Han shih wai chuan :: :: University of Virginia Library

Li resembles the form of Heaven and Earth.[2] While [li] is in
accord with human feelings, it goes on to bring them under
control.[3] Without li, how would it be possible to rectify oneself?
Without a teacher, how can one know the correctness of li? If
you approve of what li approves, it is because your feelings are at
rest in li. If you speak as your teacher speaks, it is because your
knowledge is equal to your teacher's. When your feelings are at
rest in li and your knowledge is equal to your teacher's, then[4]
yours is the way of the superior man. When words correspond
with reason and conduct is in accordance with the true principle,[5]
the empire is in accord. The Ode says,[6]

Without consciousness of effort on your part,
In accordance with the pattern of God.

[1]

This paragraph is a modification of Hsün-tzŭ 1.22a-b.

[2]

[OMITTED]. CHy, B, C have [OMITTED] for [OMITTED]. Yü Yüeh (CYTT 17.6a) would
emend to [OMITTED], in the sense of [OMITTED] as in Li Ki 2.83 (17/3.2): [OMITTED]
"Li and music resemble the nature of Heaven and Earth" (Legge 2.114). As the
character [OMITTED] is not in Shuo wên, Yü assumes it was formerly written [OMITTED], for which he
takes [OMITTED] to be a graphic error. [OMITTED] he thinks was a scribal emendation. I have
followed Yü. (Chao 130.)

[3]

[OMITTED]: cf. Li Ki 1.202 (2/2.1): "Beating the breast, and leaping are extreme
expressions of grief, but the number of such acts is limited, as well as the timing and
the manner." (Legge 1.169.)

[4]

[OMITTED] is preferable to [OMITTED] as in B, C.

[5]

Analects 337 (18/8.3), but with [OMITTED] for [OMITTED].

[6]

Shih 454 No. 241/7.