Tai Jia (Part 1)

After Tai Jia ascended the throne, he was not discerning in affairs. Yi Yin banished him to the Tong Palace. After three years, Tai Jia returned to Bo, reflecting on and adopting the correct way. Yi Yin composed the three chapters of "Tai Jia." (This paragraph is not in the original text.)

The succeeding king did not follow the guidance of Aheng, Yi Yin.

Yi Yin wrote a document, saying: "The former king regarded the clear mandate of Heaven, and thereby served the spirits above and below, the altars of the land and grain, and the ancestral temple, with nothing but reverence and solemnity. Heaven examined his virtue, and therefore concentrated the great mandate upon him, enabling him to pacify all regions. Only I, Yi Yin, was able to assist the ruler in settling the people above, and thus the succeeding king greatly inherited the foundation."

I, Yi Yin, personally witnessed the condition of the Xia dynasty in the western capital. From beginning to end, their rulers were able to finish well, and their ministers likewise finished well; but later succeeding kings could not finish well, nor could their ministers. O succeeding king, be vigilant! Treat your royal position with reverence. If a ruler is not like a ruler, he will disgrace his ancestors.

The king only employed those who were without thought and without perception.

Yi Yin then said: "The former king, before dawn, displayed great diligence, sitting while waiting for daybreak, extensively seeking talented and virtuous men to guide and enlighten his descendants. Do not transgress Heaven's mandate and bring about your own downfall."

Be cautious in your virtue of frugality, and think of long-term plans.

It is like a crossbow that has been drawn—before releasing the arrow, check whether the notch fits the rule, and only then shoot. With reverence, stabilize your conduct and follow the way of your ancestors. Only then will I be pleased, and for ten thousand generations there will be words of praise.

The king could not yet change.

Yi Yin said: "This is unrighteousness. Habit forms one's nature. I cannot draw near to one who does not follow the correct way. Therefore, I built the Tong Palace, so that the king might dwell near the teachings of the former king, and not allow the people to remain long in confusion."

The king went to the Tong Palace to dwell in mourning, and finally was able to achieve a sincere and trustworthy virtue.