heavenly principle; natural justice; moral law
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
heavenly principle; objective moral law (in Neo-Confucianism)
formalA core concept in Song Dynasty Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism referring to universal ethical principles that exist objectively in nature and heaven, often contrasted with human desires (人欲).
Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism believes that the heavenly principle is the fundamental law of all things in the universe.
Preserving heavenly principle and eliminating human desires was an important proposition of Song Dynasty Neo-Confucianism.
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In the view of Neo-Confucian scholars, the Three Bonds and Five Constants are the embodiment of heavenly principle.
noun
natural justice; justice of heaven
Refers to the natural moral order or justice that is inherent in the universe, often used in expressions to denote that certain actions are so unjust that they violate fundamental moral principles.
This is an outrage! / Heaven cannot tolerate such injustice!
Good and evil will be rewarded in the end; the justice of heaven will reveal itself.
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Such matters violate natural justice and will inevitably bring retribution.
One must have a conscience and follow the natural order in life.