The evolution of Confucian concepts in the Neo-Confucian moral-cosmic system

Abstract

The concepts of Li (principle), Qi (vital energy) and Ren (humanity) have a special place in Confucian thought. In this article, what is the subject of discussion is how the evolution of Confucianism into Neo-Confucianism and the design of the moral -cosmic system by Neo-Confucians based on the mentioned concepts. In the present article, while examining the origin of these concepts, they are described in Confucian and Neo-Confucian thought and their role in creating neo-Confucian moral cosmology. The concepts mentioned in the article are expressed by referring to the works of Neo-Confucians, The Book of Changes, Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean, The Book of Mencius and the interpretations of prominent scholars of Confucian texts. Influenced by the supremacy of the Buddhist and Daoist religions, the Neo-Confucians were able to develop Confucian concepts and compete with the common religions; Buddhism, in particular, to create a moral-metaphysical system that Confucianism lacked. In this way, they established the Neo-Confucian religion in the field of Chinese thought history, and by drawing a general cosmological system, revived the Confucian religion in a new form and added to its strength and richness, and through this, received the general popularity of the people.