说周代的太师

On "Tai Shi" of Zhou Period

大师即太师。太师是周代的一种职官,属于"师"类官的一种。根据典籍和金文等资料对太师的记载,可以得知它主要有三种类型。第一种太师是周代高级职官,他们以武职为中心,全面掌控政事、辅佐周王;第二种太师是师傅官,即《周礼》的"师氏",主要掌管贵族子弟的道德教育;第三种太师是乐官。其中第一种太师盛行于西周,春秋时期还有所保留,但其职能退化变异,被六卿所分解,尤其是司马承当了太师的武职。第二种太师长期存在。乐太师的职能一直未变,但地位自春秋以来有所降低。

Tai Shi is an official of Zhou Dynasty and belongs to a whole official system called Shi Shi. According to the records of ancient classics and bronze inscriptions, there were three types of Tai Shi. The first one acted as senior minister of the kingdom and their major function was military leader. They had big influences on the king. The second one was teacher, which was ＂Shi Shi＂ in The Ritual of Zhou. They nurtured aristocratic children on virtues. The third one ＂Yue Shi＂ was musician. The first one prevailed in Western Zhou and was kept in Spring and Autumn period with their functions weakened and scattered among the six ministers. And Sima took over Tai Shi on military affairs. The second one lasted for a long time. The third one, which was musician, kept their functions but their status was debased since Spring and Autumn period.