The Chinese Classics — Prolegomena by Unknown
page 69 of 207 (33%)
page 69 of 207 (33%)
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considered absolutely in itself, without deflection or inclination.
This nature acted on from without, and responding with the various emotions, so as always 'to hit [2]' the mark with entire 1 See the Äò¤åÄm³q¦Ò, Bk. cxcix, art. ¤l«ä,--´¿¤l±o¤§¤_ÀH¨Æ¬Ù¹î,¦Ó¤l«ä ¤§¾Ç,«hª½¹F¤Ñ¼w,±f´XÃC¤ó¤§§®®©. 2 ¤¤¸`. correctness, produces the state of harmony, and such harmonious response is the path along which all human activities should proceed. Finally. 'Let the states of equilibrium and harmony exist in perfection, and a happy order will prevail throughout heaven and earth, and all things will be nourished and flourish.' Here we pass into the sphere of mystery and mysticism. The language, according to Chu Hsi, 'describes the meritorious achievements and transforming influence of sage and spiritual men in their highest extent.' From the path of duty, where we tread on solid ground, the writer suddenly raises us aloft on wings of air, and will carry us we know not where, and to we know not what. 3. The paragraphs thus presented, and which constitute Chu Hsi's first chapter, contain the sum of the whole Work. This is acknowledged by all;-- by the critics who disown Chu Hsi's interpretations of it, as freely as by him [1]. Revolving them in my own mind often and long, I collect from them the following as the ideas of the author:-- Firstly, Man has received from Heaven a moral nature by which he is constituted a law to himself; secondly, Over this nature man requires to exercise a jealous watchfulness; and thirdly, As he possesses it, absolutely and |
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