Sima Qian said: Every time I read the "Book of Documents" and see rulers and ministers constantly reminding each other, I realize that only through this can stability be achieved. If the assisting ministers do not fulfill their duties, then everything will fall apart. Every time I read this, I can't help but shed tears. Cheng Wang wrote hymns to reflect on himself, warn future generations, and lament the misfortune of the country. That's the perfect example of always being on your toes, right? A true gentleman cultivates virtue by avoiding arrogance. Arrogance leads to the abandonment of etiquette. Even when they're living the high life, they still appreciate hard work; when stable, they remember the difficulties of starting a business. Who can achieve this if not a person of great virtue? Ancient books say: "With political stability, achievements are made, and rites and music flourish." The moral cultivation of the people deepens, their character grows nobler, and the happiness they pursue changes. You can have too much of a good thing. All music is created to regulate emotions. A gentleman finds joy in humility and simple pleasures. Because customs and habits vary in different regions, a wide range of customs are adopted, musical tones are coordinated to make up for deficiencies, change customs and habits, and assist in promoting education. The emperor himself watches from the Mingtang, and everyone cleanses themselves of evil, reflects on their actions, and strives for self-improvement. Therefore, it is said that with the flourishing of elegant music, the people are stable; with the rise of vulgar music, morale is low; with the prevalence of Zheng and Wei music, people's hearts become licentious. Harmonious music moves even animals, so it's no surprise it affects humans, with all our emotions and values. It's just human nature!
The government was a mess, but the music of Zheng State was thriving. The nobles were all vying for prestige, showing off to each other and their neighbors. Even Confucius couldn't compete with Qi's music scene. But even his righteous tunes and satirical songs couldn't fix things. Things only got worse. By the Warring States period, the six states were partying so hard they all got wiped out by Qin.
Qin Er Shi was all about the good life, too. Li Si, the prime minister, warned him, "Look what happened to the Xia and Shang – they partied themselves into oblivion!" But Zhao Gao said, "Hey, the Five Emperors and Three Kings all had different styles of music. It's all good, man. Everyone needs to have a good time, right? It's all about having fun and keeping the peace. Why wait for some super genius to show up before we can enjoy ourselves?" Qin Er Shi believed his words.
Old Liu Bang used to have children sing his song "The Three Lords of Pei County." After he died, they kept the music and dancing going in the ancestral temple every season to honor him. His sons Hui Emperor, Wen Emperor, and Jing Emperor did not change these rules and continued to use the songs and music left by Liu Bang.
When Emperor Han Wu ascended to the throne, he composed nineteen new songs himself and had the melodies arranged by the attendant Li Yannian. Li Yannian was then appointed as the Assistant Director of Music. Scholars who only knew one classic text were totally lost. They had to get the top Five Classics guys together to figure out what the songs meant. The songs were full of obscure words from the *Erya*, making them a real head-scratcher.
During the Han Dynasty, on the first day of the first lunar month each year, the imperial family would hold a ceremony at Ganquan Palace to worship the Taiyi God. The ceremony would start in the evening and last until dawn. During the worship, there were often meteors flying over the altar. Seventy boys and girls would sing together during the ceremony. In spring, they sang the "Qingyang Song," in summer the "Zhuming Song," in autumn the "Xihao Song," and in winter the "Xuanming Song." This kind of ceremony was common in the past, so there was nothing particularly special about it.
Once, Emperor Wu of Han received a good horse, a divine horse that emerged from the Wo Wa water, and he wrote a song to offer to the Taiyi God. The song went: "Taiyi presents a divine horse, the horse sweats red and drools ochre. It is majestic and runs vast distances, now it has become friends with the dragon." Later, after defeating the Xiongnu and obtaining a thousand-mile horse named Pushao, Emperor Wu of Han wrote another song. The song went: "The heavenly horse comes from the west, running across the land to reach us. It carries the majesty of the heavens, from a foreign land, bringing the surrounding tribes under control." This time, Palace Attendant Ji An stepped forward and spoke: "Your Majesty, the music created by emperors of past generations was to inherit the ancestral traditions and educate the people. Now, because you have obtained a good horse, you compose songs, and even perform them in the ancestral temple, can the late emperor and the people understand?" Emperor Wu of Han listened but said nothing. Prime Minister Gongsun Hong immediately said, "Ji An should be punished for his insolence!"
Let's first talk about how music originated; it is entirely generated from within people's hearts. Why do people's hearts fluctuate? It is all because of external stimuli. When the heart is stimulated by external things, it generates feelings, which are then expressed through sound; sounds resonate with each other, creating changes; these changes combine to form melodies; combining these melodies, along with instruments such as battle-axes and feathered streamers, creates music. Ultimately, music arises from changes in sound, stemming from the human heart's response to external stimuli.
