Confucius put forward the "rites and music", what is the meaning of the rites, what is the meaning of music?

"Ritual" includes the code of conduct, moral norms, the order of respect and etiquette and so on. The people's appetite for good and bad, all by the ritual to control. In the view of the ancients, the difference between humans and animals is because of the knowledge of rituals. Ritual and law are somewhat similar, but different. Law is tough and lacks human feelings, while ritual is warm and is linked to morality and upbringing.

"Music" means music. While "ritual" is responsible for regulating human behavior, "music" is responsible for harmonizing human temperament. All human feelings of joy, anger, sadness and happiness can be expressed through music, and at the same time can be dissolved in the sound of music.

The purpose of "rites and music" is to indoctrinate, to induce people to be good, and to keep society in a state of peace. Nowadays, when people talk about "indoctrination", they associate it with "politics" and "feudalism", which is obviously a big prejudice. The so-called "indoctrination" is education and sensitization, in which people internalize social morals such as benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faith into their own minds, and thus manifest them in their behaviors.

Expanded Information

The "civilization of rites and music" can be said to be a civilized system of human beings, and the goal that Confucius pursued throughout his life was the realization of the "system of rites and music".

The Book of Rites? The Duke of Lamentations asked, "The rites of Confucius are to be used in the system of the center." This means that the rites should regulate the relationship between people to an appropriate level. This means that without ritual, it is impossible to regulate the relationship between man and the gods and spirits of heaven and earth; it is impossible to recognize the position of the ruler and his ministers; it is impossible to differentiate between men and women, fathers and sons, and brothers; and it is impossible to differentiate between marriages and friendships of the near and the far.

Reference:

Baidu Encyclopedia - Ritual Civilization