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《守國 - Defending the state 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources Related resources |
| 1 | 守國: |
文王問太公曰：「守國奈何？」 太公曰：「齋，將語君天地之經，四時所生，仁聖之道，民機之情。」 王即齋七日，北面再拜而問之。 太公曰：「天生四時，地生萬物。天下有民，仁聖牧之。 故春道生，萬物榮；夏道長，萬物成；秋道斂，萬物盈；冬道藏，萬物尋。盈則藏，藏則復起，莫知所終，莫知所始。聖人配之，以為天地經紀。故天下治，仁聖藏；天下亂，仁聖昌；至道其然也。 聖人之在天地間也，其寶固大矣。因其常而視之，則民安。夫民動而為機，機動而得失爭矣。故發之以其陰，會之以其陽。為之先唱，天下和之。極反其常，莫進而爭，莫退而讓。守國如此，與天地同光。」 |
| King Wen asked Tai Gong, "How should one defend the state?" Tai Gong said, "Fast. I will tell you about the principles of heaven and earth, what is produced in the four seasons, the way of benevolence and sagehood, and the sentiments of the people." The king then fasted for seven days, faced north, bowed twice, and asked him. Tai Gong said, "Heaven produces the four seasons; earth gives birth to all things." The people of the world are nurtured by benevolence and sagehood. Therefore, in spring life is generated and all things flourish; in summer growth occurs and all things mature; in autumn harvesting takes place and all things are full; in winter concealment occurs and all things retreat. When full, they are stored; when stored, they revive again—none knows the end, none knows the beginning. Sages align with this principle and use it as the fundamental order of heaven and earth. Therefore, when the world is well governed, benevolence and sagehood remain hidden; when the world is in chaos, benevolence and saintliness flourish; This is how the ultimate Dao operates. Sages existing within heaven and earth possess a treasure of great value indeed. By following the constant principles and observing them, the people will find peace. The people are in motion and become opportunities; when these opportunities arise, gains and losses are contested. Therefore, one should initiate actions through the yin and bring them together through the yang. By taking the initiative first, all under heaven will harmonize with it. When one reaches the extreme and reverses the normal order, no one advances to contend, nor does anyone retreat to yield. To defend a state in this way is to share the radiance of heaven and earth." |
URN: ctp:liu-tao/shou-guo