The Outrage of Confucius: Understanding Ancient Chinese Rite
3·1 Confucius said to the Ji family (1), “Eight yis (2) dancing in the courtyard, is this bearable (3), who is not bearable?”
[Annotation]
(1) Ji family: Ji Sun, the prime minister of the state of Lu, also known as Ji Pingzi.
(2) Eight yis: yì, meaning “row”. In ancient times, one yì was eight people, so eight yìs were 64 people. According to the Zhouli, only the Zhou emperor could use eight yìs, the princes six yìs, the nobles four yìs, and the commoners two yìs. The Ji family was the prime minister, so they could only use four yìs.
(3) Can tolerate: can bear. One theory is that it can be tolerated.
[Translation]
Confucius said of the Ji family, “He used sixty-four people to play music and dance in his courtyard. He could even tolerate this, so what else could he not tolerate?”
[Commentary]
At the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, the slave society was in the process of disintegration and collapse, and the violation of Zhou rites and rebellion against the emperor were constantly occurring. This was an inevitable manifestation of the process of the feudal system replacing the slave system. The fact that Ji Sun used eight yis to dance in the courtyard was a typical incident that violated Zhou rites. In response, Confucius expressed great indignation, and the phrase “Is this tolerable? Who can bear it?” reflects Confucius’ basic attitude towards this matter.
To fully understand Confucius’ reaction, it is essential to grasp the context of the incident. The Ji family, particularly Ji Sun, who was the prime minister of the state of Lu, hosted a performance involving sixty-four dancers in his courtyard. According to the Zhouli, an ancient Chinese text detailing the rites and rituals of the Zhou dynasty, the use of such a large number of performers was a privilege reserved exclusively for the Zhou emperor. Princes were allowed six rows of dancers, nobles four, and commoners only two. By utilizing eight rows of dancers, Ji Sun not only exceeded his rank but also violated the established social order.
Confucius’ Reaction
Confucius’ disapproval was immediate and vocal. He stated, “He used sixty-four people to play music and dance in his courtyard. He could even tolerate this, so what else could he not tolerate?” This rhetorical question encapsulates Confucius’ shock and disappointment. For him, the excessive display was not just a matter of personal indulgence but a significant breach of the Zhou rites, which were fundamental to maintaining social harmony and order.
The Societal Implications
The incident occurred during a period of significant societal change. The slave society of ancient China was gradually giving way to a feudal system. This transition was marked by frequent violations of traditional rites and a growing challenge to the authority of the emperor. The actions of Ji Sun were emblematic of this broader societal shift. By disregarding the established norms, Ji Sun’s behavior signified the erosion of the old order and the emergence of a new social structure.
Confucius’ Philosophy and Its Relevance
Confucius’ teachings were rooted in the belief that social harmony could be achieved through strict adherence to established norms and rituals. He saw these rites as essential to maintaining order and preventing chaos. His reaction to the Ji family’s actions underscores his commitment to these principles. For Confucius, the violation of the Zhou rites was not just a personal affront but a threat to the fabric of society itself.
In modern times, Confucius’ teachings continue to resonate, particularly in discussions about the importance of cultural and societal norms. The incident with the Ji family serves as a powerful reminder of the role that tradition and ritual play in maintaining social cohesion. It also highlights the challenges that arise when these norms are challenged or disregarded.