Introduction to "Book of Rites" The content of "Book of Rites" mainly records and discusses the etiquette and rituals of the Han people in pre-Qin Dynasty, explains rituals, records the questions and answers of Confucius and his disciples, and describes the principles of self-cultivation and conduct. In fact, this work of about 90,000 words is extensive in content and covers many categories, including politics, law, morality, philosophy, history, sacrifice, literature and art, daily life, calendar, and many other aspects. It is almost all-inclusive and embodies the pre-Qin Confucianism. His political, philosophical and ethical thoughts are important materials for studying pre-Qin society. The following is an appreciation of famous sentences from "The Book of Rites":
A wise man respects him with respect, fears him and loves him. Love and know its evil, hate and know its good.
Notes
Selected from "Book of Rites? Qu Li Part 1". 玎: means intimacy. Hate: The meaning of disgust.
Translation
Be close to and respect virtuous and talented people, fear and admire them. You must be able to understand the shortcomings of those you love, and you must be able to see the benefits of those you hate.
Appreciation
Here the rules of conduct for interacting with others are explained to the world. Oppose the kind of villain who only sees the shortcomings of others and does not value the advantages of others. This kind of person actually has many shortcomings himself, and in order to cover up himself, he greatly belittles others. It is emphasized that the attitude towards everyone should be objective and fair, with a comprehensive understanding, be good at discovering the shortcomings of those close to you, and actively look for the advantages of those you hate, so that your judgment of people will not be affected, and you can correctly grasp the scale of interaction with others. .
He who is knowledgeable and strong in knowledge and yet gives in, and who is committed to good deeds without slacking off, is called a gentleman.
Notes
Selected from "Book of Rites? Qu Li 1". Let: Apologize. Sloth: slackness.
Translation
Those who are knowledgeable and courteous, who cultivate their moral character and do good deeds without slacking off, can be called gentlemen.
Appreciation
To be a noble person, you must not only have profound knowledge, but also have high moral character. Only such a person can be respected by people. While emphasizing that a gentleman must possess virtue, talent, knowledge and cultivation, we might as well think about it from the opposite perspective. If a person who lacks knowledge and moral cultivation is arrogant, has no manners, does not understand etiquette, and speaks and does whatever he wants without restraint, he can still be punished. Will it be accepted by society? No, definitely not able to survive in society. Therefore, a gentleman can only be called a gentleman if he is knowledgeable, controls his desires with etiquette, and acts according to etiquette.
All officials and people's talents must be discussed first, discussed and distinguished, and then promoted.
Notes
Selected from "Book of Rites? Kingship". On this: examine him.
Translation
When selecting talents, one must first examine their moral integrity and ability. After the examination is clear, they can then assign jobs. Only after they are qualified for the job can they be awarded a title and then given a corresponding salary.
Appreciation
Discuss the methods of selecting talents. This method of selecting talents is similar to our current talent recruitment system. To recruit talents, first of all, it is required to have both ability and political integrity. After various investigations and assessments, the level of moral ability is determined before deciding whether to hire them. Then, based on the ability and the importance of the position, corresponding treatment will be given.
If you know how to be a son, then you can be a father; if you know how to be a minister, then you can be a king; if you know how to be a person, then you can be a leader.
Notes
Selected from "Book of Rites? Crown Prince Wen".
Translation
If you know how to be a good son, then you can be a good father; if you know how to be a good minister, then you can be a good monarch; if you know how to do things for others, then you can be a good father. Call him.
Appreciation
A person's life is constantly changing his position, from being a son to being a father, having dual identities. Only after becoming a father did I realize how difficult it was for my father’s sincere teachings and good intentions. This reminds me to be a qualified son in order to repay my parents for their upbringing. At the same time, he is also urging himself to set an example for his children, fulfill his responsibilities as a father with practical actions, and cultivate his children to become talents useful to society. The above is the same as being a minister and a governor. Therefore, when people have unsolvable problems in real life, they might as well understand and think from another angle, and they may come up with satisfactory answers.
Loyalty and trustworthiness are the foundation of etiquette; justice and principle are the foundation of etiquette.
Notes
Selected from "Book of Rites? Ritual Vessels".
Translation
Loyalty and trustworthiness are the spiritual basis of etiquette, and moral principles are the principles for making forms.
Appreciation
Discuss the relationship between loyalty and etiquette, principles and etiquette. Loyalty and trust are the foundation of etiquette, and principles are the form of etiquette. Without loyalty and trustworthiness, etiquette cannot exist. Without righteousness, etiquette cannot be performed.
If a gentleman wants to transform the people into customs, he must learn from it!
Notes
Selected from "Book of Rites? Xue Ji". Custom: custom.
Translation
If a gentleman wants to educate the people to develop good customs, he must start with education.
Appreciation
Discusses the importance of education. Education is related to the overall quality of a nation. It can enable people to improve their cultural and moral cultivation, understand principles, and abide by moral standards, which will help to form good social customs. Education is the foundation of a strong country. From ancient times to the present, education has been the only way for people to progress and is also the catalyst for the development of social civilization.