和、合、节:传统和合思想的三重内涵

Connotations of Traditional Philosophy of Harmony: Integration,Unification and Appropriateness

和合是中华优秀传统文化的基因之一。和合通常被理解为承认差异、对立(即“和”)与融合、统一(即“合”)这两重基本涵义,和合就是“融突”或对立(差异)间的统一。但是,传统和合思想还有第三重涵义——“节”:“以礼节和”,即作为融突、统一前提的“节”。和合是以“礼”作为“节”而对差异、对立因素的融通与整合,和、合、节三重内涵的“和合”,才是彰显和合这一传统文化独特精神和中国智慧的根本。

Harmony(hehe),as one of the core genes of traditional Chinese culture,tends to be understood as integration(he)and unification(he)of differences and oppositions;namely,it indicates coexistence of conflicts and integration of differences.But more than that,it has a third connotation of appropriateness(jie),to be more specific,appropriateness through propriety(li),which means appropriateness on the basis of integration and unification.Thus harmony bases itself on three dimension of integration,unification and appropriateness through propriety,the combination of which manifests and highlights the unique spirit of traditional Chinese culture and the fundamental essence of smart Chinese wisdom.