The Coffin and Ritual

Contents

Text

English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius went from Qi to Lu for a burial. On returning to Qi, he stopped at Ying. Chong Yu asked, 'Earlier, not knowing that I was unworthy, you had me supervise the carpenters' work. Because the matter was urgent, I did not venture to ask. Now I wish to venture a question: the wood seems excessively fine.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said: “In ancient times, inner and outer coffins had no fixed dimensions. By middle antiquity, the inner coffin was seven inches thick and the outer coffin proportionate to it; this applied from the Son of Heaven down to commoners. This was not merely for outward display, but to fulfill the sentiments of the living. If ritual rules do not permit it, one cannot be at ease; if one lacks the means, one cannot be at ease either. But if it is permitted and one has the means, the ancients all did it—why should I alone not? And when the earth is kept from touching the dead person’s skin, would that not bring comfort to the family? I have heard that a noble person does not economize on their parents for the sake of the whole world.”

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