So, if someone's sad, their voice'll be high-pitched and mournful; if they're joyful, their voice'll be soothing and melodious; if they're happy, their voice'll be light and lively; if they're angry, their voice'll be rough and sharp; if they're respectful, their voice'll be upright and solemn; if they're benevolent, their voice'll be peaceful and gentle. These six feelings aren't natural; they're triggered by stuff that happens. So, the wise kings of ancient times paid great attention to guiding these emotions. They used rituals to shape people's thinking, music to smooth things over, politics to keep everyone on the same page, and laws to stop crime. It all boils down to one thing: uniting the people and keeping the country running smoothly.
Music, man, it really gets to you. What's on your mind comes out in your voice, and when you put those sounds together, that's music. So, in good times, the music's peaceful and joyful, full of good vibes; in bad times, it's angry and restless, all out of whack; and when a country falls, the music's sad and mournful, showing how much the people are hurting. Music follows the same rules as society. The five notes—Gong, Shang, Jiao, Zhi, Yu—represent different aspects of society: the ruler, the ministers, the people, the affairs, and the objects. If those notes are all messed up, you get weird music. If the Gong note's off, the country's a mess, and the ruler's a jerk; if the Shang note's off, the ministers are corrupt; if the Jiao note's off, the people are resentful; if the Zhi note's off, affairs are burdensome; if the Yu note's off, the country's impoverished. When all five notes clash, it's called "slow," meaning the music's totally out of control. That means the country's about to fall. Zheng and Wei's music was already heading towards that total chaos; and the music of "Between the Mulberry Trees and on the Banks of the Pu River" was the music of a fallen nation, showing all the corruption, the people suffering, and the cheating and wrongdoing that nobody could stop.
Sound itself comes from the heart of people; music is intertwined with morality and ethics. Therefore, someone who only understands sound and not music is barely human; those who understand music but not its principles are just ordinary folk. Only a truly cultivated person can grasp the true essence of music. Understanding politics requires understanding music, which in turn requires understanding music theory, which begins with a careful understanding of sound itself. "The qin in the Qing Temple, the vermilion strings are sparse and distant; one sings and three sighs, there are remnants of sounds." "The grand feast ritual, still serving dark wine and raw fish; the large dishes do not harmonize, there are remnants of taste." Therefore, the ancient sage kings established the ritual and music system, not merely to provide sensory pleasure, but to cultivate moral character and restore the natural goodness of humanity. You can't discuss music theory with someone who doesn't understand sound; those who do not understand music theory cannot discuss music with them. Understanding music is practically the same as understanding ritual. Mastering both ritual and music is a sign of virtue. "Virtue is earned." The grandeur of music isn't about how loud it is, and a great feast isn't just about how delicious the food is.
Humans are inherently quiet; this is their nature. When influenced by external factors, they take action, which reflects their true nature. When external stimuli affect people, they experience feelings, revealing their likes and dislikes. If one's preferences are unchecked and they succumb to external temptations without self-reflection, then natural harmony will be lost. External influences are never-ending, and if people's likes and dislikes are uncontrolled, this leads to people being absorbed by external forces. When people are swallowed up by these influences, natural order is disrupted, and selfish desires are indulged. This breeds betrayal, deception, hypocrisy, and immorality. The strong prey on the weak, the many exploit the few, the clever cheat the naive, the bold terrorize the timid, the sick are neglected, and the elderly, orphans, and widows are left destitute; this is the root of great chaos in the world. Thus, the ancient sage kings established the system of rites and music to set standards for human behavior: "Mourning rituals with sackcloth and tears; music and dance for joy and peace; marriage rites to distinguish the sexes; archery contests and feasts to foster harmony." Rites and music cultivate moral character, politics enforces order, and law maintains control. When the four elements of rites, music, punishment, and politics are fully implemented and do not conflict with each other, society is flourishing. The role of music is to unite people, while the role of rites is to assign them their roles. Unity allows people to be close to each other, while roles foster mutual respect. Too much music leads to excess, too much ritual to coldness. Harmonizing emotions and refining appearances is the essence of rites and music. Once rites are established, the noble and the common can be equal; once music is harmonious, the upper and lower classes can coexist peacefully; once likes and dislikes are clear, the virtuous and the unworthy can be distinguished; punishment for lawlessness and promotion of the virtuous can lead to political fairness. With kindness and justice, the people will live in peace and prosperity.
Joy comes from within, while ritual comes from external standards. Happiness comes from the heart, so it appears calm; ritual arises from external norms, so it appears refined. Great happiness is always simple, and great ritual is always concise. When things are at their best, there is no resentment; when ritual reaches its peak, there is no conflict. Governing the world through yielding is the function of ritual and music.
When the common people do not rebel and the regional rulers submit, there is no need for war or punishment, the people have no worries, and the sovereign remains unperturbed, then the highest happiness is achieved. When fathers and sons have harmonious relationships, and the order of seniority is respected, causing all people to be in awe, this is the implementation of ritual. When the emperor achieves this, ritual is truly in place.
