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 3 The Highest Realm of the Sage: Implicitly Grasping Order
Master Xunzi’s description of the Sage's realm—"moving deftly and grasping the order implicitly" (fang huang zhou xie, qu de qi ci xu)—is the highest attainment in the practice of Rites, and the highest realm of self-cultivation.
The core characteristic of this realm is "implicitly grasping the order" (qu de qi ci xu)—every detail is just right. This implies:
First, the Sage has a thorough understanding of all levels of Rites (flourishing, reduction, middle course)—he not only knows when to flourish, when to reduce, and when to remain in the middle, but also precisely how much to flourish, how much to reduce, and where to settle in the middle.
Second, the Sage can flexibly respond to all situations in practicing Rites—he does not mechanically execute rules but makes appropriate judgments and actions based on the specific context. This flexibility is not arbitrariness—it is built upon a profound understanding of the principles of Rites.
Third, the Sage’s practice of Rites is natural and spontaneous—it requires no deliberate thought or effort; everything conforms to Rites naturally, like an instinct. This is the state of "following what my heart desired without overstepping what was right."
This realm is precious because it resolves the tension between "culture" (wen) and "substance" (zhi)—for the Sage, wen is zhi, and zhi is wen; the two are completely unified. The Sage’s expression of emotion is itself the most perfect form, and the most perfect form inherently carries the most genuine emotion.
Master Kong's lifelong pursuit was likely this very realm. He began with "setting his heart on learning at fifteen," went through "standing firm at thirty," "no doubts at forty," "knowing the Mandate of Heaven at fifty," and "his ear attuned at sixty," finally reaching "following what my heart desired without overstepping what was right" at seventy—this is the complete embodiment of "implicitly grasping the order" in personal life.