中国古代经、道、圣、王之内在关联

The Inner Relationship Between Classics,Doctrine,Sage and Kingship in Ancient China

厘清"经"、"道"、"圣"、"王"之间的关系,是理解中国古代经学及其思维方式的关键所在。四者具有密切的内在关联,它们共同发生作用,构成封建社会意识形态的核心内容。在数千年的封建专制社会中,无论是尊经、崇圣,还是明道,其最后的归结点都是维护王权、张大王权。同时,惟有圣者方可为王的观念对专制王权也能够发挥某种制约作用,有其一定的积极意义。

Specifying the relationship between classics, doctrine, sage and kingship was the key to under- stand the Confucian classics and the way of thinking in ancient China. The four ways had close relation, which con- stituted core elements of feudal ideology together. In the feudal autocratic society for thousands of years, whether people respected the confucian classics, or worshiped sage, even understood doctrines, finally the aim was to main- tain and extend the kingship. Meanwhile, the idea that only the sage can have kingship had the restrictive function and positive significance.