noun
natural law; heavenly principle
Refers to an inherent moral or cosmic order, often in philosophical or religious contexts. Not an everyday word; more common in discussions of East Asian thought.
東洋思想では、天理に従って生きることが理想とされる。
In Eastern thought, living in accordance with heavenly principles is considered ideal.
彼は天理に反する行いを厳しく戒
He strictly warned against acts that go against natural law.
From 天 (heaven) + 理 (principle, reason). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the compound is conventionally associated with the concept of a universal moral order.