To broaden his political horizons and enrich his teaching, Confucius made a special trip to Luoyi (near present-day Luoyang, Henan), the capital of the Zhou dynasty, to study Zhou rituals and ancient texts. Luoyi was the largest political and cultural center during the Spring and Autumn period, preserving the most complete ceremonial institutions and housing the richest collection of cultural relics and classical texts. It also attracted talented individuals from all fields. Confucius had long yearned to visit, but the journey from Qufu to Luoyi was long and expensive. Fortunately, Meng Xizi, a noble of Lu, had two sons—Meng Yizi and Nangong Jingshu—who studied rituals under Confucius. Nangong Jingshu suggested to Duke Zhao of Lu that the state sponsor Confucius’ travel expenses, offering to accompany him. The Duke granted Confucius a carriage, two horses, and a driver, and Nangong Jingshu joined him on the journey to Luoyi.
In Luoyi, Confucius visited the Mingtang (Hall of Enlightenment) and the Ancestral Temple, where the Zhou kings held court and proclaimed decrees. He meticulously studied the entire ritual system established by the Duke of Zhou. It is said that Confucius also met Laozi in Luoyi and “inquired about rituals” from him. Laozi, whose given name was Li Er and courtesy name Dan, was from the state of Chu. His family had served as court historians for generations, responsible for managing the Zhou royal archives, so Confucius sought his guidance on specific ritual practices. Laozi answered in great detail. However, during Confucius’ final inquiry about ancient rites, Laozi did not directly respond but instead said:
“The men you speak of have long since decayed, leaving only their words behind. A nobleman should understand the signs of the times—if fortune favours him, he should rise with the occasion; if not, he should drift like tumbleweed (accepting circumstances as they come). A great merchant hides his wealth as if he has nothing; a man of great virtue appears dull and simple. Therefore, you should rid yourself of arrogance, greed, and excessive ambition, for these things harm both mind and body.”
The Zhou dynasty upheld a culture of “ritual and music”, where ritual teachings and music education complemented each other. Thus, while consulting Laozi on rituals, Confucius also sought the guidance of Chang Hong, the court musician of Zhou, experiencing firsthand the profound power of music. He recognised the connection between music and governance, further affirming that neither music nor ritual should be neglected. Confucius said:
“Be inspired by poetry, established by ritual, and perfected by music.”
Poetry could ignite ambition and stir emotions, but excessive emotion could be harmful. Ritual provided rational restraint, yet excessive restraint also had negative consequences. Music was thus used to correct the rigidity of ritual, achieving a harmonious balance between emotion and reason.
After completing his studies, Confucius prepared to return to Lu and bid farewell to Laozi. Laozi spoke earnestly to him:
“I have heard that the wealthy give gifts of money, while the benevolent offer words of wisdom. I am not wealthy, so I shall borrow the name of a benevolent man and leave you with this advice: The shrewd observer of all things courts death, for he delights in judging right and wrong. The eloquent and learned man endangers himself, for he delights in exposing the faults of others. As a son, do not contend; as a subject, do not contend.”
This journey to the Zhou capital allowed Confucius to witness many artefacts and texts from the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, deepening his mastery of ritual and music. He exclaimed in admiration:
“The Zhou dynasty drew upon the heritage of the two preceding dynasties—how magnificent its culture is! I follow Zhou.”
Upon returning to Lu, his disciples eagerly gathered around him, asking about his experiences. Speaking of Laozi, Confucius sighed and said:
“Birds, I know, can fly; fish, I know, can swim; beasts, I know, can run. Those that run may be caught in nets; those that swim may be hooked; those that fly may be shot down. But as for the dragon, I cannot fathom how it rides the clouds and ascends to the heavens. The Laozi I have seen is like a dragon—his wisdom is unfathomable, his aspirations transcend the mundane. He coils like a serpent yet soars like a dragon, adapting to the times. Lao Dan—he is truly my teacher!”
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