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Scope: Zhuangzi Request type: Paragraph
Condition 1: Contains text "義" Matched:118.
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莊子 - Zhuangzi

[Warring States] 350 BC-250 BC
Books referencing 《莊子》 Library Resources
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[Also known as: 《南華真經》]

內篇 - Inner Chapters

English translation: James Legge [?] Library Resources

齊物論 - The Adjustment of Controversies

English translation: James Legge [?]
Books referencing 《齊物論》 Library Resources
10 齊物論:
夫道未始有封,言未始有常,為是而有畛也。請言其畛:有左,有右,有倫,有,有分,有辯,有競,有爭,此之謂八德。六合之外,聖人存而不論;六合之內,聖人論而不議。春秋經世,先王之志,聖人議而不辯。故分也者,有不分也;辯也者,有不辯也。曰:何也?聖人懷之,眾人辯之以相示也。故曰:辯也者,有不見也。夫大道不稱,大辯不言,大仁不仁,大廉不嗛,大勇不忮。道昭而不道,言辯而不及,仁常而不成,廉清而不信,勇忮而不成。五者园而幾向方矣。故知止其所不知,至矣。孰知不言之辯,不道之道?若有能知,此之謂天府。注焉而不滿,酌焉而不竭,而不知其所由來,此之謂葆光。故昔者堯問於舜曰:「我欲伐宗、膾、胥敖,南面而不釋然。其故何也?」舜曰:「夫三子者,猶存乎蓬艾之間。若不釋然,何哉?昔者十日並出,萬物皆照,而況德之進乎日者乎!」
The Adjustment of Controversies:...:
The Dao at first met with no responsive recognition. Speech at first had no constant forms of expression. Because of this there came the demarcations (of different views). Let me describe those demarcations: they are the Left and the Right; the Relations and their Obligations; Classifications and their Distinctions; Emulations and Contentions. These are what are called 'the Eight Qualities.' Outside the limits of the world of men, the sage occupies his thoughts, but does not discuss about anything; inside those limits he occupies his thoughts, but does not pass any judgments. In the Chun Qiu, which embraces the history of the former kings, the sage indicates his judgments, but does not argue (in vindication of them). Thus it is that he separates his characters from one another without appearing to do so, and argues without the form of argument. How does he do so? The sage cherishes his views in his own breast, while men generally state theirs argumentatively, to show them to others. Hence we have the saying, 'Disputation is a proof of not seeing clearly.'
The Great Dao does not admit of being praised. The Great Argument does not require words. Great Benevolence is not (officiously) benevolent. Great Disinterestedness does not vaunt its humility. Great Courage is not seen in stubborn bravery. The Dao that is displayed is not the Dao. Words that are argumentative do not reach the point. Benevolence that is constantly exercised does not accomplish its object. Disinterestedness that vaunts its purity is not genuine. Courage that is most stubborn is ineffectual. These five seem to be round (and complete), but they tend to become square (and immovable). Therefore the knowledge that stops at what it does not know is the greatest. Who knows the argument that needs no words, and the Way that is not to be trodden? He who is able to know this has what is called 'The Heavenly Treasure-house.' He may pour into it without its being filled; he may pour from it without its being exhausted; and all the while he does not know whence (the supply) comes. This is what is called 'The Store of Light.' Therefore of old Yao asked Shun, saying, 'I wish to smite (the rulers of) Zong, Kuai, and Xu-Ao. Even when standing in my court, I cannot get them out of my mind. How is it so?' Shun replied, 'Those three rulers live (in their little states) as if they were among the mugwort and other brushwood - how is it that you cannot get them out of your mind? Formerly, ten suns came out together, and all things were illuminated by them; how much should (your) virtue exceed (all) suns!'

11 齊物論:
齧缺問乎王倪曰:「子知物之所同是乎?」曰:「吾惡乎知之!」「子知子之所不知邪?」曰:「吾惡乎知之!」「然則物無知邪?」曰:「吾惡乎知之!雖然,嘗試言之。庸詎知吾所謂知之非不知邪?庸詎知吾所謂不知之非知邪?且吾嘗試問乎女:民溼寢則腰疾偏死,鰌然乎哉?木處則惴慄恂懼,猨猴然乎哉?三者孰知正處?民食芻豢,麋鹿食薦,蝍且甘帶,鴟鴉耆鼠,四者孰知正味?猨,猵狙以為雌,麋與鹿交,鰌與魚游。毛嬙、麗姬,人之所美也,魚見之深入,鳥見之高飛,麋鹿見之決驟。四者孰知天下之正色哉?自我觀之,仁之端,是非之塗,樊然殽亂,吾惡能知其辯!」齧缺曰:「子不知利害,則至人固不知利害乎?」王倪曰:「至人神矣:大澤焚而不能熱,河、漢沍而不能寒,疾雷破山、風振海而不能驚。若然者,乘雲氣,騎日月,而遊乎四海之外。死生无變於己,而況利害之端乎!」
The Adjustment of Controversies:...:
Nie Que asked Wang Ni, saying, 'Do you know, Sir, what all creatures agree in approving and affirming?' 'How should I know it?' was the reply. 'Do you know what it is that you do not know?' asked the other again, and he got the same reply. He asked a third time, 'Then are all creatures thus without knowledge?' and Wang Ni answered as before, (adding however), 'Notwithstanding, I will try and explain my meaning. How do you know that when I say "I know it," I really (am showing that) I do not know it, and that when I say "I do not know it," I really am showing that I do know it.' And let me ask you some questions: 'If a man sleep in a damp place, he will have a pain in his loins, and half his body will be as if it were dead; but will it be so with an eel? If he be living in a tree, he will be frightened and all in a tremble; but will it be so with a monkey? And does any one of the three know his right place ? Men eat animals that have been fed on grain and grass; deer feed on the thick-set grass; centipedes enjoy small snakes; owls and crows delight in mice; but does any one of the four know the right taste? The dog-headed monkey finds its mate in the female gibbon; the elk and the axis deer cohabit; and the eel enjoys itself with other fishes. Mao Qiang and Li Ji were accounted by men to be most beautiful, but when fishes saw them, they dived deep in the water from them; when birds, they flew from them aloft; and when deer saw them, they separated and fled away. But did any of these four know which in the world is the right female attraction? As I look at the matter, the first principles of benevolence and righteousness and the paths of approval and disapproval are inextricably mixed and confused together - how is it possible that I should know how to discriminate among them?' Nie Que said (further), 'Since you, Sir, do not know what is advantageous and what is hurtful, is the Perfect man also in the same way without the knowledge of them?' Wang Ni replied, 'The Perfect man is spirit-like. Great lakes might be boiling about him, and he would not feel their heat; the He and the Han might be frozen up, and he would not feel the cold; the hurrying thunderbolts might split the mountains, and the wind shake the ocean, without being able to make him afraid. Being such, he mounts on the clouds of the air, rides on the sun and moon, and rambles at ease beyond the four seas. Neither death nor life makes any change in him, and how much less should the considerations of advantage and injury do so!'

