ritual and music

  • The Analects – Chapter 16.2

    Confucius said, “When the world is governed by the Way, rites and music and decisions on military campaigns originate from the Son of Heaven. When the world lacks the Way, they originate from the feudal lords. When they come from the feudal lords, rarely does their rule last beyond ten generations; when they come…

  • The Analects – Chapter 15.11

    Yan Hui asked Confucius, “How should one govern a state?”The Master replied, “Use the Xia dynasty’s calendar, ride the Shang dynasty’s chariot, wear the Zhou dynasty’s ceremonial cap, and for music, adopt the Shao and Wu dances. Ban the music of Zheng and keep away from flattering and crafty people. The music of Zheng…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.12

    Zilu asked Confucius, “What kind of person can be called a ‘complete person’ (a morally and intellectually fulfilled individual)?”The Master said, “If someone possesses the wisdom of Zang Wuzhong, the lack of desire of Gongchuo, the courage of Bian Zhuangzi, and the talents of Ran Qiu – and is further refined by ritual and…

  • The Analects – Chapter 11.1

    The Master said, “Those who studied ritual and music before entering government were commoners from the countryside; those who entered government first and then studied ritual and music were nobles (junzi). If I were to choose whom to employ, I would follow the former group.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.15

    Confucius said, “After I returned from Wei to Lu, I put the music in order, so that the ‘Ya’ and ‘Song’ sections each found their proper place.”

  • Mencius – Chapter 2.1 The King’s Music, the People’s Peace

    Zhuang Bao (a close minister to King Xuan of Qi during the Warring States period.) went to see Mencius, and said, “I was given an interview by the king, who told me that he enjoyed music. I was at a loss what to say.”