The Confucian Self and Experiential Spirituality

Xinzhong Yao

doi:10.1007/s11712-008-9088-3

The Confucian Self and Experiential Spirituality

Xinzhong Yao

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Since the publication of his book on Zhongyong (Tu 1976), Tu Weiming has worked for more than 30 years on an anthropocosmic reconstruction of the Confucian universe, in which self-transformation is defined both as the starting point and as the necessary vehicle for one’s spiritual journey. This article is primarily intended to examine Tu’s attempts to reconstruct Confucian spirituality but further to take a step forward to argue that in the spiritual world as construed by Confucius and Mencius, the experiential functions as transcendental by which the self initiates and empowers the transformative process. Through exploring the spiritual significance of Confucian experiences, this essay will conclude that although “transcendental experience” is only one of many dimensions in other religious or intellectual traditions, it is the most important path for Confucians by which the self is enabled to become fully integrated with ultimate reality.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	393-406
Number of pages	14
Journal	Dao A Journal of Comparative Philosophy
Volume	7
Issue number	4
Early online date	15 Oct 2008
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s11712-008-9088-3
Publication status	Published - Dec 2008

Keywords

Confucianism, spirituality

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10.1007/s11712-008-9088-3

Cite this

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AB - Since the publication of his book on Zhongyong (Tu 1976), Tu Weiming has worked for more than 30 years on an anthropocosmic reconstruction of the Confucian universe, in which self-transformation is defined both as the starting point and as the necessary vehicle for one’s spiritual journey. This article is primarily intended to examine Tu’s attempts to reconstruct Confucian spirituality but further to take a step forward to argue that in the spiritual world as construed by Confucius and Mencius, the experiential functions as transcendental by which the self initiates and empowers the transformative process. Through exploring the spiritual significance of Confucian experiences, this essay will conclude that although “transcendental experience” is only one of many dimensions in other religious or intellectual traditions, it is the most important path for Confucians by which the self is enabled to become fully integrated with ultimate reality.

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JO - Dao A Journal of Comparative Philosophy

JF - Dao A Journal of Comparative Philosophy

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The Confucian Self and Experiential Spirituality

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