12 齊物論:
瞿鵲子問乎長梧子曰:「吾聞諸夫子,聖人不從事於務,不就利,不違害,不喜求,不緣道,无謂有謂,有謂无謂,而遊乎塵垢之外。夫子以為孟浪之言,而我以為妙道之行也。吾子以為奚若?」長梧子曰:「是黃帝之所聽熒也,而丘也何足以知之!且女亦大早計,見卵而求時夜,見彈而求鴞炙。予嘗為女妄言之,女以妄聽之,奚?旁日月,挾宇宙,為其脗合,置其滑涽,以隸相尊。眾人役役,聖人愚芚,參萬歲而一成純。萬物盡然,而以是相蘊。予惡乎知說生之非惑邪!予惡乎知惡死之非弱喪而不知歸者邪!麗之姬,艾封人之子也。晉國之始得之也,涕泣沾襟;及其至於王所,與王同筐床,食芻豢,而後悔其泣也。予惡乎知夫死者不悔其始之蘄生乎!夢飲酒者,旦而哭泣;夢哭泣者,旦而田獵。方其夢也,不知其夢也。夢之中又占其夢焉,覺而後知其夢也。且有大覺而後知此其大夢也,而愚者自以為覺,竊竊然知之。君乎,牧乎,固哉!丘也,與女皆夢也;予謂女夢,亦夢也。是其言也,其名為弔詭。萬世之後,而一遇大聖知其解者,是旦暮遇之也。既使我與若辯矣,若勝我,我不若勝,若果是也?我果非也邪?我勝若,若不吾勝,我果是也?而果非也邪?其或是也,其或非也邪?其俱是也,其俱非也邪?我與若不能相知也,則人固受其黮闇。吾誰使正之?使同乎若者正之,既與若同矣,惡能正之!使同乎我者正之,既同乎我矣,惡能正之!使異乎我與若者正之,既異乎我與若矣,惡能正之!使同乎我與若者正之,既同乎我與若矣,惡能正之!然則我與若與人俱不能相知也,而待彼也邪?何
化聲之相待,若其不相待。和之以天倪,因之以曼衍,所以窮年也。
1謂和之以天倪?曰:是不是,然不然。是若果是也,則是之異乎不是也亦無辯;然若果然也,則然之異乎不然也亦無辯。
化聲之相待,若其不相待。和之以天倪,因之以曼衍,所以窮年也。
2忘年忘,振於無竟,故寓諸無竟。」
The Adjustment of Controversies:...:
Qu Quezi asked Chang Wuzi, saying, 'I heard the Master (speaking of such language as the following): "The sagely man does not occupy himself with worldly affairs. He does not put himself in the way of what is profitable, nor try to avoid what is hurtful; he has no pleasure in seeking (for anything from any one); he does not care to be found in (any established) Way; he speaks without speaking; he does not speak when he speaks; thus finding his enjoyment outside the dust and dirt (of the world)." The Master considered all this to be a shoreless flow of mere words, and I consider it to describe the course of the Mysterious Way - What do you, Sir, think of it?' Chang Wuzi replied, 'The hearing of such words would have perplexed even Huang Di, and how should Qiu be competent to understand them? And you, moreover, are too hasty in forming your estimate (of their meaning). You see the egg, and (immediately) look out for the cock (that is to be hatched from it); you see the bow, and (immediately) look out for the dove (that is to be brought down by it) being roasted. I will try to explain the thing to you in a rough way; do you in the same way listen to me. How could any one stand by the side of the sun and moon, and hold under his arm all space and all time? (Such language only means that the sagely man) keeps his mouth shut, and puts aside questions that are uncertain and dark; making his inferior capacities unite with him in honouring (the One Lord). Men in general bustle about and toil; the sagely man seems stupid and to know nothing. He blends ten thousand years together in the one (conception of time); the myriad things all pursue their spontaneous course, and they are all before him as doing so. How do I know that the love of life is not a delusion? and that the dislike of death is not like a young person's losing his way, and not knowing that he is (really) going home? Li Ji was a daughter of the border Warden of Ai. When (the ruler of) the state of Jin first got possession of her, she wept till the tears wetted all the front of her dress. But when she came to the place of the king, shared with him his luxurious couch, and ate his grain-and-grass-fed meat, then she regretted that she had wept. How do I know that the dead do not repent of their former craving for life? Those who dream of (the pleasures of) drinking may in the morning wail and weep; those who dream of wailing and weeping may in the morning be going out to hunt. When they were dreaming they did not know it was a dream; in their dream they may even have tried to interpret it; but when they awoke they knew that it was a dream. And there is the great awaking, after which we shall know that this life was a great dream. All the while, the stupid think they are awake, and with nice discrimination insist on their knowledge; now playing the part of rulers, and now of grooms. Bigoted was that Qiu! He and you are both dreaming. I who say that you are dreaming am dreaming myself. These words seem very strange; but if after ten thousand ages we once meet with a great sage who knows how to explain them, it will be as if we met him (unexpectedly) some morning or evening.
Since you made me enter into this discussion with you, if you have got the better of me and not I of you, are you indeed right, and I indeed wrong? If I have got the better of you and not you of me, am I indeed right and you indeed wrong? Is the one of us right and the other wrong? are we both right or both wrong? Since we cannot come to a mutual and common understanding, men will certainly continue in darkness on the subject. Whom shall I employ to adjudicate in the matter? If I employ one who agrees with you, how can he, agreeing with you, do so correctly? If I employ one who agrees with me, how can he, agreeing with me, do so correctly? If I employ one who disagrees with you and I, how can he, disagreeing with you and I, do so correctly? If I employ one who agrees with you and I, how can he, agreeing with you and I, do so correctly? In this way I and you and those others would all not be able to come to a mutual understanding; and shall we then wait for that (great sage)? (We need not do so.) To wait on others to learn how conflicting opinions are changed is simply like not so waiting at all. The harmonising of them is to be found in the invisible operation of Heaven, and by following this on into the unlimited past. It is by this method that we can complete our years (without our minds being disturbed). What is meant by harmonising (conflicting opinions) in the invisible operation of Heaven? There is the affirmation and the denial of it; and there is the assertion of an opinion and the rejection of it. If the affirmation be according to the reality of the fact, it is certainly different from the denial of it - there can be no dispute about that. If the assertion of an opinion be correct, it is certainly different from its rejection - neither can there be any dispute about that. Let us forget the lapse of time; let us forget the conflict of opinions. Let us make our appeal to the Infinite, and take up our position there.'

