Li (Confucianism) facts for kids

Li (pronounced "lee") is an important idea in Chinese philosophy, especially in Confucianism. It's not a physical thing but an abstract concept. It can mean many things, like good manners, proper behavior, ceremonies, or even natural rules.

In ancient China, people believed that following Li helped keep the world in order. It was thought that when humans performed the right rituals, they showed the hidden order of the universe. Doing these rituals correctly helped connect and balance human society with nature and the heavens. This balance was once the main job of the emperor, but it was also done by others through different ceremonies.

In both Korea and China, Li was seen as a key idea that made good government possible. It was believed to work with the Mandate of Heaven to ensure that good rulers would have power.

Understanding the Word Li

The Chinese character for Li (禮) has roots in symbols related to the earth. It also includes parts that mean jade, a precious stone, and "fields divided for planting." This shows how Li connects to both nature and organized society.

What Li Covers

The idea of Li is much more than just religious ceremonies. It includes all the proper ways people should behave. This connects people to each other, to spirits, and to their families and communities. Li covers many different parts of life, such as:

• Learning new things
• Community gatherings
• How people should act in different roles
• How to show respect
• Rules for mourning and funerals
• How to govern a country

For example, an ancient thinker named Xunzi said that things like songs, laughter, crying, and even what people eat and wear are all part of Li. This shows how deeply Li was woven into daily life and social customs.

Different Ways to Approach Li

One of the earliest discussions about Li happened in 517 BCE, as recorded in an ancient text called the Zuo Zhuan.

Li teaches people how to behave correctly in society. These lessons often came from fathers, village elders, and government officials. Li encouraged important values like:

• Filial piety (respect for parents and elders)
• Being kind to brothers and sisters
• Being righteous (doing what is right)
• Being honest and trustworthy
• Being loyal

Following Li meant doing actions from the heart, which brought a sense of tradition and comfort. It also encouraged people to be selfless and to set a good example for others. This shows that Li is about both personal actions and community behavior, covering everything from big ideas to small details.

The practices of Li can change over time. As society's views and beliefs develop, the ways Li is practiced might be updated. However, the main ideas of Li, especially those about social order, stay the same.

Li in Government

Confucius believed that a good government should be guided by the principles of Li. Some followers of Confucius thought that people could become better by learning and practicing Li. Overall, Confucians believed that governments should focus more on Li and less on strict punishments.

Confucius emphasized that proper leadership depended on following the rites of Li. He thought that rulers who adopted Chinese rites were fair leaders. On the other hand, rulers who did not follow these rites were seen as uncivilized.

Everyone in society should practice Li. This also means that those in charge should treat others with respect. As Confucius said, "a prince should employ his minister according to the rules of propriety (Li); ministers should serve their prince with loyalty." This shows that Li applies to everyone, from rulers to ordinary people.

See also

In Spanish: Li (confucianismo) para niños

• Li (neo-Confucianism)
• Zhou ritual system
• Ritual and music system
• Confucian ritual religion