Something that is perfectly natural and right; an undeniable and self-evident truth or principle; something that is taken for granted as being correct and unquestionable.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
The idiom "Tian Jing Di Yi" (天经地义) originates from "Zuo Zhuan, Duke Zhao, 25th Year" (《左传 昭公二十五年》). "Jing" (经) refers to constant principles or norms, and "Yi" (义) refers to justice or righteous principles. The idiom signifies an undeniable truth or a principle that is perfectly natural and right, thus unquestionable.
The story goes that in 520 BC, after King Jing of Zhou (Ji Gui) passed away, his legitimate heir, Crown Prince Ji Jing, born to his principal wife, was supposed to succeed him according to tradition. However, King Jing had previously discussed with the Grand Master Bin Meng his intention to establish his eldest son, Ji Chao, born to a concubine, as the heir. This created a qualification dispute for the succession. As a result, a fierce struggle for the throne erupted within the Zhou royal court.
Under these circumstances, Duke Qing of Jin convened representatives from various vassal states at He Rang to discuss how to restore peace to the royal court. Among those present were Zhao Yang of Jin, You Ji of Zheng, and Le Daxin of Song.
During the meeting, Zhao Yang of Jin sought You Ji of Zheng's explanation of "Li" (礼, propriety/rites). You Ji responded, "Our Grand Master Zichan once said that 'Li' is 'Tian Zhi Jing' (Heaven's constant principles) and 'Di Zhi Yi' (Earth's righteous principles)! It represents the principles prescribed by Heaven and the justice implemented by Earth! It is the foundation for people's actions, unchangeable and beyond doubt." Zhao Yang was very pleased with You Ji's answer and stated that he would always remember this truth. Most representatives from other vassal states also agreed with its validity.
Following this, Zhao Yang proposed that the vassal states should fully support King Jing, providing him with soldiers and provisions, and helping him relocate the royal court back to the royal capital. Later, the Grand Masters of Jin led the armies of various vassal states to help King Jing reclaim his throne, thus ending the succession dispute in the Zhou royal court.