The Classical Chinese of a Gentleman

1. Translation of The Way of a Gentleman in Classical Chinese

The original text states that Zichan said, "There are four ways of a gentleman: he behaves with respect for himself, he also respects what he does, and he nourishes the people It is also beneficial, and it makes the people righteous."

The translation of Confucius commented on Zichan: "He has the four morals of a gentleman: he behaves solemnly, serves the monarch respectfully, makes the people benefit, and uses the people in a lawful manner. ”

We don’t need to delve into the evaluation of whether Zichan possesses these four kinds of moral qualities of a gentleman. I think Confucius just used his evaluation of Zichan to explain his standards for the moral cultivation of a gentleman, right? Judging from these four items, it seems that they are the standards for judging politicians. This may have been a relatively high requirement at the time, but by today's standards, just meeting these four points is still far from enough. In particular, the requirements for the monarch should be spurned, because the times require today's rulers to first be respectful to the people and serve the people, not just to be respectful to their superiors. 2. Ancient texts that show the demeanor of a gentleman

Ai Lian said that among the flowers of water, land and vegetation, the most lovely ones are fán (fán).

Tao Yuanming of Jin Dynasty only loved chrysanthemums. Since the Li and Tang Dynasties, people have loved peonies very much (some versions say it is very popular).

I only love the lotus that comes out of the mud but is not stained; it is clear and rippled but not evil; it is straight in the middle and straight to the outside; it does not creep or branch; its fragrance is far away In Yiqing, the pavilions and pavilions are clean and planted, which can be viewed from a distance but not played with (xiè). I say chrysanthemum, the flower that represents seclusion; peony, the flower that represents wealth and honor; lotus, the flower that represents the gentleman.

Yī! The love of chrysanthemums was well known by Empress Dowager Tao; the love of lotus, who can share it? The love of peony is suitable for everyone. Inscription on the humble house: The mountain is not high, but it is famous if there are immortals.

If the water is not deep, there will be a spirit if there is a dragon. This is a humble house, but I am virtuous.

The upper steps of the moss marks are green, and the grass color is green into the curtain. There are scholars who talk and laugh, but there are no white people who come and go.

You can tune the piano and read the Golden Sutra. There are no messy ears of silk and bamboo, and there is no laborious shape of case documents.

Zhuge Lu in Nanyang, Yunting in Xishuzi. Confucius said: "What is so shameful?" What is the style of a gentleman? Gentleman's style) refers to an upright person, a respectable person; a person with whom one can have deep connections in life; a person with whom one can rest assured in business; a person who is decent in language and work.

In ancient times, it was the style of a gentleman not to bow down for five buckets of rice. It was the style of a gentleman to bow to death and to be polite and virtuous. It was also the style of a gentleman to be courteous and virtuous. The following points are the expressions of a gentleman's style. Ancient Chinese scholar Zi said: Aspire to Tao, base on virtue, rely on benevolence, and play in art. According to the original text "Zhi Yu Tao", it can be interpreted as the metaphysical Tao, which means to aspire high and achieve the state you hope to achieve.

This "Tao" includes the Tao of Heaven and the Tao of humanity, both metaphysical and metaphysical. This is the most basic and highest purpose of teaching us to be determined.

Whether it can be done is another matter. Just like when everyone first came out to work in society when they were young, they all aspired to gain fame and wealth.

As far as making money is concerned, at least I hope to earn tens of millions of yuan. But despite my determination, in fact I only earn a few thousand yuan a month.

If you only get a few thousand yuan because you have a goal of tens of millions, then "don't do it!" If you don't want to go back to work! This shows that whether the ambition can be realized is another matter. Therefore, Confucius said that in learning, one must set high goals. This is the first meaning of "aiming for the Tao".

"Based on virtue", although the ambition must be lofty, it must start from humanity. The so-called way of heaven and humanity, the unity of nature and man, starts with moral behavior.

In other words, "aiming for Tao" is to engage in philosophical thinking, and "according to virtue" is the behavior of living in society. The ancients explained that virtue means gaining, and achieving results is virtue, so it is obvious , Confucius told us that thoughts are based on Tao, and actions are based on virtue. "Relying on benevolence", as we have said before, benevolence has a body and is useful.

The essence of benevolence is inner cultivation. The so-called study of life and mind is intrinsic. What manifests externally is loving people and loving things, such as universal love in Mozi’s thought and fraternity in Western culture.