1. 化聲之相待,若其不相待。和之以天倪,因之以曼衍,所以窮年也。 : Moved here from entry 12.
2. 化聲之相待,若其不相待。和之以天倪,因之以曼衍,所以窮年也。 : Moved to entry 12.

人間世 - Man in the World, Associated with other Men

English translation: James Legge [?]
Books referencing 《人間世》 Library Resources
1 人間世:
顏回見仲尼請行。曰:「奚之?」曰:「將之衛。」曰:「奚為焉?」曰:「回聞衛君,其年壯,其行獨,輕用其國,而不見其過,輕用民死,死者以國量乎澤,若蕉,民其无如矣。回嘗聞之夫子曰:『治國去之,亂國就之,醫門多疾。』願以所聞思其則,庶幾其國有瘳乎!」仲尼曰:「譆!若殆往而刑耳!夫道不欲雜,雜則多,多則擾,擾則憂,憂而不救。古之至人,先存諸己,而後存諸人。所存於己者未定,何暇至於暴人之所行!且若亦知夫德之所蕩,而知之所為出乎哉?德蕩乎名,知出乎爭。名也者,相軋也;知也者,爭之器也。二者凶器,非所以盡行也。且德厚信矼,未達人氣;名聞不爭,未達人心。而彊以仁繩墨之言術暴人之前者,是以人惡有其美也,命之曰菑人。菑人者,人必反菑之,若殆為人菑夫!且苟為悅賢而惡不肖,惡用而求有以異?若唯无詔,王公必將乘人而鬭其捷。而目將熒之,而色將平之,口將營之,容將形之,心且成之。是以火救火,以水救水,名之曰益多,順始无窮。若殆以不信厚言,必死於暴人之前矣。且昔者桀殺關龍逢,紂殺王子比干,是皆脩其身以下傴拊人之民,以下拂其上者也,故其君因其脩以擠之。是好名者也。昔者堯攻叢枝、胥敖,禹攻有扈,國為虛厲,身為刑戮,其用兵不止,其求實无已。是皆求名、實者也,而獨不聞之乎?名、實者,聖人之所不能勝也,而況若乎!雖然,若必有以也,嘗以語我來!」顏回曰:「端而虛,勉而一,則可乎?」曰:「惡!惡可?夫以陽為充孔揚,采色不定,常人之所不違,因案人之所感,以求容與其心。名之曰日漸之德不成,而況大德乎!將執而不化,外合而內不訾,其庸詎可乎!」「然則我內直而外曲,成而上比。內直者,與天為徒。與天為徒者,知天子之與己皆天之所子,而獨以己言蘄乎而人善之,蘄乎而人不善之邪?若然者,人謂之童子,是之謂與天為徒。外曲者,與人之為徒也。擎、跽、曲拳,人臣之禮也,人皆為之,吾敢不為邪!為人之所為者,人亦无疵焉,是之謂與人為徒。成而上比者,與古為徒。其言雖教,讁之實也。古之有也,非吾有也。若然者,雖直不為病,是之謂與古為徒。若是,則可乎?」仲尼曰:「惡!惡可?大多政,法而不諜,雖固,亦无罪。雖然,止是耳矣,夫胡可以及化!猶師心者也。」
Man in the World,...:
Yan Hui went to see Zhongni, and asked leave to take his departure. 'Where are you going to?' asked the Master. 'I will go to Wei' was the reply. 'And with what object?' 'I have heard that the ruler of Wei is in the vigour of his years, and consults none but himself as to his course. He deals with his state as if it were a light matter, and has no perception of his errors. He thinks lightly of his people's dying; the dead are lying all over the country as if no smaller space could contain them; on the plains and about the marshes, they are as thick as heaps of fuel. The people know not where to turn to. I have heard you, Master, say, "Leave the state that is well governed; go to the state where disorder prevails." At the door of a physician there are many who are ill. I wish through what I have heard (from you) to think out some methods (of dealing with Wei), if peradventure the evils of the state may be cured.'
Zhongni said, 'Alas! The risk is that you will go only to suffer in the punishment (of yourself)! The right method (in such a case) will not admit of any admixture. With such admixture, the one method will become many methods. Their multiplication will embarrass you. That embarrassment will make you anxious. However anxious you may be, you will not save (yourself). The perfect men of old first had (what they wanted to do) in themselves, and afterwards they found (the response to it) in others. If what they wanted in themselves was not fixed, what leisure had they to go and interfere with the proceedings of any tyrannous man?
Moreover, do you know how virtue is liable to be dissipated, and how wisdom proceeds to display itself? Virtue is dissipated in (the pursuit of) the name for it, and wisdom seeks to display itself in the striving with others. In the pursuit of the name men overthrow one another; wisdom becomes a weapon of contention. Both these things are instruments of evil, and should not be allowed to have free course in one's conduct. Supposing one's virtue to be great and his sincerity firm, if he do not comprehend the spirit of those (whom he wishes to influence); and supposing he is free from the disposition to strive for reputation, if he do not comprehend their minds;-- when in such a case he forcibly insists on benevolence and righteousness, setting them forth in the strongest and most direct language, before the tyrant, then he, hating (his reprover's) possession of those excellences, will put him down as doing him injury. He who injures others is sure to be injured by them in return. You indeed will hardly escape being injured by the man (to whom you go)!
Further, if perchance he takes pleasure in men of worth and hates those of an opposite character, what is the use of your seeking to make yourself out to be different (from such men about him)? Before you have begun to announce (your views), he, as king and ruler, will take advantage of you, and immediately contend with you for victory. Your eyes will be dazed and full of perplexity; you will try to look pleased with him; you will frame your words with care; your demeanour will be conformed to his; you will confirm him in his views. In this way you will be adding fire to fire, and water to water, increasing, as we may express it, the evils (which you deplore). To these signs of deferring to him at the first there will be no end. You will be in danger, seeing he does not believe you, of making your words more strong, and you are sure to die at the hands of such a tyrant.
