Confucian Cosmogony

EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.

Figures 1, 2, and 3, placed one over the other (meaning 3 is atop 2, and both are atop 1) so as to form one globe, represent the Greek KosmosA term derived from the Greek word for "order" or "world," used here to describe the universe as an organized, living system. or Man in his entirety. Likewise, Figures 4, 5, and 6, arranged in the same way, represent the Confucian Universe or Man in his entirety.

Figure 3, placed over figure 2, represents the Mind (fig. 2) and Body (fig. 3) of the Universe or Man according to the Greeks—and the Romans, if one substitutes God original Latin: Deus for God original Greek: θεὸς. Figure 6, placed over figure 5, represents the Mind and Body of the Universe or Man according to the Confucianists.

In both systems, the Mind (figs. 2 and 5) is twofold, consisting of a Rational part and a sentient feeling or perceiving part.

Figures 3 and 6 represent the visible world, which both systems define as "Heaven." The Earth is represented by a mountain because, in both systems, the highest mountain—the dwelling place of the Gods—is believed to be the first land to appear as each flood of chaos subsides.

In both cases, the living Universe (fig. 2 dwelling within fig. 3, and fig. 5 dwelling within fig. 6) is simply the First Man in his worldly or divine character. He is made divine by treating his soul as the Deity Himself, or the Divine Reason (figs. 1 and 4 dwelling within figs. 2 and 5 respectively); the HegemonikonThe "ruling faculty" or commanding part of the soul in classical philosophy, responsible for reason and judgment. serves as the Rational portion of the soul.

"In attempting to define the terms used by Chinese authors, we must also keep in mind their theory that man is a microcosm original Chinese: 人為小天地 (rén wéi xiǎo tiān dì), literally meaning "Man is a small Heaven and Earth.", or heaven and earth in miniature."*

• The Theology of the Chinese, p. 2.