“统”的大一统原型及其当下意义

On the Great Unification Prototype of "Tong" and Its Modern Sense

大一统是中国政治之历史和现实的基本特征,其心理原型沉淀在"统"字中。"统"与"充"相通。"充"从育从儿,表示生命的发育成长,是自性原型的象征。就历史而言,"充"是中华先祖的原型,具有深远的统合力。而"充"又通过"中"的原型体现其大一统的原型力量。"中"的本义为"旗帜",最初标志着氏族之生活、祭祀的围合空间,进而发展为国家政治的整合空间。"中"的整合力集中地表现为"中庸",而庸从庚(钟)从用(桶),反映了"中"的感召力(钟鸣)和容器凝聚力(桶作为政治整合空间)。"中庸"与礼乐相关,通过和乐实现"中和"。中和意味着和谐,是和谐社会的本质。而和谐之"和",本义为"龢",为编管乐器,为化合不同的"音"(意见和利益)。"统"的原型体现了整体化和多元化的统一。

The great unification is the fundamental characteristic of Chinese politics and its psychological prototype lies in 'Tong'(统). In ancient Chinese, 'Tong' was the same as 'Chong'(充). The latter means grownup. 'Chong' is the prototype of Chinese ancestor, with deep unification capability. By 'Zhong'(中), it shows its force of unification. 'Zhong', with its original meaning of 'flag', at the earliest time, means room for clan's living and sacrifice. Then it developed to be room for integration of state politics. Such integration force of 'Zhong' is 'Zhongyong'(中庸). Since 'Zhongyong' is related to rite and music, it achieves 'Zhonghe' (中和)by harmonious music. So 'Zhonghe' means harmony. In a word, the prototype of 'Tong' indicates a unification of integration and plurality.