The Book of Rites. The Six Pitches. Huangzhong, Taicu, Guxian, Ruibin, Yize, and Wuyi are yang. Dalyu, Yingzhong, Nanlyu, Linzhong, Zhonglyu, and Jiazong are yin. The Pure Temple and the Bright Hall.
The Pure Temple is for honoring the ancestors. The Bright Hall is for receiving the feudal lords. It manifests virtue and completes the image.
The "Record of Music" says that music is used to illuminate virtue, referring to the moral conduct of the ancient sage-kings. It also states that music serves to symbolize accomplishment, referring to the governance achievements of the ancient sage-kings. In this way, the people are transformed, and customs are established.
The Book of Music states: When music is practiced, human relationships become clear, Ears and eyes become sharp and bright, Vital energy and temperament grow harmonious, Customs and traditions are transformed, And the whole world finds peace. Thus, the Zhou dynasty observed music.
In the first year of King Jing of Zhou, the state of Wu sent Jizi on a diplomatic mission to Lu. He requested to observe the court music of Zhou, and the people of Lu performed for him the music of the Six Dynasties. The music of the Six Dynasties refers to: Huangmen, the music of the Yellow Emperor; Xianchi, the music of Emperor Yao; Dashao, the music of Emperor Shun; Daxia, the music of Yu the Great; Dahuo, the music of Tang; and Dawu, the music of King Wu(The Yellow Emperor's music is also called Yunmen, and also called Xianchi. Emperor Yao's music is called Dazhang. Recorded here for reference). He then ordered the blind musicians to recite the odes.
The *Biographies of Exemplary Women* states: In ancient times, when a woman was with child, she did not lie on her side while sleeping, did not sit at the edge of a seat, and did not stand in a slanted posture. She avoided improper flavors in food, would not eat meat that was not properly cut, and would not sit on a mat that was not properly laid out. She did not look at improper sights, nor did she listen to licentious sounds. At night, she would have a blind musician recite poetry and speak of upright matters. In this way, the child born would be dignified in appearance and surpass others in talent. She could play the zither to resolve a siege.
Confucius was traveling through Kuang. The people of Song surrounded him, layer upon layer. Yet he continued to play his zither and sing without pause. Before long, the leader of the armed men came forward and said, "We thought you were Yang Hu, and so we surrounded you. Now we see you are not. We beg to take our leave and withdraw." The sound of his zither was like a spring breeze.