"The Doctrine of the Mean" Chapter 1-3: The transformation of heaven and earth is based on neutrality

2021.07.29 Thursday Yin Day210

"Zhidao Lexue·Chinese Classics" D353

"The Doctrine of the Mean" Chapter 1 The transformation of heaven and earth is based on neutrality

?Original text

The destiny is called nature, the will is called Tao, and the cultivation of Tao is called teaching. The Tao cannot be separated for a moment, but it is not the Tao. Therefore, a gentleman should be cautious about what he does not see and be afraid of what he does not hear. Don't see what's hidden, don't show what's subtle, so a gentleman should be cautious about being alone. When joy, anger, sorrow, and joy do not develop, it is called middle; when they develop, they are all in harmony, it is called harmony; what is in the middle is the foundation of the world; what is harmonious is the way of the world. To achieve neutrality, the heaven will have its place and all things will be nurtured.

Translation

Our natural endowment is called "nature", doing things according to nature is "Tao", and cultivating according to the principles of "Tao" is called "teaching". "Tao" cannot leave us for a moment. If it could leave us, it would not be called "Tao". Therefore, those with high moral character are careful and prudent whether in front of others or behind others. Even if no one can hear him, he will never talk nonsense and must be wary. In fact, this approach is correct. The more hidden the place, the more obvious it is, and the more subtle the place, the more obvious it is. Therefore, those with high moral character are cautious even when they are alone.

When a person's joys, anger, sorrows and joys are not expressed, we call it "neutral"; when the behavior shown is in line with the temperament, we call it "harmony". "Neutral" is a nature that everyone has, and "harmony" is the principle that everyone follows. Only by reaching the state of "neutral" can all things in the world perform their duties and grow and reproduce according to laws.

Interpretation

This chapter introduces the topic from "Tao cannot be left for a moment". This issue is consistent with the issue of "be careful of one's independence" explained in "The Great Learning". It also requires us to strengthen our consciousness, sincerely act in accordance with human nature, and conduct self-cultivation in accordance with the principles of Tao.

This chapter gives a positive explanation of "Zhong" and "Harmony" from an emotional perspective. According to the principles explained in this chapter, before a person shows emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and joy, his heart remains calm and indifferent, which is called "middle". But joy, anger, sorrow, and joy are emotions that everyone has, so as long as they appear, they will definitely show up. The expression is also in line with human nature and has moderation. This is "harmony". The two coordinate with each other, which is called "neutralization".

Enlightenment

If everyone can reach the state of neutrality, then everyone can talk about things calmly, social order will be in order, and the world will naturally be peaceful.

2021.07.30 Friday Yin Day211

"Zhidaolexue. Classics of Chinese Studies" D354

Chapter 2 of "The Doctrine of the Mean"? The choice of world view - Doctrine of the Mean The Way

? Original text

? Zhongni said: "A gentleman is in the mean, and a villain is against the mean. A gentleman is in the mean, and a gentleman is in the right time. A villain is in the mean, and a villain is in the mean. And there is no fear.

Translation

Zhongni once said: "A gentleman abides by the doctrine of the mean, while a villain violates the theory of the mean. The reason why gentlemen can abide by the theory of golden mean is because they always know what kind of behavior is appropriate and will not do too much or not enough. The reason why villains violate the theory of golden mean is because villains act unscrupulously. , easy to go to extremes. "

Interpretation

Confucius' student Zigong once asked Confucius: "Zhang or Zixia, who is the most virtuous person? Confucius replied: "Zi Zhang's behavior was excessive, but Zi Xia's behavior was not enough." Zigong asked again: "Then you mean that Zizhang is more virtuous, right?" Confucius replied: "It's the same as doing too much and not doing enough." " ("The Analects of Confucius·Advanced")

This passage is actually the best explanation of "a gentleman is in the right time". In other words, whether it is done too much or not done enough, the nature is The same thing does not meet the requirements of the mean.

The most important requirement of the mean is "just right", just like Song Yu described the son of the great beauty's boss: "One point more is too long, one point less. If it is divided, it will be too short; if it is powdered, it will be too white; if it is applied with vermilion, it will be too red. ” ("Ode to the Colorful Dengtuzi")

Thoughts

"Zhong" is a kind of mind and a state; it is not demanding, not disgusting, not generous, nor generous. Bo Bi.

"Yong" means freedom, harmony, recognition, and acceptance. It does not deny, does not interfere, does not favor the East, and does not favor the West. It just shows the same background. < /p>

2021.07.31 Saturday

"Zhidao Lexue. Classics of Chinese Studies" D355

Chapter 3 of "The Doctrine of the Mean"? The highest standard of morality

Confucius said: "The golden mean is the ultimate!" Minxian[1] can last a long time! ”

Notes

[1] Fresh: less, not much.

Translation

Confucius said: "The thoughts described in The Doctrine of the Mean are probably the highest virtue! We have been lacking this virtue for a long time!"

Interpretation

Precisely because moderation is considered the highest virtue and the highest moral standard, few people can reach this standard. In other words, the theory of golden mean can only become an ideal moral norm.

Feelings

Moderation is a desirable state, but failing to reach the standard of moderation does not mean that we are useless. There are always troubles of one kind or another in life. No matter what you do, there will always be different comments. From various angles and different levels, some are positive, negative, and even more misunderstood. This same behavior , also manifested in how we treat others or what others do. Therefore, we should make ourselves more open-minded, more detached, and more tolerant of others. Try not to misunderstand others as much as possible, and be tolerant of other people's "misunderstandings."

Of course, no matter what, as long as we live truly and hard, that's fine. Because life requires our own careful care and creation.