"Relying on benevolence" means relying on benevolence. In other words, how Tao and virtue are developed depends on whether there is love for people and things. With this love, love for people, things, society, country, and the world will expand and expand to love the whole world.

This is the performance of Ren. "Rely on benevolence" and only then can you "play in art".

You are a swimmer, not a gamer. The art of "youyuyi" includes six arts: etiquette, music, archery, horsemanship, calligraphy, and mathematics. Confucius' education at that time focused on the six arts.

Among them, "ritual", in modern terms, includes all cultures including philosophy, politics, education, and society. As for modern arts such as dance, film, drama, music, art, etc., they belong to music.

"Shooting" refers to military and martial arts. In the past, it meant drawing a bow and shooting an arrow, which is equivalent to modern shooting, fighting skills, sports, etc.

"Royal" means driving. In modern terms, of course it also includes driving airplanes and spaceships. "Book", literature and history.

"Number" refers to science. All cultivation of talents and enrichment of life must be based on the cultivation of six arts. Art is by no means an art in a narrow sense.

In ancient China, there was no such subdivision. Everything that fell within the scope of the six arts was art. In life, you must understand the four key points of cultural and ideological cultivation: Tao, morality, benevolence, and art.

The first half of these four key points, "aim for Tao and base on virtue" includes spiritual thoughts, plus "depend on benevolence and play with art" as the criterion for life and conduct, which are all his principles. , and at the same time tell everyone that having these key points is called knowledge. Without lofty ideas, it would be too tacky, and a life that is too realistic will only bore you.

Without a certain basis for moral behavior, life is rootless and ultimately cannot mature. If there is no inner cultivation of benevolence, there will be no place to settle psychologically.

Without "playing in art", without profound knowledge and knowledge, life will be boring. Therefore, these four points are all important, and later generations have placed more emphasis on these four points. In fact, when talking about Confucian thought, we must develop balancedly from here.

Confucius said: A gentleman takes righteousness as a pledge, conducts it with etiquette, and uses it as a gift, and trusts it as a fulfillment. What a gentleman! Confucius said that a true intellectual must pay attention to his own responsibilities in life and pay attention to the four words meaning, etiquette, sun and faith. Be essentially righteous.

The meaning of righteousness here is, firstly, Mencius’ concept - righteousness means appropriateness, which means appropriateness and appropriateness. The second is traditional benevolence and righteousness - personality standards.

The third refers to the "study of principles" in addition to the "study of words and chapters" and the "study of recording hearings". ——The so-called philosophy and science in modern times are also the study of ethics. They all explore the highest principle of life-truth.

The "righteousness" of "a gentleman regards righteousness as quality" is also the righteousness of righteousness, which is used as the essence. The behavior expressed externally is etiquette, behavior with a high degree of cultural accomplishment.

Sun is humble, very humble in attitude, not complacent or proud. Have faith in people and things, be true to your words, be confident and trust people.

Meeting these four conditions is the behavior of a gentleman, that is, an intellectual and a model personality. It is by no means comparable to "living in groups all day long, not being righteous in words, and being smart in doing good things." If you can't do this and just play around with small tricks, that's the end of it.

Confucius said: A person with lofty ideals and a benevolent person will not harm his benevolence by seeking life, but will kill himself to fulfill his benevolence. The phrase "sacrifice yourself to become a benevolent person" is commonly used in the Analects of Confucius. It was said by Confucius.

We will not explain this benevolence here. From the above discussion to the following, it is said that "benevolence" is the center of Confucian learning. In today's terms, this is the central idea. The so-called benevolent people with lofty ideals do not want to harm their benevolence by seeking life. For example, there are many religious people who would rather lay down their lives when encountering something that conflicts with their beliefs.

3. Translation of The Way of a Gentleman in Classical Chinese

The original text states that Zichan said, “There are four ways of a gentleman: he is respectful in his actions, he is respectful in his actions, he is beneficial to the people when he is nourishing them, and he is also respectful to the people. "Righteousness."

Translation Confucius commented on Zichan and said: "He has the four morals of a gentleman: he behaves solemnly, serves the monarch respectfully, provides benefits to the people, and uses the people in a legal manner." Comment on whether Zichan has it. We don’t need to delve into these four types of gentleman’s morality. I think Confucius just used his evaluation of Zisan to explain his standards for the moral cultivation of a gentleman, right? Judging from these four items, it seems that they are the standards for judging politicians. This may have been a relatively high requirement at the time, but by today's standards, just meeting these four points is still far from enough.

