This refers to the Grand Rules, i.e., the fundamental universal laws
that all people follow in their life. The term first appeared in The Book of History. Composed of the Nine
Great Rules, it divided human life into different areas, laid down the most
important elements in each area, hence the basic order that determines the
relations between heaven and earth, ethics and politics, and nature and
mankind. Ancient people believed that the Nine Great Rules in the Grand Rules
were bestowed by Heaven with irresistible authority.
CITATION
1
Jizi thus said: “I once learned that Gun misused the five elements, i.e., wood, fire, earth, metal and water, in his efforts to control the floods. The Ruler of Heaven was furious and deprived him of all the Nine Great Rules. As a result, the long-standing laws of governance of the state were jeopardized. Gun was sent in exile until his death. His son Yu took over his father’s duties and became very successful in harnessing the floods. Heaven bestowed the Nine Great Rules on him. Order was restored due to the operation of these long-standing laws of governance.