| name | ritual-governance-framework |
| description | Use when establishing social order through ritual principles (礼治) or regulating desires to prevent chaos. Implements the three-step framework: cultivate the self, establish distinctions (贵贱有等), and balance restraint with satisfaction. |
Ritual Governance Framework (礼治框架)
This framework outlines how to establish and maintain social order through ritual principles.
Core Principle
礼由人起 - Rituals arise from human nature. They regulate desires and prevent chaos.
Foundation
-
Understand human nature
- 人生有欲
- 欲而不得则不能无忿
- 忿而无度量则争
- 争则乱
-
Establish rituals to regulate
- 先王恶其乱,故制礼义以养人之欲
- 给人之求,使欲不穷於物
- 物不屈於欲,二者相待而长
Implementation Steps
Step 1: Cultivate the Self
- 养口: Provide appropriate food and drink
- 养鼻: Provide pleasant fragrances
- 养耳: Provide harmonious music
- 养目: Provide beautiful sights
- 养体: Provide comfortable dwellings
Step 2: Establish Distinctions
Step 3: Balance Restraint and Satisfaction
- Prevent excess (防其淫侈)
- Provide for needs (养人之欲)
- Maintain appropriate measure (度量)
Decision Points
- If people are too restrained → increase satisfaction
- If people are too indulgent → increase restraint
- Aim for balance where desires and resources grow together
Expected Outcomes
- Social harmony
- Clear hierarchy
- Sustainable order
Validation
- Confirm that the five areas of cultivation (口, 鼻, 耳, 目, 体) are addressed with appropriate provisions
- Verify that social distinctions (贵贱有等, 长少有差, 贫富轻重皆有称) are clearly established and understood
- Check that restraint and satisfaction are balanced — desires and resources grow together (欲不穷於物, 物不屈於欲)