This term means fundamental principles and standards of behavior. In comparison with minor principles, major principles are about the fundamental duties borne by people of different social status and how they should be performed; they are standards of conduct that people must observe. In ethical human relations, people may commit mistakes, but generally they will not defy major principles. If they should lose control of themselves, it may be the result of failing to withstand great pressure or to resist great temptation. Therefore, remaining true to major principles becomes a major challenge.

The state has five major principles and you have disobeyed them all: hold the monarch in awe, obey his policies, respect people of higher status, serve seniors, and support relatives. These are five principles of governance. (Zuo’s Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals)

Zengzi said: “Suppose there was an individual who could be entrusted with the care of a young orphan, and could be commissioned with authority over a state, and who would not be driven to abandon major principles in the face of difficulties—is such a man a man of virtue? Indeed, he is a man of virtue." (The Analects)