Rites of Mourning

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Duke Ding of Teng died, and the heir apparent said to Ran You, 'Formerly Mencius once spoke with me in Song, and in my heart I have never forgotten it. Now, unfortunately, this great bereavement has come. I want to send you to ask Mencius, and afterward carry out the matter.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

Ran You went to Zou and asked Mencius.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “Is that not good? A parent’s death is precisely when one must fulfill one’s filial duty to the utmost. Zengzi said, ‘While one’s parents are alive, serve them according to ritual; after they die, bury and sacrifice to them according to ritual. This may be called filial piety.’ I have not studied the mourning rites of the feudal lords. Even so, I have heard that the three-year mourning required coarse hemp mourning dress and a diet of thick gruel, and was observed from the Son of Heaven down to commoners in all three dynasties.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Ran You reported back, and it was settled that there should be three years of mourning. The elders and the hundred officials were all unwilling, so they said, “None of the former rulers of our ancestral state Lu practiced it, and none of our former rulers practiced it either. Now when it comes to your person and you reverse it, this may not be done. Moreover, the Record says, ‘Mourning and sacrifice follow the former ancestors.’” He said, “I have a source from which I received it.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

He said to Ran You, “In former days I never studied or sought learning; I was fond of galloping horses and testing swords. Now my elders and the hundred officials do not consider me sufficient; I fear that I cannot fully discharge the great matter. Please ask Mencius on my behalf.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Ran You again went to Zou and asked Mencius.

Original Chinese text

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Mencius said, “Yes; this is not something one can seek from others. Confucius said, ‘When a ruler dies, the heir should follow the chief minister’s direction, eat thick gruel, let grief darken his face, then take his place and weep. None of the officials and functionaries dares remain unmoved, because the heir sets the example. When those above favor something, those below will carry it further. The exemplary person’s virtue is like the wind; the common people’s virtue is like grass. When wind passes over grass, the grass bends.’ It all depends on the heir apparent.”

Original Chinese text

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Ran You returned and reported back.

Original Chinese text

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The crown prince said, 'Yes, this truly lies with me.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

He lived in the mourning hut for five months without issuing special orders or prohibitions. The officials and members of the ruling clan approved of his conduct and called it wise. When the burial took place, people came from all quarters to watch. His grief-stricken face and sorrowful cries deeply moved those who came to pay their respects.

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