《论语·尧曰》“允执其中”新解

A New Interpretation of“Yun Zhi Qi Zhong”(允执其中)in Yaoyue in The Analects of Confucius

《论语·尧曰》“允执其中”的“中”被解释为中庸,已成为学界共识。古籍中多有“中,犹心也”的用例,此义项更适合解释“允执其中”。诚实地修持自我心灵是《论语》的主旨思想。后人用《论语》中其他文字印证此句的中庸思想以及把中庸思想追溯至此,都似是而非。朱熹“十六字心传”中的“允执厥中”也应作如是观。

“Zhong”(中)of“Yun Zhi Qi Zhong”(允执其中)in Yaoyue in The Analects of Confucius is interpreted as the doctrine of the mean.This has become a consensus among the academic circles.There are many cases as“Zhong,is as if mind”(中,犹心也)in the ancient books.This meaning is more suitable in explaining“Yun Zhi Qi Zhong”(允执其中).It is the main idea of The Analects of Confucius to cultivate one’s soul honestly.The doctrine of the mean is traced to this sentence and is often supported by other words in The Analects of Confucius by the later generations,which is illogical.“Yun Zhi Jue Zhong”(允执厥中)in Zhu Xi’s(朱熹)“16 mind records”would be the same.