In particular, the requirements for the monarch should be spurned, because the times require today's rulers to first be respectful to the people and serve the people, rather than just being respectful to their superiors. 4. Interpretation of the Classical Chinese of the Gentleman's Learning

The Gentleman's Learning ①

The Gentleman's Learning also enters the ears, chopsticks ② the heart, cloth ③ the four bodies ④, shape ⑤ the movement and stillness ⑥; To put it simply ⑦, creeping and moving ⑧, one can be the rule ⑨. The learning of a villain goes into the ears and out of the mouth. There are four inches between the mouth and the ears, which is enough to beautify a body of seven feet?

Notes

① Selected from "Xunzi Encouraging Learning". ② Chopsticks: Same as "with", keep it in mind. ③ Cloth: distribution. Extended to express ④ four bodies: four limbs. ⑤Shape: manifestation. ⑥Movement: behavior. ⑦ To put it bluntly: The meaning of the speech is subtle. Duan, the same as "pan". ⑧Wriggling: a metaphor for behaving elegantly. Creepies, the activity of insects. ⑨Rule: Example.

Translation

A gentleman’s learning is what he hears in his ears, remembers in his heart, and manifests in his body and behavior. (His) language is profound and his behavior is elegant, all of which can serve as examples. The villain learns by listening with his ears and speaking with his mouth. There are only four inches between the mouth and the ears. How can one (without remembering and practicing) beautify a seven-foot body (improve one's own moral character)? 5. The meaning of the word "gentleman" in ancient Chinese

1. [gentleman]: a general term for rulers and noble men, often used in conjunction with "villain" or "savage".

That gentleman is here. ——"Poetry·Wei Feng·Fa Tan"

A gentleman is disdainful. ——"Teacher's Theory" by Han Yu of the Tang Dynasty

A gentleman has few desires. ——Sima Guang's "Teaching Thrift and Prosperity"

A gentleman has few desires.

2. [a man of noble character]: In ancient times, it refers to a person with high status, and later it refers to a person with noble personality and good moral character.

Isn’t that a gentleman? ——"The Analects of Confucius"

A gentleman never fights. ——"Mencius Gongsun Chou"

A gentleman is knowledgeable. ——"Xunzi Encourages Learning"

The gentleman of flowers. ——"The Biography of Old Man Taro" by Zhou Rong of the Qing Dynasty

Qi Gong Calligraphy [1]

Lotus is the gentleman of flowers. ——"Ai Lian Shuo"

The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water, while the friendship between villains is as sweet as sweet wine. ——"Zhuangzi·Shanmu"

3. Honorific title to others [honorific title to thers], Mr. Youyan.

Gentleman’s writing. ——Tang Li Chaowei's "The Biography of Liu Yi"

A gentleman climbs mountains. ——Gu Yanwu of the Ming Dynasty, "Fu'an Ji"

All the gentlemen of the same society. ——Ming Dynasty Zhang Pu's "Tombstones of Five People"

After the gentleman. ——Liang Qichao, Qing Dynasty, "The Biography of Tan Si Tong"

The gentleman observed the king's admonishment to Renzong, and it can be said that he lived up to his duties. However, Renzong's good governance has been repeatedly seen in the annals of history, and it cannot be said that Wang Yue's guidance did not begin with him. If the king makes an appointment, he will follow the philosophy of Renzong. ——Volume 24 of Sikuquanshu's "Yubanxuzizhitongjiangangmu"

4. The old term for a wife to her husband.

"Poetry·Zhaonan·CaoChong": "I have not seen a gentleman, so I am worried.

"Book of the Later Han·Biography of Women·Cao Shi's Uncle's Wife": "Advance increases the shame of the parents, retreat increases the burden of the gentleman." "Li Xian's note: "A gentleman is called a husband. "Tang Li Bai's "Ancient Style" No. 27: "How can I find a gentleman who can ride on a pair of flying luan. "One of Sun Zhiwei's "Lotus Picking Songs" of the Qing Dynasty: "I pick lotus, and I pick the lotus and send it to the gentleman. "