And formerly Jie killed Guan Long-feng, and Zhou killed the prince Bi-gan. Both of these cultivated their persons, bending down in sympathy with the lower people to comfort them suffering (as they did) from their oppressors, and on their account opposing their superiors. On this account, because they so ordered their conduct, their rulers compassed their destruction - such regard had they for their own fame. (Again), Yao anciently attacked (the states of) Cong-qi and Xu-ao, and Yu attacked the ruler of Hu. Those states were left empty, and with no one to continue their population, the people being exterminated. They had engaged in war without ceasing; their craving for whatever they could get was insatiable. And this (ruler of Wei) is, like them, one who craves after fame and greater substance - have you not heard it? Those sages were not able to overcome the thirst for fame and substance - how much less will you be able to do so! Nevertheless you must have some ground (for the course which you wish to take); pray try and tell it to me.'
Yan Hui said, 'May I go, doing so in uprightness and humility, using also every endeavour to be uniform (in my plans of operation)?' 'No, indeed!' was the reply. 'How can you do so? This man makes a display of being filled to overflowing (with virtue), and has great self-conceit. His feelings are not to be determined from his countenance. Ordinary men do not (venture to) oppose him, and he proceeds from the way in which he affects them to seek still more the satisfaction of his own mind. He may be described as unaffected by the (small lessons of) virtue brought to bear on him from day to day; and how much less will he be so by your great lessons? He will be obstinate, and refuse to be converted. He may outwardly agree with you, but inwardly there will be no self-condemnation - how can you (go to him in this way and be successful)?'
(Yan Hui) rejoined, 'Well then; while inwardly maintaining my straightforward intention, I will outwardly seem to bend to him. I will deliver (my lessons), and substantiate them by appealing to antiquity. Inwardly maintaining my straightforward intention, I shall be a co-worker with Heaven. When I thus speak of being a co-worker with Heaven, it is because I know that (the sovereign, whom we style) the son of Heaven, and myself, are equally regarded by Heaven as Its sons. And should I then, as if my words were only my own, be seeking to find whether men approved of them, or disapproved of them? In this way men will pronounce me a (sincere and simple) boy. This is what is called being a co-worker with Heaven. Outwardly bending (to the ruler), I shall be a co-worker with other men. To carry (the memorandum tablet to court), to kneel, and to bend the body reverentially - these are the observances of ministers. They all employ them, and should I presume not to do so? Doing what other men do, they would have no occasion to blame me. This is what is called being a fellow-worker with other men. Fully declaring my sentiments and substantiating them by appealing to antiquity, I shall be a co-worker with the ancients. Although the words in which I convey my lessons may really be condemnatory (of the ruler), they will be those of antiquity, and not my own. In this way, though straightforward, I shall be free from blame. This is what is called being a co-worker with antiquity. May I go to Wei in this way, and be successful?' 'No indeed!' said Zhongni. 'How can you do so? You have too many plans of proceeding, and have not spied out (the ruler's character). Though you firmly adhere to your plans, you may be held free from transgression, but this will be all the result. How can you (in this way) produce the transformation (which you desire)? All this only shows (in you) the mind of a teacher!'

