Book 10: Village Life

Book 10: Village Life

Ten 1

In his home village, Confucius was simple and unassuming, as if he could not speak. In the ancestral temple and at court, he spoke with fluency, but with careful restraint.

Ten 2

At court, when speaking with the lower-ranking grandees, he was frank and open; when speaking with the higher-ranking grandees, he was respectful and composed. When the ruler was present, he was reverent and dignified, yet at ease.

Ten 3

When the ruler sent him to receive guests, his countenance became animated, and his steps were brisk and purposeful. He bowed to those standing beside him, extending his hands left and right with grace, his robes falling in front and back in perfect order. When he stepped forward swiftly, it was as if his arms were spread like wings. After the guest departed, he always reported back, saying, "The guest is no longer looking back."

Ten 4

When entering the gate of the ducal court, he bowed respectfully, as if there were no room for him. He did not stand in the center of the gate, nor did he step on the threshold. When passing an empty seat of the ruler, his countenance became animated, his steps brisk, and his words seemed as if he could barely speak. Holding up the hem of his robe, he ascended the hall, bowing deeply, holding his breath as if he were not breathing. Upon leaving, after descending one flight of steps, his expression relaxed, and he appeared at ease. Then he walked swiftly forward, as if with wings. Returning to his place, he resumed his reverent and dignified manner.

Ten 5

When holding the jade tablet of state, he bowed respectfully, as if he could not bear its weight. He raised it as if bowing, lowered it as if presenting something, his countenance solemn as if in battle, his feet stepping carefully as if following a line. During the ceremony of presentation, he bore a gracious expression. When paying a private visit, he appeared cheerful and relaxed.

Ten 6

A gentleman did not use dark purple or maroon for trims or cuffs. Red and purple were not used for casual garments. In summer, he wore unlined garments of fine or coarse linen, but always put on an outer garment over them. With a black robe, he wore a lambskin cloak; with a white robe, a fawnskin cloak; with a yellow robe, a fox-fur cloak. His casual robes were long, with the right sleeve shortened. He always wore a sleeping garment half again as long as his body. Thick fox and badger fur were used for sitting upon. When not in mourning, he wore all manner of adornments. Except for ceremonial skirts, he always reduced the cloth. He did not wear a lambskin cloak or a dark cap when attending a funeral. On the first day of each month, he always went to court in full court dress.

Ten 7

When fasting, he always had a clean garment made of cloth. When fasting, he changed his diet and moved to a different seat.

Ten 8

He did not object to finely polished rice, nor to minced meat cut thin. Rice that had turned sour or fish and meat that had spoiled—he did not eat. Food with a bad color—he did not eat. Food with a bad smell—he did not eat. Improperly cooked food—he did not eat. Food out of season—he did not eat. Meat cut improperly—he did not eat. Food without its proper sauce—he did not eat. Though there was much meat, he did not let it exceed the proportion of grain. Only in wine did he set no fixed limit, but he never became disorderly. Wine and dried meat bought from the market—he did not eat. He did not remove ginger from his food, but he did not eat too much. When sacrificing for the ducal house, he did not keep the sacrificial meat overnight. Sacrificial meat was not kept beyond three days; after three days, he did not eat it. He did not converse while eating, nor did he talk while lying down. Even with simple food, vegetable soup, or melon offerings, he fasted with solemn reverence.

Ten 9

He did not sit on a mat that was not properly placed.

Ten 10

At a village drinking ceremony, he would not leave until the elderly with staffs had departed. When the villagers performed the exorcism ritual, he stood in court dress on the eastern steps.

Ten 11

When sending greetings to someone in another state, he bowed twice and saw the messenger off. When Kangzi sent him medicine, he bowed and received it, saying, "As I am not yet familiar with it, I dare not taste it."

Ten 12

When the stables caught fire, after returning from court, he asked, "Was anyone hurt?" He did not ask about the horses.

Ten 13

When the ruler gave him food, he always set out the mat properly and tasted it first. When the ruler gave him raw meat, he always cooked it and offered it to his ancestors. When the ruler gave him a live animal, he always kept it. When attending a meal with the ruler, after the ruler had offered the ritual portion, he would eat first. When ill and the ruler came to see him, he lay with his head to the east, with his court dress spread over him and his sash drawn across. When summoned by the ruler, he set out before his horses were harnessed.

Ten 14

When entering the Grand Temple, he asked about everything.

Ten 15

When a friend died and had no one to receive the body, he said, "I will take care of the burial." When a friend made a gift, even of horses and carriages, unless it was sacrificial meat, he did not bow.

Ten 16

When lying down, he did not sprawl like a corpse. When at home in private, he was relaxed and at ease. When he saw someone in mourning garments, even if familiar, his expression changed. When he saw someone wearing a cap of rank or a blind person, even in casual circumstances, he showed proper respect. He inclined toward those wearing mourning garments. He also inclined toward those carrying census records. When a sumptuous meal was set before him, his expression changed and he rose. When there was sudden thunder or a fierce wind, his expression changed.

Ten 17

When mounting a carriage, he always stood upright and held the mounting strap. In the carriage, he did not look back inside, did not speak hastily, and did not point with his finger.

Ten 18

Observing the color of the birds, he rose in flight; they hovered and then settled. He said, "The female pheasants on the mountain bridge—how timely, how timely!" Zilu bowed to them, and after three sniffs, they flew away.