for interpreting his outlook on destiny.The connotation of Confucius’ outlook on Tianming can be reflected in his great transformation of traditional outlook on destiny and his tortuous life.Through the research,we can find that Confucius affirmed the objectivity of destiny,acknowledged its religious dominance to a certain extent,but also indicated people’s cognitive limitations of "Tianming".On this basis,he treated "fearing Tianming" and "knowing Tianming" dialectically,and directed the world’s attention from the absolute authority of destiny to human’s self-cultivation,which greatly promoted the rational awareness of the traditional philosophy.Later scholars have different opinions on Confucius’ outlook on destiny,and the their relevant interpretations are contained in different philosophers’ moral,political and social ideas.Accordingly,Confucius’ view of destiny was endowed with new connotations by the later ruling class,different schools of thought and ordinary people,and gradually exerted a far-reaching impact.On the theme of "Confucius Tianming concept",I endeavor to comb the origin and development of the traditional Tianming concept and interpret Confucius’ philosophy from the perspective of Tianming concept.On the basis of comparing Confucius Tianming concept with different philosophers’,I also try to explore its influence and significance on Chinese traditional culture.Ultimately,I tend to put forward a new understanding of "Tianming" and interpret its modern value combined with the current context.