Reverence for Fine Virtues: An Independent Chapter of Jing-Rong Philosophical Reflections

Abstract

Jing-Rong Philosophical Reflections (JRPR) comprises a series of independent articles, dedicated to revealing original philosophical concepts and rules grounded in Reverence (Jìng) and Vital Harmony (Róng). This paper takes the core proposition of original philosophy — the virtue cultivation law of taking Reverence and Vital Harmony for Domain-Benefiting (Jìng Róng Lì Yù) as the foundation, and taking With Reverence, Virtue Aggregates; Virtue Vital-Harmonized Nurtures Malleable Nature (Self-Cultivation Law) as the Inherent-Logic (Lǐ) — as its core framework. It selects 18 virtues from the pre-Spring and Autumn Period (Elder Devotion (Xiào), Teaching (Jiào), Integrity (Xìn), Ritual Propriety (Lǐ), Discernment (Zhì), Covenant Fidelity(Yì), Sincere Devotion (Zhōng), Fortitude (Yǒng), Fraternal Respect (Tì), Inclusive Kindness (Rén), Confluent Harmony (Hé), Moderation (Zhōng), Origin (Běn), Dao (Dào), Obstinacy (Zhí), Law (Fǎ), Lucid Awakening (Jué), Endeavor (Nǔ)), and adapts them to the new era. It aims to present the Inherent-Logic of virtue formation. With no preset research background or problem-solving objectives, this paper serves only as an exposition of inherent rules, providing a new perspective for understanding Chinese virtues.