Book XXV.
74. Chap. I. Ch`i-shu [OMITTED].
The chapter treats of the precautions which used to be taken
in building houses, special attention being paid to the family name,
the number of the house, the situation, etc.
*75. Chap. II. Chieh-ch`u [OMITTED] (On Exorcism).
By exorcism malignant spirits are expelled after having been
feasted. Exorcism and conjurations are of no use, for either would
the ghosts not yield to the force employed against them, and resent
the affront, or, if they are like mist and clouds, their expulsion
would be useless. In ancient times, sickness was expelled in this
way. The propitiation of the Spirit of Earth, after having dug up
the ground, is also useless, for Earth does not hear man nor
understand his speech. All depends upon man, not on ghosts.
*76. Chap. III. Sse-yi [OMITTED] (Sacrifices to the Departed).
Sacrifices are merely manifestations of the feelings of love
and gratitude, which the living cherish towards ghosts and spirits.
The latter cannot enjoy the sacrifices, which are presented to them,
because having no body, they are devoid of knowledge and cannot
eat or drink. If Heaven and Earth could eat or drink, they
would require such enormous quantities of food, that man could
never appease their hunger. Wang Ch`ung treats of the nature of
ghosts, and refers to the sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, to the
House, to the Gods of Wind, Rain, and Thunder, to the Sun, the
Moon, and the Stars, and to the Ancestors.
*77. Chap. IV. Chi-yi [OMITTED] (Sacrifices).
The various old sacrifices are described, those to Heaven and
Earth, to the Mountains and Rivers, to the Spirits of the Land
and Grain, to the Six Superior Powers, to the Seasons, Heat and
Cold, Water and Drought, the Rain Sacrifice, those to the Four
Cardinal Points, to the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars, the Five
Genii of the House, and to the Ancestors. All these sacrifices
saving the last were State sacrifices and reserved for the emperor,
the feudal princes, and their officials. They are thank-offerings for
kindness received. There are no spirits present to enjoy them, nor
can they bestow happiness on the sacrificers, or visit with misfortune
those who neglect them. Therefore sacrifices are a beautiful
custom, but of no great consequence.
