乘時因勢－－《淮南子》的時勢觀探析

Using the Best Timing and Obeying the Best Circumstances, One Study of the Concepts ＂Timing＂ and ＂Circumstances＂ from Huai-Nan-Zi

《淮南子》一書繼承及發展了戰國黃老道家的時勢觀，其「時」、「勢」觀都是由自然本性發展出來的，「乘時因勢」皆為順應自然的表現，並被廣泛地用於修道、治國、用兵等。《淮南子》是藉因時、遵勢及貴因的原則，展現其無為而治的政治思想，此無為而治即是「道」的表現，也可以說「道」與「無為」是藉由因時、遵勢之方法實現的，由此即可見「時勢」觀在《淮南子》書之重要性。

The book Huai-Nai-Zi, inherited and developed the two concepts ＂timing＂ and ＂circumstances＂ from the Huang-Lao Taoism during Warring States Period, suggested that the concepts of ＂timing＂ and ＂circumstances＂ is developed naturally from the characters of human beings, using the best timing and circumstances to succeed is the natural result of accommodating oneself to nature. These suggestions are extensively applied to practicing Tao, managing the country well, and military affairs. According to the principles of using the best timing, obeying the best circumstances and respects for causes, ＂Huai-Nai-Zi＂ represents its political thoughts of ＂inaction governance＂ which is the presentations of Tao. Furthermore, ＂Tao＂ and ＂inaction＂ are implemented by using the best timing and obeying the best circumstances, which are emphasized in ＂Huai-Nai-Zi＂.