FREE ESSAY ON THE VIEWS OF MENCIUS AND HSUN-TZU ON HEAVEN

THE VIEWS OF MENCIUS AND HSUN-TZU ON HEAVEN

November 17, 1999
The Views of Mencius and Hsun-tzu on Heaven.
Mencius believes that it is our nature and mind that determine what we are. It is our
fate that governs our fortunes and determines our lease on life. Fate was originally a
patent to a fief-holder, given by the Son of Heaven as Heaven's deputy to a feudatory. In
extended usage it became our lot in life - the fate ordained by heaven. While people
guard their minds and determine their conduct, they cannot determine their fate, which is
in Heaven's hands. So, Mencius believed that though all humans are innately good, the
realization of that good comes with self-cultivation and self-knowledge.
Hsun-tzu could not accept Mencius idealistic view of human nature, nor did he believe
that Heaven was the sole arbiter of human behavior. He believed that the importance of
humankind in the universe is equal to but different from the importance of Heaven and
Earth: Heaven has its seasons, Earth has its riches and man has his culture. This is what
is meant by the Trinity. Humanity's function is to utilize the resources of Heaven and
Earth to create its own culture. This can be done through the strength acquired from
social organization. However, because the social organization needs to be regulated, lest
it break down, and because desires are many, but things are few, Hsun-tzu taught that
people need to be restricted and guided by rules and morality.
In my view of these two philosophers, I feel that Mencius' views are much more common in
most religious traditions today. Mencius beliefs are a lot like Christianity, which is
the religion that I am most familiar with. He believes that Heaven is a moral force whose
mandate is to be respected and followed by human beings. We follow Heaven's mandate by
knowing and nourishing our human nature. Our human nature is good. When you look at the
Doctrine of four beginnings, Jen, Yi, Li, and Chih, when these are fully developed, you
have a very wise and harmonious person. If you have nature you have Heaven. If no nature,
no Heaven. This is self-cultivation. In my religious tradition if you do the will of God,
you will receive eternal life (Heaven).