| Chinese Text Project |
《淳風 - Chun Feng 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 淳風: | 太上，下知有之。太上，謂太古無名之君。下知有之者，下知上有君，而不臣事，質朴也。其次，親之譽之。其德可見，恩惠可稱，故親愛而譽之。其次畏之。設刑法以治之。其次侮之。禁多令煩，不可歸誠，故欺侮之。信不足焉，﹝有不信焉﹞。君信不足於下，下則應之以不信，而欺其君也。猶兮其貴言。說太上之君，舉事猶，貴重於言，恐離道失自然也。功成事遂，謂天下太平也。百姓皆謂我自然。百姓不知君上之德淳厚，反以為己自當然也。 |
| The highest ruler is such that those below know of his existence. "Tai Shang" refers to the ancient, unnamed sovereigns of prehistoric times. Those below know that there is a ruler above them, but do not serve him as subjects; this reflects simplicity and innocence. Next in order are those who love and praise the ruler. His virtue is visible, his kindness and grace commendable; therefore, he is loved and praised. Next are those who fear him. Laws and punishments are established to govern them. Next are those who despise him. With too many prohibitions and complicated orders, sincerity cannot be achieved; thus, they are deceived and insulted. When trust is insufficient, [there will be those who do not believe]. If the ruler lacks trustworthiness among his subjects, then they respond with disbelief and deceive their ruler. He is cautious in speaking. This describes the ruler of the highest order, who acts with caution and values words highly, fearing deviation from the Dao and loss of naturalness. When achievements are realized and affairs accomplished, this means peace prevails throughout the world. The common people all say that I am natural. The common people do not recognize the ruler's pure and thick virtue, but instead believe it to be their own natural state. |
URN: ctp:heshanggong/17