In festive ceremonies, it is better to be sparing than extravagant. In the ceremonies of mourning, it is better that there be deep sorrow than a minute attention to observances. The anarchy of Confucius's time. On the folly of usurped sacrifices. The superior man avoids all contentious striving.
Ceremonies are secondary and merely ornamental.
The decay of the monuments of antiquity. I could describe the ceremonies of the Yin dynasty, but Sung cannot sufficiently attest my words. If those were sufficient, I could adduce them in support of my words. The sage's dissatisfaction at the want of propriety in ceremonies. The profound meaning of the great sacrifice.