Great music is in harmony with Heaven and Earth; great ritual observes the rhythms of Heaven and Earth. Great music resonates with harmony, and great ritual aligns with the seasons. With harmony, all things will not disappear; by following the seasons, one can worship Heaven and Earth. Where there is light, there is ritual and music; where there is darkness, there are spirits; thus, the world finds harmony and friendship. Ritual integrates different things to achieve mutual respect; music blends different melodies to achieve mutual enjoyment. The emotions of ritual and music are the same, so wise kings pass them down from generation to generation. Therefore, actions must synchronize with the times, and reputation must accompany achievements.
Therefore, bells, drums, pipes, chimes, and flutes are types of musical instruments; the tempo of various musical pieces is the form of musical expression. Ritual vessels and implements are the tools of ritual; the procedures and movements of various rituals are the form of ritual. Those who understand the emotions of ritual and music can create, and those who understand the forms of ritual and music can practice. Those who can create are called sages, and those who can practice are called wise people. The wise sage is both creator and practitioner.
Music is the harmony between heaven and earth; ceremony is the order between heaven and earth. Harmony allows all things to change and develop; order allows all things to perform their duties in an orderly manner. Music comes from heaven, while ceremony is established by the earth. If you exceed the norms of heaven and earth, it leads to chaos; if you exceed the creation of heaven and earth, it leads to rebellion. You gotta understand how the universe works before you can get music and ceremony right.
Good vibes and no drama—that's what music's all about. It's all about joy, happiness, and love. Being straight-up and having good intentions—that's what proper ceremony is based on. It's all about being respectful, humble, and showing reverence. Ceremony and music use everything—from instruments to temples, from mountains to spirits—to connect with the people.
In ancient times, emperors would hold grand celebrations after achieving success, establishing various ceremony systems. The bigger the win, the bigger the party; the better the government, the better the ceremonies. Just dancing around or making noise ain't real music; throwing together a quick offering ain't a proper ceremony. The music of each dynasty was different, and the ceremony systems varied as well. Too much music can get you stressed, and too simple a ceremony feels kinda off. Only the wisest folks can truly enjoy music without stress and do ceremonies right without feeling like they're missing something, I guess. The sky is high, the earth is thick, and all things are different, yet ceremony systems can be implemented consistently; music can be continuous and inclusive, thus flourishing. Spring's all about growth, summer's about abundance—that's kindness. Autumn's the harvest, winter's about saving up—that's justice. Kindness is close to music, justice is close to ceremony. Music can make people kind and harmonious, guiding their spirits to emulate the heavens; ceremony can discern the appropriateness of things, following the rules of spirits and emulating the earth. Therefore, sages create music to conform to the will of heaven and establish ceremony to emulate the earth. When ceremony and music are perfected and complete, they are as orderly as the operation of heaven and earth.
The heavens above, the earth below; the ruler-subject relationship is established. The hierarchy of high and low, noble and humble, is established. Like attracts like; opposites repel, creating diverse life forms. Heaven provides the backdrop; earth, the substance. Earthly energy ascends; heavenly energy descends. Yin and yang interact, generating thunder, wind, rain, the changing seasons, and the warmth of the sun and moon, fostering life. Thus, music symbolizes the harmony between heaven and earth.
Disorder in the seasons brings ruin; disorder in social roles brings chaos; this is the law between heaven and earth. When ritual and music reach their zenith, they connect heaven and earth, operating between yin and yang, communicating with spirits and exploring profound and unfathomable truths. Music begins from the beginning; rituals then regulate all things. Heaven is in constant motion; earth, in perpetual repose. Movement and stillness constitute everything between heaven and earth. Thus, the sages valued ritual and music above all.
In days of old, Emperor Shun created a five-stringed qin to celebrate the south wind; Kui Long was the earliest to create music to reward the vassals. The emperor used music to reward virtuous vassals. With noble virtue, education flourishes, crops are abundant, then music can be used to reward them. In times of hardship, dances are expansive; in times of peace, they are intimate. Therefore, by observing their dances, one can understand their virtue; by understanding their posthumous titles, one can understand their behavior.
The musical canon included masterpieces like "Da Zhang" and the comprehensive collection "Xian Chi," encompassing the legacy of "Shao" and the grandeur of "Xia," representing the musical traditions of the Yin, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.
Everything in the universe works according to its own rules; mess with nature, and you'll get sick or starve. Education is as vital to society as food and shelter. Good governance is essential for a thriving nation; if leadership is flawed, there will be no accomplishments. Therefore, in ancient times, wise emperors established the system of rites and music and used laws to govern the country, using rites and music to commend and embody the good aspects.
Raising pigs and brewing alcohol is not inherently meant to cause trouble; however, as lawsuits increase, alcohol becomes the root of trouble. Therefore, in ancient times, wise rulers established elaborate drinking rituals designed to prevent excess and maintain social harmony. During a toast, both the host and guest would perform a ritual bowing ceremony, preventing drunkenness even if drinking all day. This was the method used by the ancients to prevent alcohol-related issues. Therefore, food and drink are meant to enhance relationships.
Music celebrates virtue, while etiquette keeps things in check. When ancient rulers encountered major events, they would use etiquette to express grief; when celebrating joyous occasions, they would use etiquette to express happiness. Etiquette dictated how to express grief or celebrate joy appropriately.
