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"The Doctrine of the Mean" introduction:
"The Doctrine of the Mean" was originally an article in " Xiao Dai Li Ji ". The author is the descendant of Confucius, , Zisi , which was later revised and compiled by scholars of the Qin Dynasty. "The Doctrine of the Mean" was mentioned to be prominent by scholars of the Song Dynasty. There were no less than a hundred articles exploring the Doctrine of the Mean in the Song Dynasty. The Northern Song Dynasty, Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi strongly respect "The Doctrine of the Mean". Zhu Xi, in the Southern Song Dynasty, also wrote "The Doctrine of the Mean", and called "The Doctrine of the Mean" and "The Great Learning" , "The Analects of Confucius" and "Mencius" one by one, called "Four Books". After the Song and Yuan dynasties, "The Doctrine of the Mean" became a textbook designated by the school officials and a must-read for the imperial examinations, which had a great impact on ancient education. The doctrine of the mean is the nature of a person who is neither good nor evil. From the perspective of human nature, it is the origin of human nature and the fundamental wisdom nature of human beings. In essence, using modern words to express it is the "critical point", which is the "difference of the mean" that is difficult to grasp.
"The Doctrine of the Mean" (Chapter 16 and 17) Original text and annotations:
[Original text]
The Master said: "The virtue of ghosts and gods is prosperous! Look at it and do not see it, listen to it and do not hear it, and be able to leave things in mind. Let the people in the world be united and dressed (1) to carry out sacrifices. It is as magnificent! As if it is above it, as if it is on its left and right. The Poetry says: 'The thinking of God cannot be conquered, and can be reflected in the underworld.' (2) The slightest and obvious, the sincerity cannot be concealed (3) Such a man!" (Chapter 16)
[Note]
(1) Qi (zhai): Become "fast", fast. Bright, clean. Supply clothes: that is, dress up. (2) "God of God...": Quoted from " Book of Songs ; Daya. 》》. The square is coming. Thought, a tone. Measure, guess. Insight (Shen), let alone. Ejaculation (yi), disgust, refers to disgust and disrespect. (3) Cover: Cover.
[Translation]
Confucius said: "The virtues of ghosts and gods are really great! You can't see it, and you can't hear it, but it is reflected in all things that people cannot leave it. People in the world fast and cleanse their hearts, wear solemn and neat clothes to sacrifice it, and they are everywhere! It seems to be on your head, as if it is right around you. The Book of Songs says: 'The coming of God is not speculated, how can you be neglected and disrespectful?' From hidden to prominent, the real thing is like this that cannot be concealed!"
[Interpretation]
This chapter uses Confucius's argument for ghosts and gods to show that the Tao is everywhere, and the saying "it cannot be separated for a moment."
On the other hand, it also reflects the 12th chapter of "the way of a gentleman is exhausted and hidden", which is vast and subtle. Even if you look at it, you can't see it, and even if you hear it, it is "hidden", it is subtle; but it is reflected in all things that make people unable to leave it, it is "expenditure", it is vast.
is an image metaphor. Whether it is Tao or ghosts and gods, it is like air, invisible or hearable, but it is everywhere and everywhere, and no one can do without it.
Since this is the case, of course everyone should be converted, just like a devout worship to ghosts and gods.
[Original text]
The son said: "Shun's great filial piety is a sage, respects the emperor, and is rich in the world. The ancestral temples enjoy it (1), and the descendants protect it. Therefore, great virtues must obtain their position, must obtain their salary, must obtain their name, and must obtain their longevity. Therefore, the creatures of heaven must be firm in accordance with their materials (2). Therefore, those who plant them cultivate them (4), and those who pour out overturn them (5). The "Poem" says: "Give good and happy gentlemen, and the constitution and constitutional virtues are used to the people and the people, and receive their salaries from heaven. Protect them and repay them from heaven. ' (6) Therefore, great virtues must be ordered." (Chapter 17)
[Notes]
(1) ancestral temple: a place where the emperors and princes sacrificed their ancestors in ancient times. Xiang: A form of sacrifice, worshiping the ancestors. This is a pronoun, referring to Shun. (2) Materials, qualifications, and nature. (3) Du: be kind, here refers to treating kindly. (4) Training: Cultivate. (5) Overturn: overturn, defeat. (6) "The gentleman of Jiale...": Quoted from "The Book of Songs·Daya·号". Jiale means "fake joy" in the Book of Songs, "fake" is the meaning of "jia", which means beauty and goodness. Xianxian, the Book of Songs, is "displayed", showing its prosperity. Make it beautiful. Speak, reiterate.
[Translation]
Confucius said: "Shun should be the most filial person, right? He is a saint in terms of virtue, a noble emperor in status, wealth possesses the whole world, sacrifices him in the ancestral temple, and his descendants maintain his achievements. Therefore, a person with great virtue will definitely get the status he deserves, the wealth he deserves, the reputation he deserves, and the longevity he deserves. Therefore, God has given birth to ten thousand people to raise him. Things must treat them well according to their qualifications. Those who can achieve success are cultivated, and those who cannot achieve success will be eliminated. The Book of Songs says: "A noble and elegant gentleman has bright and beautiful virtues, so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment, and enjoy the blessings and blessings given by God. God blesses him, appoints him, and gives him a great mission. ' Therefore, those with great virtues will definitely bear the destiny. "
[Interpretation]
is born with my talents and will be useful.
As long as you cultivate yourself and improve your virtues, "stay easy and wait for your destiny", one day you will be ordered by heaven and take on the important task of governing the country and pacifying the world. By then, fame, status, and wealth are no longer a problem, and you will have whatever you deserve. Just as the protagonist Vasily in the former Soviet feature film "Lenin in October" said: "There will be bread, everything will be there."
From this point of view, Confucianism does not absolutely reject utilitarianism, but only opposes the practice of being eager for quick success and being restless and self-disciplined. In other words, what Confucianism emphasizes is to start from internal skills, cultivate oneself, improve one's own virtues and talents, and then take it naturally and obtain everything one should obtain naturally.
This is actually the spirit of the doctrine of the mean - do not go astray in everything, do not go as extreme, but proceed step by step, step by step.
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