Transcript slides

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 yin
and 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 of
society esp. rulers
Xunzi (c. 300-238 BC): Humans are naturally
selfish, so need for goodness to be
imposed
Spiritual transformation, to live in harmony
with Heavenly scheme, through…
1. Study
Learning from sage-kings of old to
become chun tzu (“noble person”)
Total moral and spiritual selfcultivation
Spiritual transformation, to live in harmony
with Heavenly scheme, through…
2. Ritual
Li (ritual and ethical behaviour) in
various life activities
Many of these found in Book of Rites
Connection with Principles of universe
Spiritual transformation, to live in harmony
with Heavenly scheme, through…
3. Propriety (li)
Relationships and roles in society
“Rectification of names”
Fulfill assigned role, injecting jen into
lives and relationships
Rituals: role in family and community life.
Emphasis on hierarchy and reciprocity
Confucian life:
Filial piety: reverence for one’s elders
and family line
Propriety: right conduct in social
relations, incl. correct ritual
Fufilling assigned role in life: guided
by welfare of family and community