The Sacred in the Everyday

An appreciation for the sacred, including a deep sense of reverence, awe, and solemnity concerning particular things and people, is expressed throughout the Analects in its discussion of a rich variety of experiences, virtues, and practices that are regarded as special, distinctive, or set apart from other things, and yet very much a part of our daily lives. This chapter focuses on everyday activities that are not directly or primarily related to spirits or spiritual entities or forces, but which are clearly sacred. It explores the virtues of ritual propriety and filial piety, the concept of de (“moral power”), and the virtues of humility and gratitude in the Analects. It goes on to examine the presentation of Kongzi as an exemplar in the text.