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The Analects – Chapter 57 (3.17). The lamb that bears civilization
3.17 Zigong wanted to do away with the presentation of a sacrificial sheep at the announcement of each new moon. The Master said, “Ci! You grudge sheep, but I grudge ritual.”
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The Analects – Chapter 56 (3.16). Ritual archery as moral cultivation
3.16 The Master said, “The saying In archery it is not the hide that counts,For some men have more strength than others, is the way of the Ancients.”
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The Analects – Chapter 54 (3.14). The civilizational beacon
3.14 The Master said, “Zhou could survey the two preceding dynasties. How great a wealth of culture! And we follow upon Zhou.”
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The Analects – Chapter 53 (3.13). Heaven’s mandate vs. Earthly power
3.13 Wangsun Jia asked about the meaning of the saying, Better pay court to the stove.Than pay court to the Shrine. The Master said, “It is not true. He who has put himself in the wrong with Heaven has no means of expiation left.”