The Divine Order: Insights from “Hong Fan”

In ancient Chinese history, the victory of King Wu over the Shang Dynasty, documented in “Hong Fan,” marks a significant transition of power and the establishment of a new era under the Zhou Dynasty. After defeating the Shang forces and overthrowing their tyranny, King Wu sought the counsel of Ji Zi, a revered figure known for his wisdom and adherence to ancient principles. In their dialogue, King Wu expressed his solemn reflections:

“Oh Ji Zi, descendant of the Shang kings. We look to the past, honoring virtuous examples. We inherit the legacy of our ancestors, upholding their rituals and customs to ensure enduring peace and prosperity. Alas! Our ancestor, King Tang, united the realm with divine guidance and benevolence, securing the mandate of heaven. He governed with justice, abolishing oppression and promoting harmony. His achievements resonate through time, inspiring future generations to uphold these virtues with utmost sincerity and respect. We commend your steadfast commitment to these ideals. May heaven bless our efforts, and may our people unite under righteous governance, perpetuating the legacy of the Zhou Dynasty.”

Ji Zi, in response, delivered a profound discourse: “I have heard from ancient times, when Gun controlled the floods, balancing the elements and duties of governance. The Emperor, angered by his failure to adhere to the ‘Hong Fan’ principles, punished him severely. Gun met his demise, and Yu succeeded him, tasked by heaven to establish the ‘Hong Fan’ principles, delineating duties and governance. The principles are as follows:”

Five Elements: Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, Earth. Water nurtures downwards, Fire ascends, Wood bends and straightens, Metal adapts and transforms, Earth supports crops. These elements correspond to tastes: salty, bitter, sour, spicy, sweet.

Five Practices: Appearance, speech, observation, listening, contemplation. Cultivate respectfulness in appearance, truthfulness in speech, clarity in observation, attentiveness in listening, and wisdom in contemplation.

Eight Policies: Food, goods, rituals, public works, military affairs, justice, hospitality, education.

Five Chronological Systems: Years, months, days, stars, calendars.

Imperial Excellence: Establishing principles to bring blessings to the people.

Three Virtues: Uprightness, strength, flexibility.

Clarifications and Doubts: Selecting and appointing diviners to resolve uncertainties.

Public Assessments: Assessing weather conditions for agriculture and predicting the future.

Five Blessings: Longevity, wealth, health, moral goodness, fulfillment of life.

These principles were set forth to guide governance and ensure prosperity. They reflect ancient Chinese wisdom and emphasize the importance of ethical leadership, harmonious relations, and the well-being of the people. They provide a blueprint for rulers to govern justly and for citizens to live virtuously.

The “Partitioning Vessels” marked the distribution of territories among the vassals after King Wu’s victory over the Shang, ensuring stability and loyalty among the states. It symbolized the unity under the Zhou Dynasty and the establishment of order based on merit and virtue.

In conclusion, the teachings of “Hong Fan” continue to resonate in Chinese culture, serving as a timeless guide for leadership, governance, and ethical conduct. They embody the essence of Chinese civilization, emphasizing harmony with nature, respect for tradition, and the pursuit of virtuous living. Through understanding these principles, we gain insights into the enduring values that have shaped Chinese society and continue to influence global perspectives on governance and morality.