Inheriting the King’s Legacy

In ancient China, the transition of power and the continuation of a ruler’s legacy were crucial aspects of governance and cultural heritage. The poem “” is part of the grand dance music performance known as “Da Wu” (Great Martial Dance), which celebrated the heroic deeds of King Wu of Zhou and his father, King Wen. The poem highlights the diligence of King Wen and the commitment of his successor to continue his legacy of just and stable governance.

The Industrious King Wen

King Wen of Zhou, known for his industrious nature and dedication to his people, laid the foundation for the Zhou Dynasty’s greatness. The poem begins by praising his efforts:

King Wen was diligent in his endeavors,

I shall inherit his path to rule the kingdom.

This opening sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing the successor’s determination to uphold the values and principles established by King Wen. The acknowledgment of King Wen’s hard work serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership.

Continuation and Expansion

The successor vows to continue expanding the kingdom’s legacy without ceasing:

Expanding the enterprise endlessly,

With unwavering resolve to seek stability.

These lines reflect the ambitious nature of the Zhou rulers, who aimed not only to maintain their inherited kingdom but also to expand and fortify it. The emphasis on stability underscores the importance of a well-governed and harmonious state, a core value in ancient Chinese political thought.

Mandate of Heaven

The poem also highlights the belief in the Mandate of Heaven, a divine right to rule bestowed upon the Zhou Dynasty:

The Zhou state carries the mandate from Heaven,

Inheriting the great work, ceaselessly!

This belief reinforced the legitimacy of the Zhou rulers and their duty to govern justly. The Mandate of Heaven was seen as a sacred endorsement that required the rulers to act in the best interest of their people, ensuring prosperity and harmony.

The Dance of Da Wu

“Da Wu” was a grand ceremonial dance that depicted the military achievements and the consolidation of power by the Zhou rulers. Although the music of “Da Wu” has been lost to history, some descriptions of the dance remain. It was performed in six acts, each representing different aspects of King Wu’s military campaigns and the subsequent establishment of the Zhou Dynasty.

Preparations for Battle:

The first act, marked by the beating of drums, features dancers portraying King Wu and his soldiers. King Wu stands resolutely, waiting for the allied lords to gather. The scene symbolizes the strategic deliberations before the decisive battle against the Shang Dynasty.

The First Assault:

In the second act, dancers playing the role of Jiang Ziya, King Wu’s chief military strategist, lead an attack against the enemy. The vigorous movements and repeated strikes represent the ferocity of the initial assault, culminating in King Wu’s swift victory.

Triumphant Return:

The third act shows the dancers turning from north to south, symbolizing the Zhou army’s triumphant return to the capital, Haojing. This act celebrates the successful campaign and the establishment of Zhou rule.

Suppressing Rebellions:

The fourth act depicts internal strife within the newly established kingdom. Dancers representing the Duke of Zhou and the Duke of Shao intervene to restore order, illustrating the challenges faced by the new regime in maintaining stability.

Delegation of Authority:

In the fifth act, the dancers split into two groups, with the Duke of Zhou and the Duke of Shao each leading one. This division represents the delegation of authority, with the Duke of Zhou overseeing the eastern territories and the Duke of Shao governing the western regions.

Celebration and Tribute:

The final act returns to the initial formation, symbolizing a grand review of the troops and the homage paid to King Cheng, the new ruler. This act celebrates the peace and stability achieved after the suppression of rebellions and the consolidation of power.

Poetic Structure and Significance

The poem’s structure, with its alternating lines of five, four, and three characters, creates a rhythmic and melodious effect. The use of rhyming words enhances the lyrical quality, making it suitable for the ceremonial dance:

Diligent (zhi), path (dao), thought (si),

Stability (ding), mandate (ming).

This poem stands out within the “Da Wu” performance as the only one entirely in rhyme, reflecting the sincerity and gravity of King Wu’s message to his nobles. The repetition of the exhortation to “reflect deeply” (yi si) underscores the importance of thoughtful governance and the maintenance of order and justice.

Conclusion

“” encapsulates the essence of the Zhou Dynasty’s governance philosophy and the cultural significance of the “Da Wu” dance. Through its vivid portrayal of King Wen’s diligence and the commitment of his successors, the poem serves as both a historical record and a timeless reminder of the responsibilities of leadership. The grand ceremonial dance of “Da Wu” not only celebrated the military achievements of the Zhou rulers but also reinforced the values and principles that underpinned their rule, ensuring the legacy of King Wen and King Wu would endure for generations.