Zhu Xi on Li 理 (Pattern)

Abstract The paper explores the early use of the term li 理 and highlights aspects of Zhu Xi’s understanding of li that are continuous with the early usage. It then discusses Zhu’s characterization of li in terms of the expressions dang ran 當然 and suo yi ran 所以然 . For Zhu, li can be referred to as dang ran when apprehended in its normative aspect, and as suo yi ran when one comes to follow li spontaneously without effort, the expression suo yi ran conveying a more direct and intimate mode of apprehension of li .