節用(中)

Master Mozi said: 'The reason the enlightened kings and sages of old were able to rule the realm and govern the feudal lords was that their love for the people was earnest and devoted, their benefit to the people was earnest and generous; loyalty and trust were linked together, and they further demonstrated benefit to them. Therefore throughout their lifetimes the people were never sated, and even after their deaths the people did not turn away. This is why the enlightened kings and sages were able to rule the realm and govern the feudal lords.'

The sage kings of old established standards for food and drink, saying: 'It is sufficient to fill the stomach, sustain the breath, strengthen the limbs, and sharpen the ears and eyes -- then stop. Do not exhaust the blending of the five flavors and the harmonizing of fragrances; do not seek out rare and exotic things from distant states.'

The sage kings of old established standards for moderate funerals, saying: 'Three sets of garments, sufficient for the flesh to decay; a coffin three inches thick, sufficient for the bones to decay; a burial pit deep enough that it does not reach the water table and odors do not escape -- then stop.' Once the dead are buried, the living should not mourn for a long time with excessive grief.