Animals in Confucianism
Explore the Confucian teachings that shape our lives with animals through classical texts, ethical teachings, and ritual practice
Foundations
Confucius taught us that to be fully human is to be humane.
Ren, often translated as humaneness or benevolence, encourages us to cultivate a heart that responds to suffering. The development of our humanity is measured by our capacity for benevolence, for humaneness. Confucian stories and classical teachings invite us to explore our lives and our hearts and to develop ren. The account of King Xuan, who spared an ox, reminds us that compassion asks that we see fear and vulnerability not only in ourselves, but in animals, and that we respond with humaneness. Mencius taught that a noble person, who has realized their humanity and is truly humane, cannot bear to see an animal suffer.
Li, or proper conduct, and self-cultivation are core virtues; daily habits shape the kind of people we become. The teachings of Confucius invite us to make choices that reflect restraint, harmony, and most of all, benevolence.
Along this journey to realize full humanity, which entails benevolence, we are invited to ask if our food choices, medicines, and rituals express ren. Are we cultivating a heart of humaneness? Confucian voices speaking for animals invite us into lives of greater benevolence and more humane communities.
How can those in the Confucian tradition be more successful in becoming fully human, in becoming humane, in their treatment of animals?
Teachings
Ren, often translated as humaneness or benevolence, encourages us to cultivate a heart that responds to suffering, and in this way, we become fully human: The development of our humanity is measured by our capacity for benevolence/humaneness.
Narratives
Mencius taught that a noble person, one who has realized their humanity and is truly humane, cannot bear to see an animal suffer. The account of King Xuan, who spared an ox, reminds us that benevolence includes animals. Some sacred narratives are about animals: Chinese narratives portray cranes as sentient, thinking, intentional, and powerful.
Tension
In addition to buying animal products, some followers of Confucius harm and destroy animals by using them as ritual offerings (particularly the Qingming or Tomb-Sweeping Festival) and for medicinal purposes, including rare and endangered species.
Living
Given that we cannot be fully human without being humane (ren), given that right action (yi) and proper conduct (li) invite us to respect life, and given that proper familial relations ask that we protect humankind now and in the future, we are encouraged to choose a diet that consists only of plant foods.
Advocacy
Confucius, who was a teacher, emphasized the importance of right action and of being humane, inspiring animal advocates today to let others know about the plight and needs of animals and to work for change.