It is an important ethical category of Confucianism. Its original intention is kindness and justice. As early as in the Book of Rites Quli: "Virtue and benevolence are indecent."
Mencius in the Warring States period emphasized this concept more.
Since then, Dong Zhongshu, a Han Confucian, has inherited his theory and regarded "benevolence and righteousness" as the highest criterion of traditional morality.
After the Song Dynasty, due to the explanation and admiration of Neo-Confucianism, "benevolence" became another name of traditional morality, which was often called "benevolence" with "virtue" and "five permanents" with "courtesy, wisdom and faith".
Also known as "benevolence". Kindness and justice.
"Book of Rites, Quli Shang": Virtue, benevolence and righteousness must not be indecent. Where's Kong? Shu: Benevolence is a kind thing, while righteousness is a proper judgment.
"Book of Rites, Four Systems of Mourning": The benefactor is benevolent, the reason is righteous, the ceremony is restrained, the power is known, the righteousness is known, and the props are provided.
Mencius Hui Liang Wang Shang Shang: Why do kings talk about profit? And benevolence and righteousness.
Lu Chunqiu Shiwei: Ancient monarchs and people ruled the country with benevolence and righteousness, cared about and guaranteed interests, guided them with loyalty, dealt with their disasters and thought about their happiness.
The Historical Records of the First Qin Emperor: Sage, Wisdom, Benevolence and Righteousness, highlighting the truth.
History of Food in Hanshu: "As for the Warring States Period, Ling Yi became rich first and then gave gifts.
Tang and Han Yu's poem "Send Three Bachelor's Degree": All one's life is benevolence and righteousness, and all he has learned is Confucius and Zhou.
Song, Wang Anshi's Book of the Prince of Alcohol: It is based on benevolence and righteousness, why not kill more to collect grievances?
Qing, Wang Yingkui? "Liu Nan Essays" Volume 2: (Zhu) Write clouds, sincerity, virtue and righteousness to see the spring scenery in Chang 'an.
Chapter 10 of Bi Ye's Spring Without Flowers: Money is like dirt, and benevolence is precious.