Abstract: Guide to the Road is a frequently-used and highly-influential scripture of the Yi people. It holds a view advocating respect for life that contains four meaning orientations: firstly, affirmation of the extreme beauty of meta-life, or the “origin” of life; secondly, affirmation of the daily life, or the “bursting” process of life; thirdly, exaltation of the force of life, or the “worship for vitality”; and fourthly, realization of the ultimate goal of life, or “eternity”. The study on the meaning orientations of life in Guide to the Road can not only enrich the content of aesthetic spirit of the Chinese nation, but also enlighten the modern people in their survival predicament.

Key words: Guide to the Road of the Yi People, respect for life, view of life