The Oath of Lu: Governance and Duties

In the ancient state of Lu, Lord Boqin resided in Qufu. The region saw the rise of the Xu and Yi tribes, while the eastern suburbs remained undeveloped. This situation led to the issuance of “The Oath of Lu”, a detailed decree regarding governance and duties.

On the 5th day of the 5th month, the king returned from the region of Yan and arrived in the capital, Zongzhou. The Duke of Zhou addressed the four states, delivering a proclamation on behalf of the king. He said, “Attention! The ruler commands you, the states of Yin, to understand and follow this decree. I have received a great mandate from Heaven, and it is essential for you to recognize it. The divine will of Heaven, previously granted to the Xia dynasty, has not been upheld correctly. The Xia rulers became corrupt and failed to properly lead the people, leading to their downfall. Now, the divine mandate is being transferred to the Zhou dynasty.

The Xia dynasty’s leaders were once favored by Heaven but lost their virtue and thus faced divine retribution. Their failure to heed the mandate and their mismanagement led to their eventual ruin. The heavenly mandate has now shifted to us, the Zhou, and we are tasked with correcting the errors of the past and restoring order.

In ancient times, the great ruler Yu controlled the floods and established the foundation of the Xia dynasty. His efforts were rewarded with the heavenly mandate, but his successors failed to continue his virtuous governance. They were punished by Heaven, and the mandate was transferred to the Zhou dynasty under King Cheng.

We are now in a position to rectify the past injustices and lead the people according to the divine will. The Zhou dynasty has inherited the mandate due to our adherence to the principles of justice and righteousness. Our task is to ensure that the administration reflects these principles and to correct any errors that have persisted.

As we move forward, I urge the rulers and officials to be diligent and fair in their governance. The people of the state must be treated with respect, and their grievances must be addressed with sincerity. Any failure to uphold these principles will result in severe consequences. We must build a strong and just administration to serve the people effectively.

The decree specifies the responsibilities and expectations of officials and the people. Those who fail to meet these expectations will face penalties. We have to ensure that our administration is organized and efficient, and that resources are allocated properly. Any neglect or mismanagement will not be tolerated.

The mandate of Heaven is clear: it demands virtuous governance and diligent service. We must ensure that our actions align with the divine will and that we adhere to the principles of justice and fairness. Any deviation from these principles will be met with appropriate punishment.

To ensure that our governance is effective, we must adhere to the following guidelines:

Resource Management: Proper allocation and management of resources, including food and supplies, are essential. Any failure to meet these requirements will result in penalties.

Military Preparedness: The state must be prepared for any military engagements. Proper provisioning and readiness are crucial for maintaining security and stability.

Administrative Duties: Officials must perform their duties diligently. Any failure to fulfill these responsibilities will be met with consequences.

Respect for Authority: All officials and citizens must respect the authority of the ruler and adhere to the established laws and regulations.

Public Welfare: Ensuring the well-being of the people is a top priority. Any neglect or harm to the populace will be addressed seriously.

Punishment for Transgressions: Transgressions and failures to meet the established standards will be punished according to the severity of the offense.

By following these guidelines and adhering to the divine mandate, we can build a just and prosperous state. The Zhou dynasty is committed to upholding these principles and ensuring that the administration is effective and fair.

Let us work together to fulfill our duties and meet the expectations of the divine mandate. Our commitment to these principles will ensure the stability and prosperity of the state. We must all strive to be diligent and just in our roles to achieve the goals set forth by the divine will.

The future of the state depends on our adherence to these principles and our dedication to serving the people. By following the divine mandate and fulfilling our responsibilities, we can ensure a prosperous and stable administration. The success of the state relies on our collective efforts and commitment to righteousness and justice.

Thus, I implore all officials and citizens to embrace these principles and work diligently to ensure the effective governance of the state. Our adherence to the divine mandate will guide us towards a just and prosperous future.

This detailed proclamation reflects the importance of adhering to divine principles in governance and ensuring that all officials and citizens are committed to serving the state with diligence and integrity.