fǎn zhě dào zhī dòng 反者道之动
The Only Motion Is Returning.
“道”的运动就是向对立面的转化或复归。这一命题出自《老子·四十章》。老子认为,“道”是事物运动、变化的基本法则。这一法则的基本内涵即是“反”。“反”包含两种不同的含义:其一,指相反、反对,即事物在运动中会向其自身的对立面转化;其二,指返回、复归,即事物最终返回到原初的状态。这一命题反映了老子及道家对事物运动法则的深刻理解。
The motion of Dao is to transform into the opposite or return to the original state. This concept was proposed by Laozi. Laozi believed that Dao is the fundamental rule of motion and change of things. The essence of this rule is “return,” which has two different implications. One indicates the contrary and opposite, namely, a thing in motion may transform into its opposite. The other suggests returning, meaning that a thing eventually returns to its initial state. This concept embodies the profound understanding of Laozi and Daoist scholars about the rule governing the motion of things.
引例 Citation:
◎反者道之动,弱者道之用。(《老子·四十章》)
(“道”的运动是向对立面的转化或复归,“道”在起作用时总是柔弱处下的。)
The motion of Dao is transforming into the opposite or returning to the original state; and Dao is soft and humble while it is functioning. (Laozi)