《论语》中的修养之道——从文本形式进入的思考

《论语》记载了孔子的言行及其与弟子时人的问答,解读时宜把语录意义与语录存在的具体语境、涉及的特定对象联系起来;假如脱离具体境况纯粹作形而上的认识,就不免有断章取义之嫌。语录涉及的对象大略分为"君"、"仕"和"士"三类,其中的修养之道各有侧重:关于"君",要求仁爱、以身作则;关于"仕",要求敬事、谨慎、谦恭和识时务;关于"士",则要求有信仰和批判的精神,奋发有为。孔子提出这样的修养之道,是根据角色定位("角色")和适时而处("时中")的原则,其中关于个体性和社会性相统一的认识尤其有当代意义。

The principles of self-cultivation in the Analects: reflection through a text form

The Analects is a compiled collection recording Confucius' words and deeds as well as the dialogues between him and his pupils.It is necessary for us to understand the meaning of the quotations in the context in which the quotations occur and the special objects involved.The objects involved in the quotations can roughly be classified into three groups:the "monarch",the "official" and the "scholar",and the self-cultivation principle for each has its own extra emphasis to be placed on:for instance,the "monarch" is demanded to have benevolence and self-discipline,the "official" to pay a reverent attention to good work,modesty,caution and judgment,and the "scholar" to have a firm belief,a critical spirit and to be strenuous and active.The principles of self-cultivation advanced by Confucius should be based on the principles of role setting and pat existence.The integration of individuality with sociality in Confucius' principles of self-cultivation has a particular significance in our modern time.