Music is the pure expression of emotion; etiquette, the embodiment of principle. Music brings people together, while etiquette sets them apart. The emperor's procession—a spectacle of power and generosity—showcases his authority and bounty. Only by tracing back to the source can one understand change, which is the emotion of music; by adhering to sincerity and removing hypocrisy, one follows the guidelines of etiquette. Rites and music reflect the natural order. They guide conduct, ensuring harmony between people and heaven, and gather the essence of all things in heaven and earth, regulating the ethical relationships between father and son, ruler and subject.
Therefore, the implementation of rites and music by those in power will make the world a better place. When the heavens and the earth are harmonious, when yin and yang are balanced, as warmth nurtures everything, plants flourish, animals thrive, and life abounds. This is the way of rites and music!
Music does not refer to grand or formal performances, such as those played with the grand ceremonial bells and chimes; those are merely details of music, so even children can dance along. Setting up seats, arranging wine vessels, and preparing sacrificial vessels are all aspects of ritual details handled by specialized officials. Musicians, skilled in music and poetry, perform facing the north; the chief priest, knowledgeable in temple sacrifice rituals, stands behind the sacrificer; and the funeral priest, versed in funeral customs, stands behind the host. Therefore, only virtuous people can rise to higher positions, while less virtuous people can only remain in lower ones; only those of noble character can lead from the front, while those of poor character can only follow from behind. That's how the wise kings of old governed their kingdoms in an orderly manner, with proper hierarchy and sequence.
Music, favored by wise rulers, can be used to cultivate virtue and instill moral values among the people. Music has a profound influence on individuals, as it can change customs and habits. This is why the rulers of old attached great importance to music education. People possess innate temperament and intellect, but they do not have fixed emotions such as grief, joy, anger, and fear; emotions arise only in response to external stimuli. Therefore, if mournful music is played, the people will feel anxious; if slow, gentle, and concise music is played, the people will feel at ease; if powerful and dynamic music is played, the people will feel strong; if dignified and solemn music is played, the people will feel reverent; if gentle, harmonious, and pleasant music is played, the people will feel affectionate; if unrestrained and debauched music is played, the people will become disorderly.
Thus, the rulers of old, based on human nature and certain principles, established ritual norms to ensure that music embodies a lively and harmonious spirit, in line with the path of the Five Constants. Music should neither be unrestrained nor inflexible, neither strong and violent nor timid and cowardly, allowing free expression of all emotions. Each person can then be content in their own position without interfering with others. Furthermore, different types of music were established based on hierarchy, enriching the musical rhythms and simplifying the lyrics to regulate moral sentiments. The use of various tones and the sequence of melodies in music serve to illustrate various relationships, reflecting principles of kinship, social status, age, and gender. Hence the saying, "Music's power to educate is profound."
If the land's poor, the plants won't thrive; fast-flowing water doesn't raise big fish; if the life force is weak, things won't grow; when things fall apart, rituals and music go downhill, and the music gets trashy. Therefore, this kind of music is sad but not serious, happy but not calm, with slow and kinda careless rhythms, getting lost in it and forgetting what it's all about. Music with too much going on breeds bad stuff; music that's too limited breeds bad ideas. This music messes with your head, kills your good nature, so good people hate it. Bad sounds mess with you, make you feel bad, and that leads to wild, crazy times. Good sounds do the opposite; they make you feel good, and that leads to good times. Good and bad vibes, they all have their place, and that's how things work.
Therefore, a gentleman should reflect on his own inner self to harmonize his aspirations; he should emulate beautiful things to perfect his behavior. The whispers of wickedness and sights of depravity will not reside in the heart of a wise person; immoral indulgences and disregard for proper behavior will not affect one's character, and being lazy, wicked, and a total rebel will not exist in a gentleman. Every part of him—ears, eyes, nose, mouth, heart, and body—should follow the righteous path to practice his virtue. Only then can he make music, dance, dress up, and show off his highest virtue, harmonizing the four airs and revealing the principles of all things. Therefore, clearness represents Heaven, vastness represents Earth, the cycle of seasons represents time, and the interplay of forces represents change; colors blend harmoniously, and the forces of nature are in balance; everything works together, from the smallest detail to the grand scheme, in a constant cycle of creation and renewal. Therefore, music thrives, society flourishes, people are sharp and healthy, customs improve, and peace reigns. Thus, it is said that "music is joy." A gentleman finds joy in doing what's right; a scoundrel finds joy in self-indulgence. Righteousness brings true joy; self-indulgence brings only chaos and unhappiness. Therefore, a gentleman should reflect on his own inner self to harmonize his aspirations; spread music widely to complete education; with flourishing music, the people will submit, and the virtues of a gentleman can be observed. Virtue is the foundation of life, joy is its light, and music is played on instruments of gold, stone, silk, and bamboo. Poetry speaks to the soul, song to the heart, and dance to the body; all these originate from the heart, and then the charm of music follows. Therefore, with deep emotions, civilization will flourish; with noble temperament, spirit will elevate; harmony and smoothness accumulate in the heart, and beautiful virtues will manifest outwardly; only music alone cannot be faked.
