This concept stresses the civilizing role of music. Rites and music are means that everyone should often use to regulate their conduct and for introspection. When one grasps the essence of music, one will naturally follow the nature of music – harmony deep inside. Then personality traits associated with harmony, such as geniality, integrity, kindness, and honesty, will come forward, and fill one’s heart with happiness. When one is truly happy, one will strive to retain it. Long cultivated thus, one can resemble heaven, who speaks no words but never lets people down, or act like gods, who do not rage but are held in awe.
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A man of virtue said, “Rites and music should be around without a moment of absence. Cultivate the mind by immersing in music, and geniality, integrity, kindness, and honesty will naturally emerge. When these traits arise, happiness will follow. When one is happy from the bottom of one’s heart, one will be dutiful. Being dutiful helps one live a prolonged life. A prolonged life makes one comprehend and comply with the natural law, which in turn brings one into contact with heaven and gods. Heaven does not talk but never disappoints people. Gods never fly into a rage to be formidable. Immersion in music brings about the effect of nursing one’s mental health.”