The Founding of Neo-Confucianism by Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi

Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi, crucial figures in Neo-Confucianism, built upon the concept of Li, translating it into the ultimate reality of the universe. Li, originating from Buddhism, distinguished their philosophy from traditional Confucianism by emphasizing the inner essence or principle found in all things. While both brothers agreed that Li and human nature were linked, they diverged on the relationship between the mind (xin) and Li, leading to the emergence of the two core schools of Neo-Confucianism: Li Xue, focusing on principle, and Xin Xue, centered on the mind.