From Huai-nan Tzu, 9:1a, 6b - 7a
From Huai-nan Tzu 13:3a-4b
From Huai-nan Tzu, 9:8b-9a
The Threefold Oblations of the Ruler
From Ch'un-ch'iu fan-lu, Sec. 19, 6:7a-8a
From Huai-nan Tzu, 9:1a, 6b - 7a
The craft of the ruler consists in disposing of affairs without action and issuing orders without speaking. The ruler remains still and pure without moving, impartial without wavering. Compliantly he delegates affairs to his subordinates and without troubling himself exacts success from them. Thus though he has his plans in his mind, he allows his counselors to proclaim them; though his mouth can speak, he allows his administrators to talk for him; though his feet can walk, lets his ministers lead; and though he has ears to hear, he permits the officials to remonstrate with him.
There is one constant principle in ruling a nation, and that is to consider the well-being of the people as fundamental. ….If one benefits the people one need not necessarily copy antiquity; if one accords with the situation of the timesome need not invariably follow old practices. In the decline of the Hsia and Shang the laws were not changed, and yet the dynasties perished; the founders of the Three Dynasties did not all copy their predecessors, and yet they became kings.
The power to achieve success or failure lies with the ruler. If the measuring-line is true, then the wood will be straight, not because one makes a special effort, but because that which it is "ruled" by makes it so. In the same way if the ruler is sincere and upright, then honest officials will serve in his government and scoundrels will go into hiding, but if the ruler is not upright then evil men will have their way and loyal men will retire to seclusion.
The Threefold Oblations of the Ruler From Ch'un-ch'iu fan-lu, Sec. 19, 6:7a-8a
The ruler is the basis of the state. In administering the state, nothing is more effective for educating the people than reverence for the basis. ….What do we mean by the basis? Heaven, earth, and man are the basis of all creatures. Heaven gives them birth, earth nourishes them, and man brings them to completion…..But the enlightened and worthy ruler being of good faith, is strictly attentive to the three bases. His sacrifices are conducted with utmost reverences; …..He personally grasps the plow handle and plows a furrow, plucks the mulberry himself and feeds the silkworms, breaks new ground to increase the grain supply and opens the way for a sufficiency of clothing and food. In this way he serves the basis of earth. He sets up schools for the nobles and in the towns and villages to teach filial piety and brotherly affection, reverence and humility. He enlightens the people with education and moves them with rites and music. Thus he serves the basis of man.