tiān​lǐ​rén​yù

principles of nature and human desires

Senses

天理人欲 tiān​lǐ​rén​yù principles of nature and human desires

Principles of nature and human desires; specifically refers to the Neo-Confucian concept of balancing moral order and social ethics against natural human physical needs and worldly cravings. Often mentioned in the context of the slogan "preserve heavenly principles and eliminate human desires."

References

abbreviation 天理人欲/天理人欲 理欲/理欲