3 人間世:
葉公子高將使於齊,問於仲尼曰:「王使諸梁也甚重,齊之待使者,蓋將甚敬而不急。匹夫猶未可動,而況諸侯乎!吾甚慄之。子常語諸梁也,曰:『凡事若小若大,寡不道以懽成。事若不成,則必有人道之患;事若成,則必有陰陽之患。若成若不成而後無患者,唯有德者能之。』吾食也,執粗而不臧,爨無欲清之人。今吾朝受命而夕飲冰,我其內熱與!吾未至乎事之情,而既有陰陽之患矣;事若不成,必有人道之患。是兩也,為人臣者不足以任之,子其有以語我來!」仲尼曰:「天下有大戒二:其一,命也;其一,也。子之愛親,命也,不可解於心;臣之事君,也,無適而非君也,無所逃於天地之間。是之謂大戒。是以夫事其親者,不擇地而安之,孝之至也;夫事其君者,不擇事而安之,忠之盛也;自事其心者,哀樂不易施乎前,知其不可奈何而安之若命,德之至也。為人臣子者,固有所不得已,行事之情而忘其身,何暇至於悅生而惡死!夫子其行可矣!丘請復以所聞:凡交,近則必相靡以信,遠則必忠之以言,言必或傳之。夫傳兩喜兩怒之言,天下之難者也。夫兩喜必多溢美之言,兩怒必多溢惡之言。凡溢之類妄,妄則其信之也莫,莫則傳言者殃。故法言曰:『傳其常情,無傳其溢言,則幾乎全。』且以巧鬥力者,始乎陽,常卒乎陰,大至則多奇巧;以禮飲酒者,始乎治,常卒乎亂,大至則多奇樂。凡事亦然。始乎諒,常卒乎鄙;其作始也簡,其將畢也必巨。夫言者,風波也;行者,實喪也。風波易以動,實喪易以危。故忿設無由,巧言偏辭。獸死不擇音,氣息茀然,於是並生心厲。剋核大至,則必有不肖之心應之,而不知其然也。苟為不知其然也,孰知其所終!故法言曰:『無遷令,無勸成。』過度,益也。遷令、勸成殆事,美成在久,惡成不及改,可不慎與!且夫乘物以遊心,託不得已以養中,至矣。何作為報也!莫若為致命。此其難者。」
Man in the World,...:
Zi Gao, duke of She, being about to proceed on a mission to Qi, asked Zhongni, saying, 'The king is sending me, Zhu Liang, on a mission which is very important. Qi will probably treat me as his commissioner with great respect, but it will not be in a hurry (to attend to the business). Even an ordinary man cannot be readily moved (to action), and how much less the prince of a state! I am very full of apprehension. You, Sir, once said to me that of all things, great or small, there were few which, if not conducted in the proper way, could be brought to a happy conclusion; that, if the thing were not successful, there was sure to be the evil of being dealt with after the manner of men; that, if it were successful, there was sure to be the evil of constant anxiety; and that, whether it succeeded or not, it was only the virtuous man who could secure its not being followed by evil. In my diet I take what is coarse, and do not seek delicacies - a man whose cookery does not require him to be using cooling drinks. This morning I received my charge, and in the evening I am drinking iced water; am I not feeling the internal heat (and discomfort)? Such is my state before I have actually engaged in the affair; I am already suffering from conflicting anxieties. And if the thing do not succeed, (the king) is sure to deal with me after the manner of men. The evil is twofold; as a minister, I am not able to bear the burden (of the mission). Can you, Sir, tell me something (to help me in the case)?'
Zhongni replied, 'In all things under heaven there are two great cautionary considerations: the one is the requirement implanted (in the nature); the other is the conviction of what is right. The love of a son for his parents is the implanted requirement, and can never be separated from his heart; the service of his ruler by a minister is what is right, and from its obligation there is no escaping anywhere between heaven and earth. These are what are called the great cautionary considerations. Therefore a son finds his rest in serving his parents without reference to or choice of place; and this is the height of filial duty. In the same way a subject finds his rest in serving his ruler, without reference to or choice of the business; and this is the fullest discharge of loyalty. When men are simply obeying (the dictates of) their hearts, the considerations of grief and joy are not readily set before them. They know that there is no alternative to their acting as they do, and rest in it as what is appointed; and this is the highest achievement of virtue. He who is in the position of a minister or of a son has indeed to do what he cannot but do. Occupied with the details of the business (in hand), and forgetful of his own person, what leisure has he to think of his pleasure in living or his dislike of death? You, my master, may well proceed on your mission. But let me repeat to you what I have heard: In all intercourse (between states), if they are near to each other, there should be mutual friendliness, verified by deeds; if they are far apart, there must be sincere adherence to truth in their messages. Those messages will be transmitted by internuncios. But to convey messages which express the complacence or the dissatisfaction of the two parties is the most difficult thing in the world. If they be those of mutual complacence, there is sure to be an overflow of expressions of satisfaction; if of mutual dissatisfaction, an overflow of expressions of dislike. But all extravagance leads to reckless language, and such language fails to command belief. When this distrust arises, woe to the internuncio! Hence the Rules for Speech say, "Transmit the message exactly as it stands; do not transmit it with any overflow of language; so is (the internuncio) likely to keep himself whole."
Moreover, skilful wrestlers begin with open trials of strength, but always end with masked attempts (to gain the victory); as their excitement grows excessive, they display much wonderful dexterity. Parties drinking according to the rules at first observe good order, but always end with disorder; as their excitement grows excessive, their fun becomes uproarious. In all things it is so. People are at first sincere, but always end with becoming rude; at the commencement things are treated as trivial, but as the end draws near, they assume great proportions. Words are (like) the waves acted on by the wind; the real point of the matters (discussed by them) is lost. The wind and waves are easily set in motion; the success of the matter of which the real point is lost is easily put in peril. Hence quarrels are occasioned by nothing so much as by artful words and one-sided speeches. The breath comes angrily, as when a beast, driven to death, wildly bellows forth its rage. On this animosities arise on both sides. Hasty examination (of the case) eagerly proceeds, and revengeful thoughts arise in their minds; they do not know how. Since they do not know how such thoughts arise, who knows how they will end? Hence the Rules for Speech say, "Let not an internuncius depart from his instructions. Let him not urge on a settlement. If he go beyond the regular rules, he will complicate matters. Departing from his instructions and urging on a settlement imperils negotiations. A good settlement is proved by its lasting long, and a bad settlement cannot be altered - ought he not to be careful?"
Further still, let your mind find its enjoyment in the circumstances of your position; nourish the central course which you pursue, by a reference to your unavoidable obligations. This is the highest object for you to pursue; what else can you do to fulfil the charge (of your father and ruler). The best thing you can do is to be prepared to sacrifice your life; and this is the most difficult thing to do.'

