儒家思想与礼乐文明

Confucianism and the Civilization of Rites and Music

《论语·先进》篇记录了孔子所向往的礼乐之治。礼源于上古时代的祭祀与习俗,用于规范行为、区别是非;乐则用于协调秩序、促进和谐、陶冶情操,即"用乐之和弥补礼之分"。"礼乐"不只是为了满足耳目之欢,而是引领人心向善。孔子在文化上继承并超越了周公的制礼作乐,提出仁政思想以及"仁"和"礼"的治国原则。在礼与乐的关系中,儒家认为,礼为德之端,乐为德之华。礼的根本在乐和诗,礼要靠乐和诗来风行天下,"美善合一"是孔子所推崇礼乐文明的最高境界。礼乐文明就是"乐至则无怨,礼至则无争"。儒家仁政思想的实行途径就是在"礼乐"中达到的"仁道"和在人间实现的"仁政",而仁政的实行必须是仁者和良法的结合,即仁政是由有仁心者去实践先王之道。

The Analects of Confucius recorded the Utopia of Rites and Music. Rites originated from fete and customs in ancient times,which were used for regularizing behavior and distinguishing right from wrong,while Music was used to harmonize orders,promote harmony and mold character. Rites and Music were not only for satisfying the amusement of human＇s ears and eyes,but also for leading humanity to Kindness. Confucius inherited Duke of Zhou＇s creation of Rites and Music,and exceeded them culturally,advocated the theory of Benevolent Government,and Benevolence and Rites were seen as the principles of governance. Regarding to the relationship between Rites and Music,Confucius held that,Rites were the end of virtue,while Music was the essence of virtue. The quintessence of Rites lied in Music and poem,and came into fashion through them.The ultimate realm of Rites and Music which Confucius revered was the combination of beauty and virtue. The civilization of Rites and Music implied that where there was Music,there was no complain. Where there were Rites,there were no disputes. The path to materialize Confucius＇ s thought of Benevolent Government lied in reaching Benevolence in human society through Rites and Music. Moreover,the implementation of Benevolent Government must be the combination of benevolent person and good law,that meant Benevolent Government must be implementing the way of former kings by a benevolent person.