The Generation and Realization of Meaning: Philosophical Thoughts in the "Book of Rites"

Author: Gong Jianping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: The Rites of Zhou is a classic Confucian text of profound significance to traditional Chinese society and culture. However, specialized research on it is relatively scarce. This book delves deeply into the philosophical meaning of rites (and music), breaking the traditional focus on institutional and cultural aspects, and holds great theoretical and practical significance. The author comprehensively studies the text of The Rites of Zhou and related pre-Qin and Han Dynasty literature, particularly the Guodian Chu Slips, reflecting on philosophical issues to explore the origins, structure, function, and value of rituals, ritual systems, and ritual culture. This includes an in-depth analysis of The Rites of Zhou's cosmology, metaphysics, philosophy of life, and political philosophy, as well as the interpretation of the metaphysics of The Doctrine of the Mean and the cultural significance of The Record of Music, all of which are highly innovative. The book presents three major new insights: First, the author views rites as "coded symbols" that carry social values while also serving as mediators. Second, the author elaborates on the meaningful world revealed by the harmony of rites and music. Third, the author provides an insightful explanation of the political implications and the political philosophy embodied by "rites." In addition to these three points, the author's discussion on "music" and "emotion" is also very profound, offering perspectives that others have not yet considered.