Self-Cultivation
(Ethical Theory)
Tech
What is Self-cultivation?
Self-cultivation or personal cultivation is the development of one's mind or capacities through one's own efforts. Self-cultivation is the cultivation, integration and coordination of mind and body. It is associated with attempts to go beyond normal states of being, and enhancing and endless polishing of a person's capacities and potentials. Self-cultivation is a psychological process that belongs to the Confucian philosophy system, which refers to the action and effort of keeping the balance between inner and outer selves, and between self and others. Self-cultivation (xiū yǎng “修养”) in Chinese is an abbreviation of xiū-xīn yǎng-xìng (“修心养性”), which literally translates to "rectifying one’s mind and nurturing one’s character (with a particular art or philosophy)". Although this term applies to cultural traditions in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, the goals of self-cultivation and the state that each person should aspire to are completely different.