Ever Renewing: Confucian Contemplative Journaling in the Digital Age

Spiritual journaling has historically supported self-reflection and moral cultivation in Neo-Confucianism, yet traditional practices were often solitary. The Kongyang Confucian Fellowship, founded in 2002 by Zhu Xiangfei (孔阳), innovates this tradition by creating a digital, communal journaling practice. Members document experiences with Confucian exercises like quiet sitting (静坐) and walking meditation (步行冥想) and share their writings on a private forum, engaging in mutual reflection and structured feedback. This study examines how this practice functions as a contemporary tool for Confucian self-cultivation, using a meta-analysis of journals, surveys, and interviews. The research reveals how digital engagement transforms solitary reflection into an interactive, communal ritual, demonstrating Confucian spirituality's adaptability to modern challenges and contributing to broader discussions on the digital revival of traditional spiritual practices.