Heaven and the People's Choice

Contents

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Wan Zhang asked, “Did Yao hand the realm over to Shun?” Mencius said, “No. A Son of Heaven cannot give the realm to another person.” “Then who gave the realm to Shun?” “Heaven gave it to him.” “Did Heaven give it by repeatedly issuing a clear command?” “No. Heaven does not speak; it shows its will through a person’s conduct and deeds.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“How does Heaven show its will through conduct and deeds?” Mencius replied, “A Son of Heaven can recommend someone to Heaven, but cannot make Heaven give that person the realm. A lord can recommend someone to the Son of Heaven, but cannot make the Son of Heaven grant that person a lordship. A minister can recommend someone to a lord, but cannot make the lord grant that person a ministerial post. In the past, Yao recommended Shun to Heaven, and Heaven accepted him; he then presented Shun to the people, and the people accepted him. That is why I say Heaven does not speak, but shows its will through conduct and deeds.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

“How can we tell that Heaven accepted the recommendation and the people accepted Shun when he was presented to them?” Mencius said, “When he was put in charge of sacrifices and the spirits all received them, that showed Heaven’s acceptance. When he was put in charge of affairs, the affairs were well governed and the people were at peace; that showed the people’s acceptance. Heaven gave the realm to him, and the people gave it to him. Thus a Son of Heaven cannot give the realm to another.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Shun assisted Yao for twenty-eight years; this was beyond what human effort alone could bring about—it was Heaven’s doing. After Yao died and the three-year mourning period ended, Shun withdrew south of the Southern River to make way for Yao’s son. The lords of the realm came to court, but went to Shun rather than Yao’s son; litigants went to Shun rather than Yao’s son; singers praised Shun rather than Yao’s son. This is why it is called Heaven’s choice. Only then did Shun go to the central states and take the throne. Had he occupied Yao’s palace and pressured Yao’s son, that would have been usurpation, not a grant from Heaven. The *Great Declaration* says, “Heaven sees as our people see; Heaven hears as our people hear.” That is what this means.

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