An Inquiry into the Core of Xunzi's 'On Rites': The Origin of Rites, Textual-Structural Logic, and the Way of Elevation and Reduction
This article provides an in-depth exegesis of the foundational text in the opening of Xunzi's 'On Rites,' systematically analyzing the logical chain linking the origin of rites to human desire and societal conflict, elucidating the structural concept of 'Honoring the fundamental is called text (wen), utilizing it closely is called principle (li),' and investigating the hierarchical dimensions of elevation (long), reduction (sha), and the middle way within rites pertaining to the gentleman's path.
Section 1 Quoting the Odes: The Meaning of the Citation
"The Book of Odes says: 'Rites and ceremonies perfectly measure (zong du), laughter and speech perfectly accord (zong huo).’ This is what is meant."
Master Xunzi concludes his essay by citing a passage from the Book of Odes (Shi Jing) to summarize and verify his arguments. The practice of quoting the Odes as verification is extremely common in pre-Qin texts. Master Kong once said:
"The Three Hundred Odes can be summed up in one phrase: 'Without depravity.'" (Analects, Wei Zheng)
The Book of Odes is not merely a work of literature but a foundational text for pre-Qin scholarship—it contains rich thought on politics, ethics, ritual, and philosophy, serving as a primary basis for the arguments of the Hundred Schools.
"Rites and ceremonies perfectly measure" (Li yi zong du)—Rites and ceremonies completely conform to the standard. Zong means "completely" or "entirely." Du means "standard" or "measure." All rites perfectly adhere to the standards—neither more nor less, neither leaning to one side nor the other.
"Laughter and speech perfectly accord" (Xiao yu zong huo)—Laughter and speech are perfectly measured. Huo means "to gain" or "to hit the mark," here meaning perfectly appropriate and in moderation. Laughter and speech are always appropriate—not overly casual ("rustic") nor overly stiff ("affected").
These two lines come from the Book of Odes, Xiao Ya, Chu Ci, describing the banquet scene following a sacrifice. In the banquet, participants both observed all ritual norms ("Rites and ceremonies perfectly measure") and maintained a natural, joyful atmosphere ("laughter and speech perfectly accord"). This is a vivid portrayal of Master Xunzi’s ideal: "emotion and culture fully realized" or "ending in joyful calibration." Within the complete framework of Rites, emotions are fully and appropriately expressed; amidst free and joyous laughter, order and norms are consciously observed.