Music is the embodiment of inner activities; sound is the image of music, and melody and rhythm are the sound's embellishments. A gentleman should first take action, then appreciate the image of music, and finally pay attention to the decoration. Therefore, one should first beat the drum as a warning, bow three times as a sign of respect, repeat the beginning to express reverence for the past, correct chaos to guide the return, advance bravely without being reckless, and delve into discussions without concealment. Find solace in private musical contemplation, never tiring of its moral lessons; display its righteousness comprehensively, untainted by personal desires. Emotions are revealed, righteousness is established; when the music ends, virtue is noble. Gentlemen cultivate virtue through this; the base correct their flaws. Therefore, it is said, "Music is essential to good governance."
This gentleman said: We can't afford to lose sight of ritual music, even for a second. Inner joy fosters sincerity, which in turn brings peace, leading to longevity, and ultimately, enlightenment. With an understanding of the Way, words become unnecessary; divine attainment commands respect without anger. Therefore, using joy to govern the inner self and using rituals to regulate one's own behavior will lead to dignity and respect, which in turn brings authority. If the inner self is slightly unhappy or discordant, it will breed base and deceitful thoughts; if the appearance is not dignified or respectful, it will breed frivolity and laziness. Therefore, joy comes from within, while rituals are manifested externally. When joy blossoms into harmony, and ritual perfects into grace, the common people will respect your demeanor and dare not dispute with you; when the common people look at your appearance, they will not be disrespectful. Your radiant virtue emanates from within, and the common people will obey; your principles are manifested externally, and the common people will follow. Therefore, it is said, "Master ritual music, and ruling the world becomes effortless."
Happiness comes from within, while etiquette is displayed externally. Therefore, etiquette emphasizes humility, while happiness emphasizes fullness. Etiquette is humble yet driven, with drive as a virtue; happiness is full yet gives back, with giving back as a virtue. If etiquette doesn't push forward, it fizzles out; happiness without giving back leads to indulgence. Thus, etiquette involves giving back, and happiness involves giving back. Good manners get you good things, and good things make you feel good. The significance of giving back in etiquette and happiness is the same.
Look, people gotta have some fun; it's human nature and inevitable. You've gotta find a way to express your joy, whether through sound or movement—it's just how we are. Singing, dancing—whatever, it's all about that feeling of joy. So, people can't help but be happy, and happiness must have a way of expressing itself. But without some kind of order, things get crazy. Back in the day, kings hated a mess, so they set up elegant music and ceremonial music to guide people's hearts. The music was designed to lift your spirits but not get out of hand, to teach you something without being boring. The rhythm, notes, and tones were all just right, aiming to touch people's kind hearts and keep evil thoughts at bay. That's what those ancient music systems were all about.
Therefore, playing classical music in the ancestral temple, with rulers and subjects listening together, makes things feel right; listening to it with family members brings families closer; listening to it with father, son, and brothers makes everyone feel closer. Music has the ability to calm people down, bring people together, and teach good manners by imitating natural sounds. It all comes together when the rhythm is right, ultimately achieving the goal of bringing families, rulers, and people together. This was the original intention behind the establishment of a music system by ancient rulers. Listening to classical music and ceremonial music opens you up; practicing with musical instruments makes you carry yourself better; playing in a band together keeps you moving in time. Music, like the glue that holds everything together, is an indispensable element in human society.
Music was the way the wise rulers of old expressed joy, while military drums and weapons were used to express anger. These rulers were always measured in their emotions. When they were happy, everyone was happy; when they were angry, rebels trembled. Those ancient rulers really knew how to run a country, using music and rituals to keep things in order.
Marquis Wen of Wei asked Zixia, "When I listen to ancient music with a serious demeanor while wearing a hat, I feel restless and sleepy, but when I listen to the music of Zheng and Wei, I never tire. So, what gives? Why is ancient music so different from the music we have today?"
Zixia said: "Ancient music is grave at the beginning of the performance and grave at the end, harmonious and grand, with various musical instruments cooperating seamlessly. The performance starts with elegant music, and in times of chaos, martial music is played to restore order. When governing the country, appropriate music is used, and in times of disaster, elegant music is played for blessings. Gentlemen take this opportunity to discuss the art of governance, recount historical stories, cultivate themselves, and manage their families, ultimately achieving peace in the world. This is the essence of ancient music. As for modern music, it starts and ends with an unassertive tone; the music is cheap and tawdry, never-ending, accompanied by a motley crew of performers, making it impossible to distinguish the relationship between father and son. After the music ends, no one can say anything, and no historical stories can be told. This is the drawback of modern music. You're asking about music, but what you seem to prefer is mere melody, though music and melody, while closely related, are not the same."
Marquis Wen of Wei said: "Please tell me specifically how to distinguish them?"
