The term means to know heaven’s significance to people. To the ancient Chinese thinkers, “heaven” could mean different things, and it has an inexorable impact on human affairs in various ways. Hence, given heaven’s influence, it is crucial for people to understand heaven if they are to control themselves and the world in which they live. Because of the complexities in the meaning of heaven and in the relationship between heaven and humans, there are also different forms and paths for understanding heaven. For example, Mencius (372?-289 BC) felt that one could understand heaven by fully realizing the innate goodness in one’s nature, whereas Xunzi (313?-238 BC) felt that understanding heaven meant appropriately meeting the needs of one’s natural physical functions in a way which accorded with the rules of propriety.

Mencius said, “He who does his utmost knows his nature. Knowing his nature, he understands heaven. Preserving his mind and nurturing his nature is the way to deal with the mandate of heaven. This does not change regardless of whether his life is long or short. He cultivates himself and awaits heaven’s arrangements – this is the way to abide by the mandate of heaven.” (Mencius)

When one’s affairs are properly handled, when one’s body is properly nourished, when one’s life is not harmed – then he can be said to understand heaven. (Xunzi)