Li (Principle)

All is Principle. Human mind reflects/resonates with this Principle

Zhu Xi:

The Great Ultimate (taiji): Transcendent,sum of all Principles of all things,highest Principle within each

Li (Principle)

Eternal, unchanging, indestructible,incorporeal

Qi (material force)

Transitory, changing, destructible,corporeal

Interdependence of the two

Two human souls: yang soul (from Heaven),yin soul (from Earth)

Human being as co-operative union of yinand yang

Human being as microcosm of universe

Role of jen/ren (humaneness)

Good and evil as results of human behaviour

Humans are naturally good

Confucius/Mencius: Evil as result of failings ofsociety esp. rulers

Xunzi (c. 300-238 BC): Humans are naturallyselfish, so need for goodness to beimposed

Spiritual transformation, to live in harmonywith Heavenly scheme, through…

1. Study

Learning from sage-kings of old tobecome chun tzu (“noble person”)

Total moral and spiritual self-cultivation

Spiritual transformation, to live in harmonywith Heavenly scheme, through…

2. Ritual

Li (ritual and ethical behaviour) invarious life activities

Many of these found in Book of Rites

Connection with Principles of universe

Spiritual transformation, to live in harmonywith Heavenly scheme, through…

3. Propriety (li)

Relationships and roles in society

“Rectification of names”

Fulfill assigned role, injecting jen intolives and relationships

Rituals: role in family and community life.Emphasis on hierarchy and reciprocity

Confucian life:

Filial piety: reverence for one’s eldersand family line

Propriety: right conduct in socialrelations, incl. correct ritual

Fufilling assigned role in life: guidedby welfare of family and community