Cultural Wisdom from Confucius: Lessons from Ancient Chinese Practices

3·21 The Duke of Ai asked Zai I about the altar (1), and Zai I (2) replied, “The Xia Dynasty used pine trees, the Shang Dynasty used cypress trees, and the Zhou Dynasty used chestnut trees, saying that they made the people tremble (3).” The Master heard this and said, “I do not speak of what has already happened, I do not advise what has already been done, and I do not blame the past.”

[Annotation]

(1) The altar: the god of the land, and the temple that worships the god of the land is also called the altar.

(2) Zaiwo: Name Yu, also known as Ziwo, a student of Confucius.

(3) Zhanli: fear, trembling.

Translation

Lu Aigong asked Zaiwo what kind of trees should be used for the spirit tablets of the land gods. Zaiwo replied, “The Xia Dynasty used pine trees, the Shang Dynasty used cypress trees, and the Zhou Dynasty used chestnut trees. Using chestnut trees means that the people tremble.” Confucius said after hearing this: “There is no need to mention what has already been done, no need to discourage what has already been accomplished, and no need to pursue what has already passed.”

[Analysis]

In ancient times, when a country was established, a temple was built to worship the earth god, and trees suitable for local growth were selected to make the tablet of the earth god. Zaiwo replied to the Duke of Lu that the Zhou Dynasty used chestnut wood to make the main altar because it was meant to “make the people tremble.” Confucius was unhappy because Zaiwo was mocking the Zhou emperor here, so he said this.

The Historical Context

In ancient China, the construction of altars and the selection of materials for spirit tablets were of great significance. The Duke of Ai, a ruler during the Spring and Autumn period, sought guidance on this matter from Zaiwo, a learned student of Confucius. Zaiwo’s response highlighted the traditions of three dynasties:

Xia Dynasty: Used pine trees.

Shang Dynasty: Used cypress trees.

Zhou Dynasty: Used chestnut trees, symbolizing a desire to make the people tremble with reverence.

This choice of materials was not arbitrary but rooted in cultural and religious beliefs.

Confucius’s Perspective

Upon hearing Zaiwo’s explanation, Confucius offered a profound response: “There is no need to mention what has already been done, no need to discourage what has already been accomplished, and no need to pursue what has already passed.” This statement encapsulates several key Confucian principles:

Pragmatism: Confucius emphasizes focusing on the present and the future rather than dwelling on the past. This pragmatic approach encourages continuous improvement and adaptability.

Respect for Tradition with Adaptability: While respecting traditions is crucial, blindly adhering to past practices without considering contemporary needs and contexts can be limiting.

Constructive Criticism: Confucius implies that it is more productive to build on current achievements rather than criticize past actions, promoting a forward-thinking and positive attitude.

Cultural Significance

The use of different trees by each dynasty reflects more than mere historical facts; it embodies the evolving relationship between rulers and their subjects, as well as the shifting cultural values over time. The choice of the chestnut tree by the Zhou Dynasty, intending to instill a sense of awe and respect among the people, suggests a more hierarchical and possibly stricter societal structure.

Modern Implications

Confucius’s advice remains relevant in today’s fast-paced world. Whether in business, personal growth, or governance, the principles of learning from the past without being constrained by it, adapting traditions to fit contemporary contexts, and focusing on positive, forward-looking actions can lead to more effective and harmonious outcomes.