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#Xunzi #On Rites (Li Lun) #Origin of Rites #Distinction between Wen and Li #Pre-Qin Confucianism

An Inquiry into the Core of Xunzi's 'On Rites': The Origin of Rites, Textual-Structural Logic, and the Way of Elevation and Reduction

This article provides an in-depth exegesis of the foundational text in the opening of Xunzi's 'On Rites,' systematically analyzing the logical chain linking the origin of rites to human desire and societal conflict, elucidating the structural concept of 'Honoring the fundamental is called text (wen), utilizing it closely is called principle (li),' and investigating the hierarchical dimensions of elevation (long), reduction (sha), and the middle way within rites pertaining to the gentleman's path.

Tianwen Editorial Team February 12, 2026 81 min read PDF Markdown
An Inquiry into the Core of Xunzi's 'On Rites': The Origin of Rites, Textual-Structural Logic, and the Way of Elevation and Reduction

Section 1 The Inner Logic of the Four Passages of the Rites Discourse

Reviewing these four passages from Master Xunzi’s Discourse on Rites, we can trace a clear thread of internal logic:

Passage 1—Theory of Origin: Answers the fundamental question, "Where do Rites originate$1" Starting from human desire, through the vicious cycle of contention, chaos, and destitution, to the establishment of Rites by the Former Kings, nurturing desire, satisfying demands, and the mutual support and growth of desire and material things—it demonstrates the logical process of Rites from non-existence to existence.

Passage 2—Theory of Structure: Elucidates the internal structure of Rites—the root (ben, corresponding to wen) and utility (yong, corresponding to li)—and the highest state of their unification—the Great Unity (Da Yi, or Great Flourishing, Da Long).

Passage 3—Theory of Process and Tier: Discusses the developmental process of Rites (zhuo $\rightarrow$ wen $\rightarrow$ yue jiao) and their stratification (utmost perfection, next degree, lowest degree).

Passage 4—Theory of Elements and Application: Summarizes the four essential elements of Rites (utility, culture, differentiation, key principle) and the three operational modes (flourishing, reduction, middle course), leading to the description of the cultivation of the superior man and the Sage, and concluding with the Four Virtues of Rites (Depth, Greatness, Height, Brightness).