礼

Li

Confucianism · concept

Ritual propriety, rites, ceremony. The body of social norms, rituals, and customs that cultivate virtue and maintain social harmony in Confucian thought. Li encompasses everything from daily etiquette to state ceremonies. Confucius believed practicing li cultivates inner virtue -- external form shapes internal disposition.

As Confucius taught through the Analects and as the Confucian tradition of self-cultivation holds, Li represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.

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What Are the Key Facts About Li?

  • Tradition: Confucianism
  • Chinese: 礼
  • Category: Concept
  • Definition: Ritual propriety, rites, ceremony.

What Concepts Are Related to Li?

Ren 仁
Expressed through
Ren is expressed and cultivated through li (ritual propriety)
 Confucius 孔子
Entity Entity
Confucius taught Li as ritual propriety and social harmony
 Doctrine of the Mean 中庸
Related to
Li (ritual propriety) structures the practice of the Mean
 Mencius 孟子
Teaches
Mencius included li (ritual propriety) among the Four Seeds of virtue
 Xunzi 荀子
Entity Entity
Xunzi emphasized ritual (礼 li) as the tool for transforming human nature
 Great Learning 大学
Entity Entity
The Great Learning emphasizes ritual in self-cultivation

Common Questions

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Further Reading and Sources

For authoritative academic perspectives on Li, consult these external sources:

Further Reading