The Generation and Realization of Meaning—Philosophical Thoughts in the Liji

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 examines the text of The Rites of Zhou and related pre-Qin and Han Dynasty literature, particularly the Guodian Chu Slips, starting from reflections on philosophical issues. They explore the origins, structure, function, and value of rituals, ritual systems, and ritual culture, especially the cosmology, metaphysics, philosophy of life, and political philosophy in The Rites of Zhou, as well as the interpretation of metaphysics in The Doctrine of the Mean and the cultural meaning in The Record of Music. The book offers three major new insights: First, the author views rites as "code symbols" that carry social values while also serving as mediators. Second, the author interprets the meaningful world revealed by the harmony of rites and music. Third, the author profoundly explains the political significance of rites and the connotation of political rites. In addition to these three points, the author's discussion on "music" and "emotion" is also very insightful, revealing perspectives previously unexplored.