论柳宗元“方其中圆其外”的道德修养方法论

On LIU Zong-yuan's Methodology of Moral Cultivation

柳宗元在给妻弟杨诲之的一系列书信中,以车为喻,明确地提出了君子行世当"方其中,圆其外"的道德修养目标。而要达到中方外圆的道德修养目的,柳宗元认为,一是要植志笃道,即自小立下忠正信义之志,笃行尧舜孔子以利民济世为目的的大中之志;二是要"固其本,养其正",即认真学习孔子之道及圣贤经典,并通过学习圣贤经典、笃行圣人之道来巩固立身行事的根本、涵养自己的浩然正气;三是要"韬义服和,外圆内方",并一再强调,君子的外圆并不是圆滑以趋利,苟合以取容,而是像车轮一样牢固圆融,勇往直前时锐而不滞,必要的后退时也可安而不挫,顺势而为。

In the letters from LIU Zongyuan to his wife＇s brother YANG Huizhi, LIU Zongyuan point ed out：the destination of gentleman is to be smooth on the surface but firm at heart. He also thought what need to do to be smooth on the surface and firm at heart were these： Firstly, we should determine to be a loyalty and honesty human and learn to the sages to practice their doctrines; Secondly, we should consoli- date our moral foundation and consecrate own integrity by our study and practice hard; Thirdly, we should be strong and harmony as the wheels, be sharp when going forward and adapt to the situation when going back.