天子:  The Sons Of Heaven

In Chinese tradition, the world is born from the separation of earth and sky. Between the two appears the “Son of Heaven”, the sovereign who receives his mandate from heaven in order to maintain harmony in the universe. Although his face changes, his role remains and intensifies with successive generations and dynasties.

The Sons Of Heaven hold a mandate to which they have a valid claim to lead everyone else in the world as long as they serve the people well.

If the rulers become immoral, then rebellion is justified and heaven will take away that mandate and give it to others.

The Mandate Of Heaven

• The right to rule is granted by Heaven，which gives the ruler prestige and religious importance.
• The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler, which serves as a check on the ruler’s power.
• The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty, which justifies rebellion as long as the rebellion is successful.

A Son Of Heaven is subject to no earthly authority, deriving his rights to power directly from the will of God.

The Duty Of The Sons Of Heaven

Are to protect and defend the innocent, the weak, the poor and vulnerable, and to protect righteousness with their own life, if necessary

The Doctrine Of The Two Swords

The Sons Of Heaven work in the earthly or left-hand kingdom through secular efforts to influence the course of events in human society.

They work in the heavenly or righthand kingdom through virtue and righteousness.

By “exhibiting the righteousness of God, — in other words, the righteousness which alone is acceptable to God, — it admonishes every one of his own unrighteousness, certiorates, convicts, and finally condemns him.”

They act “by means of fearful denunciations and the consequent dread of punishment, to curb those who, unless forced, have no regard for rectitude and justice.”

The Three Lives

• Believe And Live
• Forebear And Live
• Do And Live