论礼与理性

Etiquette and reason

理性对礼的形成和发展都是十分重要的,礼的"承天之道"所指向的正是"致中和"的最佳状态,而对这种状态的领悟实际上正是古人理性的运用。同时,"致中和"作为对礼的引导,强调了在制定礼的过程中,以及践行礼的过程中都需要理性的运用。礼所内含的意义更为重要,因此,在践行礼的过程中应当首先从诚开始,只有在践行礼的过程中由内心怀有诚意开始,才能实现礼的意义。

The reason is very important for the formation and development of etiquette.According to the "Tian Dao"( 天道), the etiquette is to "attain the condition of ‘the Zhong and the He’( 中和)". In fact, the understanding of this condition is the application of the ancient reason. And as the guide for etiquette, "attain the condition of ‘the Zhong and the He’(中和)"emphasized that we should apply the reason in the process of making etiquette and practicing etiquette. The meaning that the etiquette contained is more important. Therefore, in the process of practicing the etiquette, we should begin with the "sincerity" first; only when we begin with the sincerity of heart in the process of practicing the etiquette, can the meaning of the etiquette be realized.