Zixia replied: "In ancient times, the laws of nature were normal, the four seasons were distinct, the people were virtuous, the crops were abundant, there were no diseases or disasters, and no ominous signs. This is called 'Great Harmony' (the harmonious balance of Heaven, Earth, and humanity). Then the sages established ethical norms such as father-son and ruler-subject relationships. When these norms are correct, the world will be at peace. After the world is at peace, the six tones are established, harmonizing the five sounds, playing string music, and reciting poems, which is called 'Virtuous Music.' 'Virtuous Music' is music. The Book of Songs says, 'It is by its virtuous music that the king's virtue is made bright, inspiring love for virtue. He cherishes long life and high renown. He creates a great state, and the people are full of energy. He aids King Wen, and his virtue does not fail. Having received the blessing of the Lord, he bestows it on his descendants.' This is the principle. So, is this 'vulgar melody' you appreciate rooted in such principles?"
Marquis Wen of Wei said: "Where do these vulgar musical notes come from?"
Zixia said: "The music of Zheng is too wild, causing people's will to be dissipated; the music of Song is all sweet and delicate, like a Yan woman, causing people to indulge in it; the music of Wei is too complicated, causing people to be stressed out; the music of Qi is overbearing and arrogant, causing people to be cocky and self-important. These four kinds of music are too focused on the glitz and glamour, harming people's morals, so they should not be used in sacrifices. The Book of Songs says: 'Reverent and harmonious—that's what matters.' With respect and harmony, anything's possible! As a ruler, just be mindful of what you like and dislike. If the ruler likes something, the subjects will do it; if the ruler acts a certain way, the people will follow suit. The Book of Songs says: 'It's so easy to lead people wrong,' that's the principle."
Next, the sage made six musical instruments: a type of drum, drum, zhang, jie, xun, and chi. These are music imbued with moral meaning. Then, they played with bells, chimes, yu, and se, accompanied by dancers wielding ganqie and maodi. This is the way to worship the ancestors' temples, as well as a way to offer rewards and persuade with wine, a way to maintain the proper hierarchical order among officials, and, crucially, to demonstrate the hierarchical order of respect, inferiority, age, and rank to future generations. The resonant sound of the bell can establish commands, commands can establish military discipline, and military discipline can establish military achievements. When a gentleman hears the sound of the bell, he will think of a martial minister. The bright sound of the chime can distinguish right from wrong, and distinguishing right from wrong can lead to life and death. When a gentleman hears the sound of the chime, he will think of the soldiers guarding the border. The sound of the silk strings is mournful, and the mournful sound can establish integrity, and integrity can set aspirations. When a gentleman hears the sound of the qin and se, he will think of a minister of integrity and ambition. The clear sound of the bamboo pipe can bring people together, and gathering can unite the people. When a gentleman hears the sound of the yu, sheng, xiao, and guan, he will think of a minister responsible for storing supplies. The booming sound of the drums and war-drums can inspire action, and action can propel the masses. When a gentleman hears the sound of the drums, he will think of a military commander. For a gentleman, listening to music is not merely about enjoyment, but about understanding its underlying principles.
Benmou Jia sat beside Confucius, and Confucius talked to him about music, mentioning the "Wu" music and asking, "In the 'Wu' music, why are the sections for preparation and vigilance so long?" Benmou Jia replied, "They were worried they wouldn't have enough troops." Confucius then asked, "Why are the sections 'Yongtan' and 'Yinye' so lengthy?" Benmou Jia answered, "They were concerned that things may not be accomplished." Confucius then asked, "Why does the section 'Fayang Daoli' appear so early in the 'Wu' music?" Benmou Jia replied, "It is to handle matters promptly." Confucius then asked, "In the 'Wu' music, why is the prescribed sitting posture—right side straight, left side slightly inclined—so important?"
Bin Moujia replied, "That is not the sitting posture of the music of Wu."
Confucius then asked, "Why is there improper music in the compositions?"
Bin Moujia replied, "That is not the tone of the music of Wu."
Confucius said, "If it's not the tone of the music of Wu, then what tone is it?"
Bin Moujia replied, "It's because the music officials have lost the tradition. If the musical traditions hadn't been lost, King Wu's will would not have been neglected."
Confucius said, "What I heard from Chang Hong is much the same."
Bin Moujia stood up, left his seat, and asked, "The preparations for King Wu's campaign against King Zhou have been going on for a long time, and we have all heard about it. So, after the victory, why did it take so long to give out the lands?"
Well, let me explain it to you. You see, what we mean by "joy" refers to the state of things being successfully completed. When King Wu defeated King Zhou, it was like a towering mountain—this was King Wu's achievement. The momentum was grand and unstoppable, and that was Duke Jiang's strategy. After King Wu pacified the world, Duke of Zhou and Duke of Shao governed the country, bringing peace to the realm; this is true success.
Furthermore, when King Wu conquered King Zhou, he first marched north, then destroyed the Shang Dynasty, and he then marched south twice more. After that, he expanded the territory, enfeoffed his loyal followers, with Duke of Zhou on the left and Duke of Shao on the right. On his sixth campaign, he gathered the vassals, showed his respect for the emperor, launched a multi-pronged attack that terrified the nation. The troops advanced, and things were quickly accomplished. However, during the last gathering of the vassals, King Wu waited a long time for everyone to arrive. Haven't you heard the story of the Battle of Muye?
