Confucius' view on Tian (heaven)

Last week we talked about Confucius' view of destiny. Do you remember that there was a concept called "tian", or heaven? Can Confucius' views be traced in ancient texts? Yes.

In The Analects, he mentioned tian on eight occasions. Those comments fell under two categories. One was concerning tian in a natural state, devoid of consciousness. Confucius deemed that the cycles of the seasons and the flourishing of life would continue despite tian, which indicated that tian is not the supreme dictator over everything. The other denoted a tian with will and ideas. During most difficult or painful or helpless times, Confucius often believed in a tian with will, which is capable of reward or punishment.  Tian in this case became a consolation in his mind, a spiritual power to encourage him to struggle.

It seems that even sages need spiritual solace in the face of hardship