| | The Way of Heaven favors the right side; the sun and moon move westward. The Way of Earth favors the left side; water flows eastward. The human way values the center; ears and eyes serve the mind. The mind has four assistants; if they are not in harmony, it is called failure. Earth has five elements; if they do not communicate, it is called evil. Heaven has four seasons; if they are out of season, it is called ominous. The Way of Heaven is called auspiciousness, the Way of Earth is called righteousness, and the human way is called propriety. Knowing auspiciousness brings longevity; knowing righteousness establishes one's position; knowing propriety enables action. When rites and righteousness align with auspiciousness, it is called good fortune. Good fortune in rites turns to the left; following Heaven benefits the root. Martial rites turn to the right; following Earth benefits troops. The general occupies the central army; following people benefits formation. A person with a center is called San; without a center, it is called Liang. When two sides contend, it is weakness; when three harmonize, it is strength. Males develop into the trinity; females develop into duality. Five combine to form a household; when a household is formed, people are born; with people's birth comes measurement. Each of the left and right hands holds five; each of the left and right feet steps on five; this is called four limbs. The head is called the root. Five times five, twenty-five, is called Yuanzu. One zu in front is called Kai; one zu at the back is called Dun; one zu on each side is called Lü; four zu forming a guard unit are called Bo. Three bos with one leader is called Zuo; three zuos with one leader is called You; three yus with one leader is called Zheng; three zhengs with one leader is called Qing; three qings with one leader is called Bi. A bi must be wise, a qing must be benevolent, a zheng must be intelligent, a you must be solemn, a zuo must be harmonious, a bo must be diligent, and a zu must be strong. If a bi is not wise, he cannot deliberate on officials; if a qing is not benevolent, he cannot gather the people; if a bo is not diligent, he cannot carry out orders; if a zu is not strong, he cannot bear instruction. Equalizing the strength of zu, their appearance without comparison, but when compared, they become disharmonious; Equalizing the diligence of bo, their labor without assistance, and with assistance, there is no harmony; Equalizing the harmony of zuo, their respect without delay, but if delayed, nothing will be accomplished; Equalizing the solemnity of you, their reverence without shame, but with shame, there is no rise. A bi must be literate; sage-like as a measure. The original loyalty values yielding, treating kin equally and bestowing grace upon subordinates, gathering firmness and integrity in virtue. Speaking boldly without violating virtue is called uprightness; when uprightness reaches the divine and human, it is called ultimate perfection. When generation after generation can attain this ultimate perfection, it is called an emperor.
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