After defeating the Shang Dynasty, King Wu returned to the Yin capital. Before getting off the chariot, he gave lands to the descendants of the Yellow Emperor in the Ji State, the descendants of Yao in the Zhu State, and the descendants of Shun in the Chen State. After stepping down, he enfeoffed the descendants of the Xia Dynasty in the Qi State and the descendants of the Shang Dynasty in the Song State. He also paid respects at Bi Gan's tomb, released Ji Zi, and appointed him as a minister. The people could recuperate, and the scholars got a double pay raise.
Crossing the Yellow River to the west, warhorses were released at the foot of Mount Hua, never to be ridden again; cattle and sheep scattered in the peach forest, never to be used again; weapons were stored away, and the army was disbanded. The weapons were turned upside down and wrapped in tiger skins. He let those generals become vassals (called "Jianyou"), so that everyone knew King Wu no longer used military force.
After disbanding the army, they held a suburban sacrifice and hunting event, shooting at targets on the left and right; the hunting activities also ceased. The ministers wore ceremonial robes, holding tablets, and the tiger-armored warriors also put away their weapons. At the Mingtang temple, the people learned how to be filial; in court, the vassals learned how to serve the emperor; in farming, the vassals learned how to respect the emperor. These five things are important methods for governing the world.
In the imperial academy, the emperor himself took off his robe, sacrificed animals, presented them with sauce, offered them wine, wore a crown, and held a weapon, teaching the vassals to honor their elders.
Given how well things were going in the Zhou Dynasty, with a vast network of roads and a flourishing culture of ritual and music, wasn't the long wait for King Wu's victory totally worth it?
Zigong paid a visit to Master Yi and asked, "I hear singing and dancing both have their own rules. What kind of songs should a guy like me be singing?" Master Yi replied, "I'm just a lowly craftsman, what do I know about that sort of thing? I'll share what I've heard, and you can ponder it yourself. Folks with a calm, generous nature and honest ways are best suited to praise songs; those with a broad, tranquil mind, who are understanding and trustworthy, are suited for Daya songs (a type of formal ode); respectful, frugal, and polite people are suited for Xiaoya songs (a type of minor ode); upright, honest, and humble individuals are suited for Feng songs; brave, honest, and loving people are suited for Shang songs; and gentle, kind, and decisive individuals are suited for Qi songs.
Singing's all about honest self-expression, showing your true character. When you express your feelings, it connects with the universe, bringing harmony to the seasons, order to the stars, and growth to all living things. Shang songs date back to the Five Emperors; the Shang people kept the tradition alive, hence the name. Qi songs go all the way back to the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, and the people of Qi carried on the tradition. Those who understand Shang songs can make decisive decisions in handling things; those who understand Qi songs can be modest in the face of interests. Making decisive decisions in handling things is bravery; being modest in the face of interests is justice. Being both brave and just, what better way to embody these qualities than singing?
Therefore, singing should start with arms raised high and end with an orderly formation; the melody should be like curved branches, pauses should be like fallen trees; the overall should follow the rules, each musical phrase should have ups and downs, linking together like a string of pearls. It's like, you got something to say, so you say it. If that's not enough, you go on and on. If that's still not enough, you start getting all poetic. And if that's still not enough, you just gotta bust a move! With that, Zigong had more questions about music.
Music's all about what's in your heart. There's a connection between heaven, earth, and people, just like how scenery reflects the shape of objects, and echoes respond to sounds. Good things happen to good people, bad things to bad people – that's just how it is. When Shun played the five-stringed qin and sang the poem "Southern Wind," the world was peaceful; while Zhou indulged in the decadent music of the court, ultimately leading to his death and the downfall of his kingdom. Shun was a smart ruler, but Zhou? Total disaster! "Southern Wind" is a song praising vibrant music, loved by Shun; this kind of music harmonizes with heaven and earth, winning the hearts of the people, hence the world was peaceful. The court music was out of sync, the northern music was depressing, and the crude stuff was just trash. Zhou loved it, pissed off everyone, leading to the nobles rebelling and the people turning against him, which caused his eventual demise and the fall of his kingdom.
During the time of Duke Ling of Wei, he was planning to visit the state of Jin and stay near the Pu River. In the middle of the night, he heard the sound of a qin, but when he asked those around him, they said they didn't hear anything. So he called for Shi Juan and said, "I heard the sound of a qin, but others say they didn't hear it. It sounded ghostly. Help me listen and write it down." Shi Juan agreed, sat upright, picked up the qin, carefully listened, and transcribed the music.
