Li (Confucian) - Approaches To Li

Approaches To Li

Among the earliest historical discussions on Li stands the 25th year of Zhao Gong 鲁昭公 in the Zuo Zhuan.

Li consists of the norms of proper social behavior as taught to others by fathers, village elders and government officials. The teachings of li promoted ideals such as filial submission, brotherliness, righteousness, good faith and loyalty (Arthur F. Wright and Dennis Twitchett's 'Confucian Personalities'). The influence of li guided public expectations, such as the loyalty to superiors and respect for elders in the community. Continuous with the emphasis on community, following li included the internalization of action, which both yields the comforting feeling of tradition and allows one to become "more open to the panoply of sensations of the experience" (Rosemont 2005). But it should also maintain a healthy practice of selflessness, both in the actions themselves and in the proper example which is set for one's brothers. Approaches in the community, as well as personal approaches together demonstrate how li pervades in all things, the broad and the detailed, the good and the bad, the form and the formlessness. This is the complete realization of li.

The rituals and practices of li are dynamic in nature. Li practices have been revised and evaluated throughout time to reflect the emerging views and beliefs found in society (W.L. Leonsg's 'Li and Change'). Although these practices may change, which happens very slowly over time, the fundamental ideals remain at the core of li, which largely relate to social order.