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 significance of rites (and music), breaking the traditional focus on institutional and cultural aspects, and holds great theoretical and practical importance. 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, with a special emphasis on The Rites of Zhou's views on the Mandate of Heaven, cosmology, philosophy of life, and political philosophy, as well as the interpretation of metaphysics in The Doctrine of the Mean and the cultural significance of The Record of Music. The book offers highly original insights. First, the author views rites as "code symbols" that carry both social values and mediate meaning. Second, the author rigorously interprets the meaningful world revealed by the harmony of rites and music. Third, the author profoundly explains the political implications and the essence of political theory represented by "rites." Beyond these three points, the author's discussion on "music" and "emotion" is also deeply insightful, revealing perspectives previously unexplored.