返質修文，文質往復──〈論語‧八佾〉章序讀析

Returning to“Substance (Zhi)”and Trimming“Pattern (Wen)”and the Reciprocating Movement between“Substance”and“Pattern”——An Analytical Reading of the Chapter Order of“Ba Yi”

〈論語．八佾〉內容集中，皆論禮樂，其主旨為對禮樂僭越的撥亂反正。從文質角度切入，可將〈八佾〉全篇分為4節。前3節為1～5、6～9、10～23，其以由文入質的思路展開，從立仁之大本、到君子學禮，再由人而天層層深入，形成僭禮—返質—修文的對治之路。繼而第24～26章餘韻中，則將禮樂之治上升至天下視閾，倡以孔子的禮樂文教正平天下。縱觀〈八佾〉，結構完整連貫，前3節的返質修文，須有結尾第4節的天下視野才能打開。全篇在反覆之樂感氛圍中，一方面以由文入質構成一條主線索，另一方面始終言文不忘質，言質不忘文，在文質往復間達到和諧。

The chapter of“Ba Yi”of the Analects of Confucius focuses on rituals and music, employing them to analyze the unjust practices of the nobility during the time of Confucius. According to the relationship between“substance (Wen)”and“pattern (Zhi),”we can divide the chapter into four parts. The first three parts consist of sections 1 to 5, 6 to 9, and 10 to 23. These parts establish a progression from“substance (Wen)”to“pattern (Zhi),”highlighting the importance of“humaneness (Ren)”, and the noble person’s learning of rituals. The chapter then transitions to the concept of the harmonious coexistence between humanity and heaven, critically examining the transgressions of rituals and ultimately restoring proper order. The final part (24-26) expands the discussion beyond individual actions, encompassing governance over“all under heaven (Tianxia)”through the use of rituals, music, culture, and education. These concluding sections further explore and synthesize the insights gained from the earlier parts. The chapter of“Ba Yi,”with its musical motifs, not only emphasizes the return from“substance”to“pattern”, but also highlights the equal importance of both elements.