The Master said, “When we say, ‘the rites, the rites,’ are we speaking merely of jade and silk? When we say, ‘music, music,’ are we speaking merely of bells and drums?”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
The Master said, Ritual! ritual! they say. But is it just a matter of jades and silks? Music! music! they say. But is it just a matter of bells and drums?
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.
When grasping the official jade tablet, he would draw himself in, as if he could not bear its weight. Sometimes he held it high against his forehead as if saluting, while at other times he held it low at his waist as if offering a gift. Alert and serious, his expression would be like someone about to go into battle, and he would walk with shortened steps as though each movement were carefully scripted. During the ceremonial exchange of gifts, his countenance was accommodating; when having his private audience, he seemed at ease.
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
When he carried the jade tablet, he bent forward, as though he could not bear the weight. He held it up as though performing a bow, lowered it as though handing over an object. His face took on a look of concentration, an expression of fear, and he moved his feet carefully, as though walking a line.
When presenting official gifts, his expression was genial, and at the exchange of private gifts his manner was even more relaxed.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.
Zigong said, “If you possessed a piece of beautiful jade, would you hide it away in a locked box, or would you try to sell it at a good price?”
The Master responded, “Oh, I would sell it! I would sell it! I am just waiting for the right offer.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
Zigong said, Suppose here is a beautiful piece of jade. Better to put it in a box and store it away? Or to find someone willing to pay a good price and sell it?
The Master said, Sell it! Sell it! I’m waiting for a buyer.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.
