Human development (Confucianism)

More a philosophy or way of life than a religion, Confucianism is nonetheless treated as a religion by many people, especially in conjunction with elements of Taoism and Buddhism. The aim is simultaneously to develop the individual to spiritual nobility, so as to be self-motivated, self-controlled and responsible – wei-chi, development for the sake of self; and to develop a harmonious society based on enlightened individuals and within a formal social structure – wei-jen, development for the sake of others.

Confucians believe in the overall "Great Ultimate" – Tai Chi – which arises from nothing and exists in change, of which it is the cause. From Tai Chi arise positive energy, yang, and passive form, yin. The dynamic tension between yang and yin produces the natural order which is characterized by change. The way of Tai Chi, which is the Tao, is through living out one's basically good human nature through self discipline so that the real nature of Tao, the self, is revealed and the principle of change enjoyed. The transforming process of change has a natural pattern or cycle of expanding and contracting, arising from change in either yin or yang, and spreading first through the immediate system and then to related systems, which are all interdependent. The ideal is excellence, change which is in the direction of promoting individual and whole system improvement and growth. The only thing which does not change is the fact that there is change.

In attempting to make changes for the better, that which is to be changed must be considered in the light of its relationship to the system, to the balance of yang and yin and to different parts of the system. Cultivation of wisdom, love and courage at the individual level and the search for truth puts one in a position to effect social transformation. The effectiveness of any system is determined by the extent to which individuals and subsystems making up the whole are enlightened by and stay with the truth.

The principles of change are detailed in the I Ching (Book of Changes).