zhōnghé 中和
Balanced Harmony
人心所达到的中正、和谐的状态。人的喜、怒、哀、乐等情感的活动及其在言行上的表现符合礼的要求,不失偏颇进而达到一种和谐的状态,即是“中和”。治理者如果能够体认并达到“中和”的状态,以此治理天下,天地万物就会处于端正、恰当的位置,和谐、有序,就可以实现彼此间的共同繁荣与发展。
Balanced harmony is an ideal state of human mind. When people’s emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness are expressed in an unbiased way in keeping with the rites, a state of mind featuring balanced harmony is achieved. If a ruler can reach such a state of mind and exercise governance accordingly, everything in heaven and earth will be in its proper place, be orderly and in harmony with each other. This will deliver common prosperity and development for all.
引例 Citations:
◎喜怒哀乐之未发,谓之中;发而皆中节,谓之和。中也者,天下之大本也;和也者,天下之达道也。致中和,天地位焉,万物育焉。(《礼记·中庸》)
(喜怒哀乐还没有被事物感发时的状态,称作“中”;喜怒哀乐表现于言行而都能符合规范,称作“和”。“中”是天下的根本,“和”是天下最普遍的法则。治理者能够达到“中和”,天地就能处于正位、万物便可生长繁育了。)
When joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness are not yet expressed as a response to other things, they are in a state of balance. When they are expressed in words and deeds in accordance with the rites, harmony is achieved. Balance is the foundation under heaven, while harmony is the universal rule under heaven. If a ruler can achieve balanced harmony, both heaven and earth will be in their proper places, and all things will prosper and thrive. (The Book of Rites)
◎能以中和理天下者,其德大盛。能以中和养其身者,其寿极命。(董仲舒《春秋繁露·循天之道》)
(能够以“中和”治理天下的人,他的德政就会极大兴盛。能够以“中和”修养自身的人,他的寿命就会很长久。)
When one rules the world with balanced harmony, virtuous governance will flourish. When one achieves balanced harmony in self-cultivation, he will enjoy longevity. (Dong Zhongshu: Luxuriant Gems of The Spring and Autumn Annals)