Moral example: A power beyond words
Musicians in long red robes and Yi dancers in yellow gowns were the center of attention at the ceremony. The musicians, who had been practicing for a year, are all enrolled at Taipei Municipal Chongqing Junior High School.
The rites and music in this ceremony date to the Song Dynasty. Sun Rui-jin, the leader of musicians at the ceremony, has concerns about having no one to pass these traditions down to. “I hope that the music performed during Confucian ceremonies won’t disappear with this generation.” Although he is not a descendant of Confucius, he has taken it on his own shoulders to keep these traditions alive.
“Giving children opportunities to better themselves has motivated me to devote myself to this mission without regret.” The training spans both summer and winter, and cultivates the children’s character and stamina. Sun deeply understands how the exacting preparations gradually instill a sense of duty and honor among the children.
“I had one student musician who almost didn’t graduate from junior high school.” More than a decade later, Sun got a phone call from the student, who discussed his bright career situation with his former teacher. What had brought a kid that was going down the wrong path to mend his ways? “I asked him who put him back on track. He responded, ‘Confucius.’ It brought tears to my eyes.” At that moment, Confucianism wasn’t stale learning found in dusty books, but rather the highest form of wisdom anointed by life experience.
Since 1931, the dancing students have all come from Taipei Municipal Dalong Elementary School. This tradition has not been broken for 87 years. As they move their bodies, the dancers convey a gentle elegance and sense of ebb and flow that are inherent in Confucianism. In their gaze and their steps, the dancers practice self-cultivation through control of their bodies.
The famous “Confucian cuisine” embodies the sage’s belief that “food cannot be too fine, nor meat too finely minced.” This rigorous approach to cooking epitomizes Chinese culinary arts. Food for this ceremony is prepared under the guiding principle of “culinary harmony.” Since 2007, it has been made by students from the Kai Ping Culinary School; the students and their teachers have consequently earned the moniker “Confucius’ chefs.” They prepare 189 dishes in total.
At the temple, celebrants pay their respects to the great sage on his birthday through rites, music, dance and food.