5 人間世:
匠石之齊,至乎曲轅,見櫟社樹。其大蔽數千牛,絜之百圍,其高臨山十仞而後有枝,其可以為舟者旁十數。觀者如市,匠伯不顧,遂行不輟。弟子厭觀之,走及匠石,曰:「自吾執斧斤以隨夫子,未嘗見材如此其美也。先生不肯視,行不輟,何邪?」曰:「已矣,勿言之矣!散木也,以為舟則沈,以為棺槨則速腐,以為器則速毀,以為門戶則液樠,以為柱則蠹。是不材之木也,無所可用,故能若是之壽。」匠石歸,櫟社見夢曰:「女將惡乎比予哉?若將比予於文木邪?夫柤、梨、橘、柚、果、蓏之屬,實熟則剝,剝則辱,大枝折,小枝泄。此以其能苦其生者也,故不終其天年而中道夭,自掊擊於世俗者也。物莫不若是。且予求無所可用久矣,幾死,乃今得之,為予大用。使予也而有用,且得有此大也邪?且也,若與予也皆物也,奈何哉其相物也?而幾死之散人,又惡知散木!」匠石覺而診其夢。弟子曰:「趣取無用,則為社何邪?」曰:「密!若無言!彼亦直寄焉,以為不知己者詬厲也。不為社者,且幾有翦乎!且也,彼其所保,與眾異,以譽之,不亦遠乎!」
Man in the World,...:
A (master) mechanic, called Shi, on his way to Qi, came to Qu-yuan, where he saw an oak-tree, which was used as the altar for the spirits of the land. It was so large that an ox standing behind it could not be seen. It measured a hundred spans round, and rose up eighty cubits on the hill before it threw out any branches, after which there were ten or so, from each of which a boat could be hollowed out. People came to see it in crowds as in a market place, but the mechanic did not look round at it, but held on his way without stopping. One of his workmen, however, looked long and admiringly at it, and then ran on to his master, and said to him, 'Since I followed you with my axe and bill, I have never seen such a beautiful mass of timber as this. Why would you, Sir, not look round at it, but went on without stopping?' 'Have done,' said Mr. Shi, 'and do not speak about it. It is quite useless. A boat made from its wood would sink; a coffin or shell would quickly rot; an article of furniture would soon go to pieces; a door would be covered with the exuding sap; a pillar would be riddled by insects; the material of it is good for nothing, and hence it is that it has attained to so great an age.'
When Mr. Shi was returning, the altar-oak appeared to him in a dream, and said, 'What other tree will you compare with me? Will you compare me to one of your ornamental trees? There are hawthorns, pear-trees, orange-trees, pummelo-trees, gourds and other low fruit-bearing plants. When their fruits are ripe, they are knocked down from them, and thrown among the dirt. The large branches are broken, and the smaller are torn away. So it is that their productive ability makes their lives bitter to them; they do not complete their natural term of existence, but come to a premature end in the middle of their time, bringing on themselves the destructive treatment which they ordinarily receive. It is so with all things. I have sought to discover how it was that I was so useless; I had long done so, till (the effort) nearly caused my death; and now I have learned it - it has been of the greatest use to me. Suppose that I had possessed useful properties, should I have become of the great size that I am? And moreover you and I are both things - how should one thing thus pass its judgment on another? how is it that you a useless man know all this about me a useless tree?' When Mr. Shih awoke, he kept thinking about his dream, but the workman said, 'Being so taken with its uselessness, how is it that it yet acts here as the altar for the spirits of the land?' 'Be still,' was the master's reply, 'and do not say a word. It simply happened to grow here; and thus those who do not know it do not speak ill of it as an evil thing. If it were not used as the altar, would it be in danger of being cut down? Moreover, the reason of its being preserved is different from that of the preservation of things generally; is not your explaining it from the sentiment which you have expressed wide of the mark?'

