Confucian cosmology espouses the existence of a common bond between humanity and the wider web of creation through a shared fundamental essence—the life force known as qi. Qi animates and sustains everything, flowing through the veins of human beings, animals, plants, mountains, rivers, and even transcending into the inanimate world. Qi constitutes the essence of elements like air, earth, fire, and water. The Chinese character for qi is associated with the imagery of steam rising from rice, symbolizing its nourishing and transformative qualities. In the case of humans, our being is animated by qi, harmonizing our body and spirit into a unified whole, while energizing our interconnected mind-and-heart. This holistic understanding of qi unifies and eliminates dualism, recognizing the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, body and mind, and matter and energy.
In the classical Confucian tradition, qi is understood as the animating spirit that connects all things, including the universe and humans, while being intricately embedded within the natural world, serving to animate and nourish both nature and humanity. In the course of philosophical development, Neo-Confucian philosophers broadened the understanding of qi to include its role as the fundamental essence and animating power of all living things, recognizing its pervasive presence in both the material and energetic realms of the universe. From the Neo-Confucian perspective, the universe is constructed of various tiers and domains of organized qi.
The function of qi is intricately tied to the interplay of the opposing yet complementary modalities of yin and yang. These fundamental interactions possess a universal influence, spanning across various domains ranging from the simplest to the most complex situations wherein celestial and earthly elements, as well as those deemed lofty or lowly, and movement and stillness, interweave in a harmonious manner. This profound duality sheds light on the intricate dynamics of transformation and transition between contrasting elements. The perpetual flux characterizing our world, with its ever-changing nature, arises from the cosmic union of yin and yang. This interconnectedness among all phenomena, marked by a delicate equilibrium and mutual impact, weaves a tapestry of continuity that permeates the very essence of existence.
In Chinese cosmology, qi finds expression and function through the dynamic interplay of the elemental phases called Wu Xing (Five Phases). According to this theory, qi interacts with the elemental forces of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The five phases are associated with different qualities, such as wood (growth), fire (transformation), earth (stability), metal (clarity), and water (adaptability). These qualities are thought to be reflected in the physical world, as well as in human existence. The five elements interact with each other in a cyclical pattern which leads to the creation, transformation, and destruction of all things. The phases have the potential to be combined in numerous ways and metaphorically represent a wide range of aspects, including flavors and moral virtues. It is essential to emphasize that the elements should not be viewed as separate entities but rather as dynamic expressions, processes, or stages of the vital force.
While the subject of qi and its relationship to the five elements has been greatly debated over the years, the core understanding of these concepts reveal the inseparable bond between qi's life force and the expressive powers of the elements in the phenomena taking place in the universe. Their interplay governs the dynamic processes of the universe, influencing the growth of natural beings and the movements of celestial bodies. Balancing qi and the elements is essential for well-being of human life and the natural world. It should be noted that although these concepts emerged early in Chinese history, during the Han Dynasty, Confucian scholars took a particular interest in utilizing these natural philosophical concepts in order to apply to concerns of personal and social ethics.
The Confucian cosmology described above reveals the profound interconnectedness of the universe and our place within it, emphasizing our intimate connection with the natural world. Recognizing this bond inspires us to seek harmony and equilibrium in our interactions with nature, understanding that the well-being of both the natural world and ourselves are intertwined. When the natural world is balanced, the harmonious flow of qi contributes to the vitality of all beings. Imbalance, on the other hand, leads to disharmony and suffering. This belief highlights the importance of nurturing positive relationships and promoting harmony among all living and non-living entities. It reminds us of the ripple effects of our actions, influencing the well-being of ourselves and the cosmos. Self-cultivation becomes crucial in aligning our conduct with the patterns of nature, facilitating the flow of qi and maintaining order in the universe.
This cosmology also facilitates the possibility of recognizing a special kinship between human beings and the myriad things in the universe. In the Western Inscriptions, Neo-Confucianist thinker Chang Tsai’s (1020-77) proclaims, “Heaven is my father and earth is my mother, and even such a small creature as I finds an intimate place in their midst. Therefore, that which extends throughout the universe I regard as my body and that which directs the universe I consider as my nature. All people are my brothers and sisters and all things are my companions.” Chang Tsai’s sentiments indicate his deep awareness of the interrelatedness of Heaven and Earth and everything in between. His ethical and moral conduct flows naturally out of this realization. To conclude the inscription Chang Tsai affirms, “In life I follow and serve [Heaven and Earth]. In death I will be at peace.”
Ultimately, Confucian teachings emphasize the importance of cultivating a harmonious relationship with nature through ethical behavior and virtuous action. This includes respecting the natural world, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable practices that support the health and well-being of both humans and the environment. Because human beings share the same life force as nature, they could communicate with and observe happenings in nature to discern their own fate. Indeed, Chinese rulers were always keen on observing signs in nature to decipher the state of the Mandate of Heaven. Heaven represents the ultimate origin of human virtues, where the Mandate of Heaven can be discovered through conscious exploration of one's inner nature and the surrounding natural and human realms. The fulfillment of Heaven's Mandate lies in the pursuit of self-cultivation and the extension of one's virtues to benefit others and contribute positively to the world. This Confucian hermeneutical-communicative perspective towards nature applied more universally implies that humanity can also discern its own future and ‘mandate’ by observing the various natural phenomena.
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