The next day, Shi Juan said, "I have written it down, but I haven't practiced it enough. I want to practice for another night." Duke Ling said, "Alright." So Shi Juan practiced for another night. The next day, Shi Juan said, "I have practiced enough." Then they headed to Jin and met Duke Ping. Duke Ping was hosting a feast on the Beneficence Terrace. While they were drinking, Duke Ling said, "I heard a new piece of music on my way here, I would like you to listen to it." Duke Ping agreed. So Shi Juan sat next to Shi Kuang and started playing. Before he could finish, Shi Kuang stopped him and said, "This is doom music! Stop playing it!"
Duke Jin Ping asked, "How did you know?" Shi Kuang said, "This was created by Shi Yan. He played plaintive music for King Zhou of the Shang dynasty, and later King Wu attacked the Shang. Shi Yan escaped to the east and jumped into the Pu River. So, if you hear this piece of music, it must be by the Pu River. The person who hears this music first will see the country decline." Duke Jin Ping said, "I'm a great music lover; I still want to listen to it." Shi Kuang had to finish playing the piece.
Duke Jin Ping said, "Is there a sadder piece of music than this?" Shi Kuang said, "Yes." Duke Jin Ping asked, "Can I listen to it?" Shi Kuang replied, "Your moral character and uprightness are not noble enough to listen to this piece of music." Duke Jin Ping insisted, "I'm a great music lover; I want to listen!" Shi Kuang had no choice but to pick up the qin and play. After the first performance, sixteen black cranes landed on the edge of the roof; after the second performance, the cranes stretched their necks, cried out, spread their wings, and danced.
Duke Jin Ping was very happy and stood up to congratulate Shi Kuang. After sitting down, he asked again, "Is there a sadder piece of music than this?" Shi Kuang said, "Yes. In the past, the Yellow Emperor used this piece to sacrifice to ghosts and gods. Now your moral character and uprightness are not noble enough to listen; listening will bring disaster." Duke Jin Ping said, "I am old; I love listening to music the most, I want to listen!" Shi Kuang had no choice but to pick up the qin and play. After the first performance, white clouds appeared in the northwest; after the second performance, a strong wind blew, followed by a torrential rain that blew off the roof tiles, and people fled in panic. Duke Jin Ping was scared and hid under the corridor pillar. Jin suffered a severe drought, with no harvest for three years, and vast stretches of barren land.
Listening to music can bring good luck or disaster. So, you see, music isn't something to be taken lightly!
Sima Qian said: Ancient wise kings held musical ceremonies not to seek happiness for themselves, enjoy pleasure, or indulge desires, but to govern the country. Proper education starts with music; when music is correct, behavior will follow suit. Therefore, music can rouse the spirit, cultivate inner peace, and make hearts calm and upright. Gong cultivates virtue; Shang, justice; Jue, benevolence; Zhi, propriety; Yu, wisdom. Thus, music assists in rectifying hearts internally and establishing social order externally; it can be used for offering sacrifices in temples above and for educating the people below. The length of the zither is eight feet and one inch, which is the standard length. The thickest string, representing the Gong note, is central, symbolizing the monarch. The Shang note is to the right of the Gong note, and the rest of the strings are arranged in order, symbolizing the orderly ranking of monarch and ministers. Therefore, hearing the Gong note evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and openness; hearing the Shang note instills righteousness and justice; hearing the Jue note fosters compassion and empathy; hearing the Zhi note encourages benevolence and generosity; hearing the Yu note promotes order and decorum. Etiquette shapes outward behavior; music cultivates inner harmony. Therefore, a gentleman cannot leave etiquette for a moment; if he does, he will commit cruelty and tyranny; he cannot leave music for a moment; if he does, he will succumb to wickedness and depravity. Hence, music is used by gentlemen to cultivate moral sentiments. In ancient times, emperors and nobles never left the palace without hearing the sound of bells and chimes; ministers and officials never left their residences without hearing the sound of the zither, in order to cultivate moral sentiments and prevent licentiousness. Licentiousness arises from the lack of etiquette, so wise kings ensure that people hear the sounds of elegant music and songs, see solemn ceremonies, walk in respectful postures, and speak words of benevolence and righteousness. Thus, a life lived in accordance with ritual and music ensures virtue and prevents moral decay.
In conclusion, in ancient times, those powerful emperors held musical ceremonies not for their own pleasure, but for the governance of the country. Education must start with music; proper music leads to proper behavior. Music can make people passionate, invigorated, and kind-hearted. Different musical tones were believed to affect different organs, thus influencing moral character. Therefore, music can cultivate people from the heart, regulate social order, worship ancestors, and educate the people. The size and proportions of the qin were carefully prescribed, and the thickness and position of the strings represent the hierarchy of emperor and subject. Different tones evoke different feelings in people, thus influencing their moral cultivation. Etiquette constrains people externally, while music nurtures people internally. A gentleman's cultivation depends on both etiquette and music; otherwise, he will stray from the right path. Therefore, music is an important means for a gentleman to cultivate his character. In ancient times, mandarins and gentry often listened to music to cultivate good virtues and prevent themselves from falling into corruption. Since immorality stemmed from neglecting etiquette, wise rulers fostered a culture of moral cultivation to prevent societal decay.