大宗師 - The Great and Most Honoured Master

English translation: James Legge [?]
Books referencing 《大宗師》 Library Resources
1 大宗師:
知天之所為,知人之所為者,至矣。知天之所為者,天而生也;知人之所為者,以其知之所知,以養其知之所不知,終其天年而不中道夭者,是知之盛也。雖然,有患。夫知有所待而後當,其所待者特未定也。庸詎知吾所謂天之非人乎?所謂人之非天乎?且有真人,而後有真知。
The Great and Most...:
He who knows the part which the Heavenly (in him) plays, and knows (also) that which the Human (in him ought to) play, has reached the perfection (of knowledge). He who knows the part which the Heavenly plays (knows) that it is naturally born with him; he who knows the part which the Human ought to play (proceeds) with the knowledge which he possesses to nourish it in the direction of what he does not (yet) know: to complete one's natural term of years and not come to an untimely end in the middle of his course is the fulness of knowledge. Although it be so, there is an evil (attending this condition). Such knowledge still awaits the confirmation of it as correct; it does so because it is not yet determined. How do we know that what we call the Heavenly (in us) is not the Human? and that what we call the Human is not the Heavenly? There must be the True man, and then there is the True knowledge.
何謂真人?古之真人,不逆寡,不雄成,不謨士。若然者,過而弗悔,當而不自得也。若然者,登高不慄,入水不濡,入火不熱。是知之能登假於道也若此。
What is meant by 'the True Man?' The True men of old did not reject (the views of) the few; they did not seek to accomplish (their ends) like heroes (before others); they did not lay plans to attain those ends. Being such, though they might make mistakes, they had no occasion for repentance; though they might succeed, they had no self-complacency. Being such, they could ascend the loftiest heights without fear; they could pass through water without being made wet by it; they could go into fire without being burnt; so it was that by their knowledge they ascended to and reached the Dao.
古之真人,其寢不夢,其覺無憂,其食不甘,其息深深。真人之息以踵,眾人之息以喉。屈服者,其嗌言若哇。其耆欲深者,其天機淺。
The True men of old did not dream when they slept, had no anxiety when they awoke, and did not care that their food should be pleasant. Their breathing came deep and silently. The breathing of the true man comes (even) from his heels, while men generally breathe (only) from their throats. When men are defeated in argument, their words come from their gullets as if they were vomiting. Where lusts and desires are deep, the springs of the Heavenly are shallow.
古之真人,不知說生,不知惡死;其出不訢,其入不距;翛然而往,翛然而來而已矣。不忘其所始,不求其所終;受而喜之,忘而復之。是之謂不以心捐道,不以人助天。是之謂真人。若然者,其心志,其容寂,其顙頯,淒然似秋,煖然似春,喜怒通四時,與物有宜,而莫知其極。故聖人之用兵也,亡國而不失人心;利澤施於萬物,不為愛人。故樂通物,非聖人也;有親,非仁也;天時,非賢也;利害不通,非君子也;行名失己,非士也;亡身不真,非役人也。若狐不偕、務光、伯夷、叔齊、箕子胥餘、紀他、申徒狄,是役人之役,適人之適,而不自適其適者也。
The True men of old knew nothing of the love of life or of the hatred of death. Entrance into life occasioned them no joy; the exit from it awakened no resistance. Composedly they went and came. They did not forget what their beginning bad been, and they did not inquire into what their end would be. They accepted (their life) and rejoiced in it; they forgot (all fear of death), and returned (to their state before life). Thus there was in them what is called the want of any mind to resist the Dao, and of all attempts by means of the Human to assist the Heavenly. Such were they who are called the True men. Being such, their minds were free from all thought; their demeanour was still and unmoved; their foreheads beamed simplicity. Whatever coldness came from them was like that of autumn; whatever warmth came from them was like that of spring. Their joy and anger assimilated to what we see in the four seasons. They did in regard to all things what was suitable, and no one could know how far their action would go. Therefore the sagely man might, in his conduct of war, destroy a state without losing the hearts of the people; his benefits and favours might extend to a myriad generations without his being a lover of men. Hence he who tries to share his joys with others is not a sagely man; he who manifests affection is not benevolent; he who observes times and seasons (to regulate his conduct) is not a man of wisdom; he to whom profit and injury are not the same is not a superior man; he who acts for the sake of the name of doing so, and loses his (proper) self is not the (right) scholar; and he who throws away his person in a way which is not the true (way) cannot command the service of others. Such men as Hu Bu-jie, Wu Guang, Bo-yi, Shu-Qi, the count of Ji, Xu-yu, Ji Ta, and Shen-tu Di, all did service for other men, and sought to secure for them what they desired, not seeking their own pleasure.
古之真人,其狀而不朋,若不足而不承,與乎其觚而不堅也,張乎其虛而不華也,邴邴乎其似喜乎!崔乎其不得已乎!滀乎進我色也,與乎止我德也,厲乎其似世乎!謷乎其未可制也,連乎其似好閉也,悗乎忘其言也。以刑為體,以禮為翼,以知為時,以德為循。以刑為體者,綽乎其殺也;以禮為翼者,所以行於世也;以知為時者,不得已於事也;以德為循者,言其與有足者至於丘也,而人真以為勤行者也。故其好之也一,其弗好之也一。其一也一,其不一也一。其一,與天為徒;其不一,與人為徒。天與人不相勝也,是之謂真人。
The True men of old presented the aspect of judging others aright, but without being partisans; of feeling their own insufficiency, but being without flattery or cringing. Their peculiarities were natural to them, but they were not obstinately attached to them; their humility was evident, but there was nothing of unreality or display about it. Their placidity and satisfaction had the appearance of joy; their every movement seemed to be a necessity to them. Their accumulated attractiveness drew men's looks to them; their blandness fixed men's attachment to their virtue. They seemed to accommodate themselves to the (manners of their age), but with a certain severity; their haughty indifference was beyond its control. Unceasing seemed their endeavours to keep (their mouths) shut; when they looked down, they had forgotten what they wished to say. They considered punishments to be the substance (of government, and they never incurred it); ceremonies to be its supporting wings (and they always observed them); wisdom (to indicate) the time (for action, and they always selected it); and virtue to be accordance (with others), and they were all-accordant. Considering punishments to be the substance (of government), yet their generosity appeared in the (manner of their) infliction of death. Considering ceremonies to be its supporting wings, they pursued by means of them their course in the world. Considering wisdom to indicate the time (for action), they felt it necessary to employ it in (the direction of) affairs. Considering virtue to be accordance (with others), they sought to ascend its height along with all who had feet (to climb it). (Such were they), and yet men really thought that they did what they did by earnest effort. In this way they were one and the same in all their likings and dislikings. Where they liked, they were the same; where they did not like, they were the same. In the former case where they liked, they were fellow-workers with the Heavenly (in them); in the latter where they disliked, they were co-workers with the Human in them. The one of these elements (in their nature) did not overcome the other. Such were those who are called the True men.

