Confucius on the Role of Benevolence in Rituals and Music

3·3 The Master said, “If a man has no benevolence, what is there to do with rites? If a man has no benevolence, what is there to do with music?”

[Translation]

Confucius said, “If a man has no benevolence, how can he practice rites? If a man has no benevolence, how can he use music?”

[Commentary]

Music is a form of expression of people’s thoughts and emotions. In ancient times, it was also part of the rites. Both ritual and music are external expressions, while benevolence is the moral sentiment and requirement of people’s hearts. Therefore, music must reflect people’s benevolence. Here, Confucius closely linked ritual, music and benevolence, believing that people without benevolence could not talk about ritual or music.

To fully grasp Confucius’s viewpoint, it’s important to understand what he meant by “benevolence,” “rites,” and “music.” In Confucian thought, benevolence (仁, rén) refers to the fundamental virtue of kindness, compassion, and moral integrity. It is the essence of a person’s character and the driving force behind ethical behavior. Rituals (礼, lǐ) and music (乐, yuè) are seen as external manifestations of internal virtues. They are not merely formalities or artistic expressions but are deeply intertwined with the moral values of individuals and society.

Rituals in Confucianism are practices that involve specific behaviors and ceremonies intended to maintain social harmony and respect. They are a way to honor traditions, ancestors, and the divine. However, Confucius believed that rituals alone, without the underpinning virtue of benevolence, are meaningless. Without a foundation of genuine kindness and moral integrity, rituals become mere empty gestures, lacking true significance or connection to the deeper values they are supposed to represent.

Similarly, music in Confucian thought is more than just an art form; it is a vehicle for expressing emotions and thoughts that reflect one’s moral state. Music should resonate with the inner virtues of benevolence and righteousness. If a person lacks benevolence, their use of music would be insincere and devoid of the deeper emotional and moral resonance that music is supposed to convey. Music, when aligned with the values of benevolence, can elevate the soul and foster a sense of harmony and moral elevation within both the individual and society.

Confucius’s emphasis on the integration of benevolence with rituals and music highlights a central theme in his philosophy: the idea that external practices must align with internal moral values. He argued that the superficial practice of rituals and music, divorced from the core virtue of benevolence, fails to fulfill its true purpose. For Confucius, the practice of rites and music is an outward reflection of one’s inner character. Thus, a person without benevolence cannot genuinely engage in these practices in a way that is meaningful or true to their intended purpose.

In essence, Confucius’s teaching underscores the importance of aligning one’s actions with one’s moral character. It suggests that the true value of cultural practices lies not in their form but in their ability to express and embody the virtues that are central to a good and harmonious life. This perspective invites individuals to reflect on the deeper meanings behind their actions and to cultivate an inner moral strength that enhances their external expressions, whether through rituals, music, or other forms of cultural engagement.