Li (Confucian) - Confucian Teachings On Li

Confucian Teachings On Li

Within Confucian texts, three works comprise the primary teachings of rites. These works include the Yili, the Book of Rites or Liji, and the Rites of Zhou or Zhouli. Confucius stated his large textual coverage of li as including “300 major and 3000 minor rules of ritual” (the Liji 10:22).

In Confucian thinking, the rites work in two principle ways. The first is the performative aspect of li, wherein the body is schooled by practicing choreographed physical movements. The second aspect is attained through literary scholarship, wherein the mind is schooled through mastery of the Confucian canon on Li (Michael Nylan’s “Li”).

Li is a principle of Confucian ideas. Contrary to the inward expression of 仁 Rén, Li was considered an outward practice, wherein one acts with propriety in society. Acting with Li and Ren led to what Confucius called the “superior human” or “the sage”. Such a human would use li to act with propriety in every social matter.

Confucius advocated a genteel manner, where one is aware of their superiors and inferiors. Confucius felt that knowing ones rank in a feudalistic society would lead to the greatest social order. ‘Li’ as described in Confucian classics (The Book of Rites and The Analects) gave clear instruction on the proper behaviours expected of individuals based on their roles and placement in feudalistic society. Confucius regarded the disorder of his era as the society's neglect of Li and its principles. In the Analects Confucius states “Unless a man has the spirit of the rites, in being respectful he will wear himself out, in being careful he will become timid, in having courage he will become unruly, and in being forthright he will become unrelenting.” (Book VIII Chapter 2).