Translation setting:
[None] [English]Pre-Qin and Han ->
Confucianism ->
Zhong Jing -> Chapter on Local Officials (Shou Zai Zhang)
| | 守宰章: |
在官惟明，蒞事惟平，立身惟清。清則無欲，平則不曲，明能正俗。三者備矣，然後可以理人。君子盡其忠能以行其政令，而不理者，未之聞也。夫人莫不欲安，君子順而安之。莫不欲富，君子教而富之。篤之以仁義，以固其心。導之以禮樂，以和其氣。宣君德以弘大其化。明國法以至於無刑。視君之人，如觀乎子。則人愛之，如愛其親。蓋守宰之忠也。《詩》云：「豈弟君子，民之父母。」 |
| | In office, be only enlightened; in handling affairs, be only fair; in cultivating one's character, be only pure. If an official is not enlightened, then affairs will often involve deception; if affairs are not handled fairly, resentment will be hard to quell; and if one's own conduct is not pure, how can one teach the people? Purity brings no desires; fairness prevents partiality; enlightenment can correct customs. When these three qualities are fully possessed, then one may be able to govern people properly. To be pure alone is merely to be cautious about oneself and accomplish nothing in affairs. To be enlightened alone means that although one may discern matters clearly, it is still difficult to deal with corrupt bribes. To be fair alone merely results in equal treatment of things; one cannot distinguish between the obscure and the unique. One who governs people must possess all three qualities before it can be done properly. A junzi (gentleman) who fully devotes his loyalty and ability to carry out government orders has never been heard of failing in governance. With both talent and loyalty, governing the people is proper administration; this is naturally certain. People all desire peace; a junzi (gentleman) follows this desire to bring about their peace. He uses people's feelings and disposes affairs accordingly. No one does not desire wealth; a junzi (gentleuser) teaches them and thus brings about their prosperity. He encourages people by following their interests. He consolidates their hearts through the cultivation of benevolence and righteousness. When people understand benevolence and righteousness, they will all follow them. He harmonizes their spirits by guiding them with rites and music. A junzi (gentleman user) loves people, while a petty person is easily used. He proclaims the virtue of the ruler to widely extend its influence. He extols the ruler's virtue to spread benevolence, and strengthens the ruler's transformation to carry out moral influence. Clarify national laws so that ultimately there is no need for punishment. When regulations are clearly proclaimed and not violated, punishments may be established but will rarely be needed. Regarding the people of the ruler is like observing one's own children. Clothe those who are cold, and feed those who are hungry. Then the people will love him as they love their own kin. The people cherish his kindness, just like family members. This is the loyalty of a local official (shou zai). The "Shi Jing" says: "A kind and amiable junzi, is the father and mother of the people." Parents love their children; no emotion surpasses this. No official is more cautious than this; who among the people is not a child?
|
