The prince[2]
is one who distributes largesse according to li; he
is just to all [in his gifts] and without prejudice. The subject is
one who serves his prince according to li; being loyal and obedient,
he is never lax.[3]
Since the father is generous and kind, he observes
li. Since the son is respectful and loving, he practices respect.
Since the elder brother is kind and loving, he shows fraternal
affection. Since the younger brother is reverent and submissive,
he is not remiss.[4]
The husband, being an enlightened supervisor,[5]
observes the distinction [between husband and wife].[6]
The wife,
being pliant and submissive, is obedient. If her husband acts [in
a manner] not in accordance with the proper way, though frightened,
she herself urges him [to be good]. Such is the complete
way.[7]
Disorder comes with partiality; with completeness comes
order. It may be asked[8]
how all may be accomplished together.
The answer is, pay attention to li. Of old the Former Kings, by
attending to li, made the empire obedient, and hence their virtue
extended to Heaven and Earth. Nothing they did but was proper.
Now the superior man is reverent but not fearful,[9]
respectful but
not anxious.
[10]
In poverty and want he is not straitened, with
riches and honors he is not proud, but by responding to changing
circumstances he is not reduced to extremity. This constitutes
paying attention to
li.[11]
Thus the superior man, insofar as
li is
concerned, being respectful is contented; being straightforward
[12]
in affairs he is not remiss; being generous
[13]
in his relations with
others, he is not self-seeking. In regard to demeanor he is
polished
[14]
without giving offence.
[15]
When he responds to changing
circumstances, being alert and adaptable, he does not get into
trouble. In his relations with officials and craftsmen he does not
compete
[16]
with their ability, but makes use of their services. In
regard to the living creatures of Heaven and Earth, he does not
oppose their state, but carefully plans for their prosperity.
[17]
In
serving
[18]
his superiors he is loyal and obedient, but not lax. In
employing his subordinates he is just to all without prejudice.
In social intercourse, having classified people, he accords to them
what is proper (
i). In his own village he is tolerant but not [to the
point of permitting] disorder. For these reasons, though he be in
straits, he will be famous; and if successful, he will perform meritorious
deeds.
Jên and
i together will cover the empire, inexhaustible.
Their brilliance will penetrate Heaven and Earth,
governing without instability the ten thousand transformations.
Blood and
ch`i are in harmony; will and thought are projected;
virtuous conduct and
i fill Heaven and Earth. [Such a person is]
the acme of
jên and knowledge. This is what is meant by the
li
to which the Former Kings attended. Under these circumstances,
the old are at peace, the young are cherished, and friends are
sincere—[all naturally] as an infant turns to its mother. I say,
this results when
jên is the pattern and
i prevails, when teaching
is sincere and love is deep, when
li and music are universal.
[19]
The
Ode says,
[20]
Li and ceremonies are all according to rule;
Every smile and word are as they should be.
