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

1. 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

2. 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

• 贵贱有等
• 长少有差
• 贫富轻重皆有称

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

1. Confirm that the five areas of cultivation (口, 鼻, 耳, 目, 体) are addressed with appropriate provisions
2. Verify that social distinctions (贵贱有等, 长少有差, 贫富轻重皆有称) are clearly established and understood
3. Check that restraint and satisfaction are balanced — desires and resources grow together (欲不穷於物, 物不屈於欲)