5. Refers to the Junzi Army of the Yue Kingdom in the Spring and Autumn Period.

"Guoyu·Wuyu": "The King of Yue has six thousand private soldiers, Junzi, as the central army. " Wei Zhao's note: " Private soldiers and gentlemen, those who are close to the king and have ambitions, are like Wu's so-called virtuous, and Qi's so-called scholars. "Liang Chenyu of the Ming Dynasty, "Huan Sha Ji Captured": "The King of Yue personally led a hundred thousand soldiers and six thousand gentlemen to cross Taihu Lake. "See "Junzi Army". Chapter 82 of "Records of the Kingdoms of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty": "When King Gou Jian of Yue heard that King Wu had left the country, he made a plan with Fan Li to send 2,000 people to Xilu, 40,000 to gentry, and 6,000 to junzi from the sea. Pass the river to attack Wu. "

6. Fine wine.

Volume 43 of "Leishuo" quotes Tang Huangfusong's "Zuixiang Riyue": "Any wine...the one who intoxicates people with glutinous rice wine from home is considered a gentleman. . "

7. The elegant name of bamboo.

Song Dynasty Su Che's poem "Rebirth of Bamboo Shoots in the Forest": "Occasionally there is a thunderstorm one foot deep, and I know that all the gentlemen in Nanyuan are here. "See "Junzi Bamboo".

The above is from Baidu Encyclopedia 6. What does "gentleman" mean in classical Chinese? 1. It is called a talented and virtuous person. He who does good deeds without slacking off is called a gentleman." (Book of Rites, Quli)

2. It is called a person in power.

3. Alias ??for bamboo, lotus and chrysanthemum. 4. Plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum are called the four gentlemen.

5. The wife calls her husband. "I am worried when I have not seen a gentleman." (The Book of Songs, Zhao Nan)

6. Honorific titles for ancestors.

7. Refers to men. "Guan Guan Suijiu, on the island of the river, a graceful lady, a gentleman likes to fight." (The Book of Songs, Zhou Nan)

8. Those in the upper position. "That gentleman is here, and he is not a vegetarian." (The Book of Songs, Fa Tan) "If you don't have a gentleman, don't govern the barbarians, and if you don't have the barbarians, don't raise a gentleman." (Mencius, Teng Wengong)

9. Good scholars. "The Master said: A gentleman has nothing to eat and nothing to eat, and nothing to live in peace; if he is sensitive to things and careful in his words, he will be righteous and righteous, and he can be said to be eager to learn." (The Analects of Confucius, Xueer) Generally speaking, the word gentleman Not just one thing. There are many explanations, and it is easy to be confused.

In Confucianism, the word gentleman has a moral meaning. "The three principles of a gentleman are that I am incompetent. The benevolent do not worry, the wise do not be confused, and the brave do not fear." (The Analects of Confucius, Xian Wen) This seems to be the most specific meaning of the word gentleman in terms of virtue. 7. The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water. Classical Chinese translation and original text

Ancient text: Zi Sanghu said: "You alone have not heard of the death of the fake man? Lin Hui abandoned the jade of a thousand gold, and went to the country with his innocent son. Or he said :'For the sake of giving? The innocent man has few gifts; for the pure man, he has many burdens. How can he abandon the jade of a thousand pieces of gold and bear the burden of the innocent son? It belongs to heaven. If a husband joins for benefit, he will be forced to abandon each other by poverty, misfortune, and harm. If he belongs to heaven, he will force poverty, misfortune, and harm to accept each other. Husbands, accepting each other is far from abandoning each other. Moreover, the friendship between gentlemen is as light as water. Friendship between villains is as sweet as sweet wine; a gentleman is indifferent to intimacy, and a villain is willing to reject each other. Those who get together without any reason will separate without any reason." Translation: Sang Jun replied: "Have you not heard of the escape of the fake countryman? ? Lin Hui abandoned the jade worth thousands of gold and ran away with the baby on his back. Some people commented: 'Is he doing it for money? The value of a newborn baby is too little; is he afraid of being a drag? There are too many burdens on a newborn baby. Why would you abandon your precious jade and run away with the baby on your back? Lin Hui said: "The jade worth thousands of gold is related to me by interests, and this child is related to me by nature." Those who are related by interests will abandon each other when encountering difficulties, disasters, sorrows and injuries; by nature, If they are connected, they will tolerate each other when encountering difficulties, disasters, sorrows and injuries. The difference between mutual accommodation and mutual abandonment is too far. Moreover, the friendship between gentlemen is as light as clear water, and the friendship between villains is as sweet as liqueur; A gentleman is indifferent but has a close heart; a villain is sweet but sharp and severe. Anyone who comes close to each other for no reason will also be separated for no reason."