8 大宗師:
意而子見許由,許由曰:「堯何以資汝?」意而子曰:「堯謂我:『汝必躬服仁,而明言是非。』」許由曰:「而奚為來軹?夫堯既已黥汝以仁,而劓汝以是非矣,汝將何以遊夫遙蕩、恣睢、轉徙之途乎?」意而子曰:「雖然,吾願遊於其藩。」許由曰:「不然。夫盲者無以與乎眉目顏色之好,瞽者無以與乎青黃黼黻之觀。」意而子曰:「夫無莊之失其美,據梁之失其力,黃帝之亡其知,皆在鑪捶之間耳。庸詎知夫造物者之不息我黥而補我劓,使我乘成以隨先生邪?」許由曰:「噫!未可知也。我為汝言其大略。吾師乎!吾師乎!齏萬物而不為,澤及萬世而不為仁,長於上古而不為老,覆載天地、刻彫眾形而不為巧。此所遊已。」
The Great and Most...:
Yi-er Zi having gone to see Xu You, the latter said to him, 'What benefit have you received from Yao?' The reply was, 'Yao says to me, You must yourself labour at benevolence and righteousness, and be able to tell clearly which is right and which wrong (in conflicting statements).' Xu You rejoined, 'Why then have you come to me? Since Yao has put on you the brand of his benevolence and righteousness, and cut off your nose with his right and wrong, how will you be able to wander in the way of aimless enjoyment, of unregulated contemplation, and the ever-changing forms (of dispute)?' Yi-er Zi said, 'That may be; but I should like to skirt along its hedges.' 'But,' said the other, 'it cannot be. Eyes without pupils can see nothing of the beauty of the eyebrows, eyes, and other features; the blind have nothing to do with the green, yellow, and variegated colours of the sacrificial robes.' Yi-er Zi rejoined, 'Yet, when Wu-zhuang lost his beauty, Ju-liang his strength, and Huang-Di his wisdom, they all (recovered them) under the moulding (of your system) - how do you know that the Maker will not obliterate the marks of my branding, and supply my dismemberment, so that, again perfect in my form, I may follow you as my teacher?' Xu You said, 'Ah! that cannot yet be known. I will tell you the rudiments. 0 my Master! 0 my Master! He gives to all things their blended qualities, and does not count it any righteousness; His favours reach to all generations, and He does not count it any benevolence; He is more ancient than the highest antiquity, and does not count Himself old; He overspreads heaven and supports the earth; He carves and fashions all bodily forms, and does not consider it any act of skill;-- this is He in whom I find my enjoyment.'

9 大宗師:
顏回曰:「回益矣。」仲尼曰:「何謂也?」曰:「回忘仁矣。」曰:「可矣,猶未也。」他日復見,曰:「回益矣。」曰:「何謂也?」曰:「回忘禮樂矣。」曰:「可矣,猶未也。」他日復見,曰:「回益矣。」曰:「何謂也?」曰:「回坐忘矣。」仲尼蹴然曰:「何謂坐忘?」顏回曰:「墮肢體,黜聰明,離形去知,同於大通,此謂坐忘。」仲尼曰:「同則無好也,化則無常也。而果其賢乎!丘也請從而後也。」
The Great and Most...:
Yan Hui said, 'I am making progress.' Zhongni replied, 'What do you mean?' 'I have ceased to think of benevolence and righteousness,' was the reply. 'Very well; but that is not enough.' Another day, Hui again saw Zhongni, and said, 'I am making progress.' 'What do you mean?' 'I have lost all thought of ceremonies and music.' 'Very well, but that is not enough.' A third day, Hui again saw (the Master), and said, 'I am making progress.' 'What do you mean?' 'I sit and forget everything.' Zhongni changed countenance, and said, 'What do you mean by saying that you sit and forget (everything)?' Yan Hui replied, 'My connexion with the body and its parts is dissolved; my perceptive organs are discarded. Thus leaving my material form, and bidding farewell to my knowledge, I am become one with the Great Pervader. This I call sitting and forgetting all things.' Zhongni said, 'One (with that Pervader), you are free from all likings; so transformed, you are become impermanent. You have, indeed, become superior to me! I must ask leave to follow in your steps.'

應帝王 - The Normal Course for Rulers and Kings

English translation: James Legge [?]
Books referencing 《應帝王》 Library Resources
2 應帝王:
肩吾見狂接輿。狂接輿曰:「日中始何以語女?」肩吾曰:「告我:君人者,以己出經式度,人孰敢不聽而化諸!」狂接輿曰:「是欺德也。其於治天下也,猶涉海鑿河,而使蚉負山也。夫聖人之治也,治外乎?正而後行,確乎能其事者而已矣。且鳥高飛以避矰弋之害,鼷鼠深穴乎神丘之下,以避熏鑿之患,而曾二蟲之無知!」
The Normal Course for...:
Jian Wu went to see the mad (recluse), Jie-yu, who said to him, 'What did Ri-Zhong Shi tell you?' The reply was, 'He told me that when rulers gave forth their regulations according to their own views and enacted righteous measures, no one would venture not to obey them, and all would be transformed.' Jie-yu said, 'That is but the hypocrisy of virtue. For the right ordering of the world it would be like trying to wade through the sea and dig through the He, or employing a mosquito to carry a mountain on its back. And when a sage is governing, does he govern men's outward actions? He is (himself) correct, and so (his government) goes on; this is the simple and certain way by which he secures the success of his affairs. Think of the bird which flies high, to avoid being hurt by the dart on the string of the archer, and the little mouse which makes its hole deep under Shen-qiu to avoid the danger of being smoked or dug out; are (rulers) less knowing than these two little creatures?'

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