Wen Tao: The Grand Rites

King Wen asked Tai Gong:
"What should be the rites between sovereign and subjects?"

Tai Gong replied:
"For the sovereign, the highest priority is to understand the conditions below; for the subjects, the highest duty is to remain reverent and obedient. To understand the people, the sovereign must not distance himself from them. To remain reverent, subjects must conceal no secrets. The sovereign should bestow grace universally, while subjects must abide by their duties. Bestowing grace should be like the heavens enveloping all things; abiding by duties should be like the earth, steadfast and solid. When the sovereign emulates Heaven and subjects emulate Earth, the rites between them are perfectly realized."

King Wen asked:
"How should a sovereign conduct himself in his position?"

Tai Gong answered:
"He should be serene yet resolute, gentle yet decisive, generous without competing for profit with the people, humble yet impartial, and handle affairs with fairness and integrity."

King Wen asked:
"How should a sovereign listen to counsel?"

Tai Gong replied:
"Do not accept advice rashly, nor reject it harshly. Rash acceptance leads to loss of principle; harsh rejection silences voices. A sovereign should be like a towering mountain, inspiring awe, and like a fathomless abyss, inscrutable in depth. The virtue of a sage sovereign lies in utmost tranquility and impartiality."

King Wen asked:
"How can a sovereign perceive all things clearly?"

Tai Gong answered:
"The eyes value clarity of vision; the ears value acuity of hearing; the mind values thoroughness of thought. By relying on the eyes of all under Heaven, nothing remains unseen. By using the ears of all under Heaven, nothing remains unheard. By drawing on the minds of all under Heaven, nothing remains unknown. When the world’s observations, hearings, and thoughts converge at the sovereign’s side, he will perceive all without obscurity."