《大学》“止于至善”说及其相关问题

On the “Supreme Goodness” in the Great Learning

《大学》是圣人教化之学,更是君子修身之学。《大学》首言:"大学之道,在明明德,在亲民,在止于至善。""至善"说是儒家的一种追求,也是学术界一直在讨论的问题。本着以经释经的原则,可以认为"至善"是儒家的一种追求,是生生之意,它既是一种静态的德,又是一个不息、动态的过程,它是人性中所本有的。根据《大学》首章而言,"明明德"即彰明或复原其固有之性(德)。"诚意"是修身的工夫,也是通达"至善"的方式,故大学之始功,莫先于诚意,诚意为修身之要。

THE GREAT LEARNING is not only the study of being humanized by saints,but also the study of the self-cultivation of Junzi.Thebeginning of THE GREAT LEARNING says,“the way of THE GREAT LEARNING is in pursuit of illustrious virtue,being close to the people,and the goal of Supreme goodness.""Supreme goodness"is a kind of pursuit of Confucianism,and it is also a problem that academic circles have been discussing.In line with the principle of interpretation of Classics,"supreme goodness"is considered to be a pursuit of Confucianism and the meaning of life and development.It is not only a static virtue,but also an endless and dynamic process.It is inherent in human nature.According to the first chapter of THE GREAT LEARNING,"illustrate illustrious virtue"means to express or restore its inherent character(virtue)."Sincerity"is the effort to cultivate one’s morality,and also the way to attain"supreme goodness".Therefore,THE GREAT LEARNING work should begin with sincerity and sincerity is the key to cultivate one’s morality.