Confucius’ Lesson on Propriety: Insights from Mount Tai

3·6 The Ji clan traveled to Mount Tai, and the Master said to Ran You, “Can you not save them?” Ran You said, “No.” The Master said, “Alas! Did you say that Mount Tai was not as good as Lin Fang?”

[Annotation]

(1) Lǚ: a name for a sacrifice. Sacrifices to mountains and rivers were called Lǚ. At that time, only emperors and feudal lords had the right to sacrifice to famous mountains and rivers.

(2) Ran You: Ran You was the name of a disciple of Confucius, born in 522 BC. He was 29 years younger than Confucius. At the time, he was a vassal of the Ji family, so Confucius rebuked him.

(3) Nǚ: the same as Rǔ, you.

(4) Jiù: to persuade, to dissuade. Here it means to admonish.

(5) Lin Fàng: see the note to Chapter 4 of this text.

[Translation]

The Ji family’s head went to worship at Mount Tai. Confucius said to Ran You, “Can’t you dissuade him?” Ran You said, “No.” Confucius said, “Alas! Is the god of Mount Tai not as knowledgeable about propriety as Lin Fang?”

[Commentary]

Worshiping at Mount Tai was the prerogative of the emperor and the princes. The Ji family’s head was only a minister of the state of Lu, but he went to worship at Mount Tai, so Confucius thought this was an act of “usurping propriety.” This chapter is still about propriety.

The Story

During the Spring and Autumn period, the head of the Ji family, a powerful minister in the state of Lu, undertook a journey to Mount Tai to perform a sacrificial ceremony. Mount Tai, one of the Five Great Mountains of China, held immense cultural and spiritual significance. However, the right to perform such sacrifices was traditionally reserved for emperors and high-ranking feudal lords.

Confucius, observing this act, addressed his disciple Ran You, who was associated with the Ji family. He asked, “Can you not save them?” Ran You replied that he could not. Confucius lamented, comparing the propriety of the god of Mount Tai unfavorably to that of Lin Fang, a model of proper conduct.

Analysis

Confucius’ disapproval was not a mere critique of the Ji family head’s actions but a broader commentary on the importance of adhering to societal roles and proprieties. In Confucian thought, propriety (li) is a cornerstone of social harmony and order. By overstepping his bounds, the Ji family head disrupted this harmony, symbolizing a usurpation of roles and disrespect for tradition.

The Cultural Context

In ancient China, rituals and ceremonies were not just religious acts but were deeply intertwined with the social and political fabric. These practices were a means of reinforcing social hierarchies and maintaining the cosmic order. Confucius’ emphasis on propriety was a call to preserve these structures, ensuring that each individual acted according to their role, contributing to overall societal stability.

Modern Relevance

While the specific rituals of ancient China may seem distant to modern readers, the underlying principles hold universal relevance. Propriety, respect for roles, and maintaining societal harmony are concepts that transcend time and culture. In contemporary society, this can be seen in the importance of following professional protocols, respecting hierarchical structures, and adhering to established norms.

Confucius’ lesson reminds us that while innovation and progress are vital, they should not come at the expense of disregarding foundational principles that maintain social cohesion.

The story of the Ji family at Mount Tai serves as a profound lesson from Confucius on the importance of propriety and respect for societal roles. It highlights the timeless nature of Confucian wisdom, emphasizing that true harmony is achieved through the adherence to established norms and the respectful performance of one’s duties. This ancient teaching continues to offer valuable insights for maintaining balance and order in modern society.