The Multiple Images and Forms of Classical Confucian and Daoist Ethics for Living

Dear Colleagues,

Classical Chinese religions contain rich and diverse wisdoms and ethics for living. As the two most important traditions of religious thought and practice in traditional China, the writings of Confucianism and Daoism are replete with extensive considerations of and meditations on topics such as the relationship between humans and nature (天人 tianren), life and death (生死shengsi), nature and the Mandate of Heaven (性命 xingming)，body and mind (身心 shenxin), spirit and desire, nature and society, and values and beliefs—all of which have established a profound Chinese religious ethics for living. They have provided complex doctrines, teachings, and tenets for establishing the meaning and value of life; for human beings to pursue virtue, self-fulfillment, and self-realization for establishing a beautiful life within a meaningful order; and for achieving harmony between human beings and the universe. 

Classical Confucian and Daoist ethics for living are shaped and guided by concepts such as Heaven (天 tian); destiny (命 ming); nature (性 xing); heart-mind (心 xin); essence, breath, and spirit (精气神 jing-qi-shen); and sacrality (灵 ling). In addition to their deep religious meanings, each of these notions has both a moral and practical significance. Whether the Confucian focus on “Human Nature and Heavenly Way” (性与天道 xing yu tiandao”) or the Daoist exploration of the relationship between the body and the soul or the mind and the spirit, all aim to promote the infinite development of personality by reflecting on various levels of the living human person to inspire people to continuously strive for excellence and realize the inner driving force for illuminating the value of life in the real world. Not only does this ethics for living not exclude religion but it actually has profound religious significance based on ultimate beliefs, while at the same time, it can be concretely implemented in daily activities, social governance, and the cultivation of the real world. This ethics for living is not based on the mystical idea of a personal God, but rather expresses the solemnity, transcendence, and infinite nature of personal character development. 

This Special Issue centers on the living wisdoms and ethics of classical Chinese religions, with the aim of expanding this area of research and showcasing the uniqueness, diversity, and universality of traditional Chinese religious life ethics. 

This Special Issue explores topics such as the following:

1. The Confucian belief in the Mandate of Heaven and its relation to human nature;
2. Daoist concepts of nature and fate (性命 xingming) and the relationship between the body and mind, as well as life and death;
3. Similarities and differences in the life ethics of Confucianism and Daoism;
4. Comparisons of life ethics in Eastern and Western religions. 

We welcome original academic papers and reviews for submission.

Prof. Dr. Zhongjiang Wang
Prof. Dr. Hongxing Lin
Guest Editors

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• Confucianism
• Daoism
• ethics for living