Original Text:
林放问礼之本子曰大哉问礼与其奢也宁俭丧与其易也宁戚
Translation:
Other Translations:
Lin Fang asked about the roots of ritual.
The Master exclaimed, “What a noble question! When it comes to ritual, it is better to be pare than extravagant. When it comes to mourning, it is better to be excessively sorrowful than fastidious.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
Lin Fang asked what is basic in ritual. The Master said, A big question indeed! In rites in general, rather than extravagance, better frugality. In funeral rites, rather than thoroughness, better real grief.”
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.