從時間角度論《論語‧先進》「侍坐」章的意義

An Analysis of ‘Sitting in Attendance’ in the Analects

對於《論語》「侍坐」章的含義，古今說法歧異，歷代學者曾提出聖人氣象說、逍遙遊詠說、自知之明說、雩祭興禮說、樂和民聲說、否定批評說等解釋，雖各有理據，但也都有不盡合理之處，令後人不知孰是孰非。如徐復觀所言，這已成為「兩千年來，爭論不決的一件公案」。然而過去的看法，極少針對「侍坐」章的發生時間進行詳細考證，以致論證有所不足。本文先從子路、曾皙、冉有、公西華四名弟子同時出現在孔子身邊的可能時段，以及語中的「不吾知也」的特定環境來進行考證，證明「侍坐」章的發生時間應在魯哀公六年左右。魯哀公六年是孔子一生中波折最多的一年，他在周遊列國多年後，先是困於陳蔡，而後往楚又不得見用，至此知得君從政之路已不可為，終於決定放棄從政轉而全力為學，這是孔子後半生轉折的關鍵。而從這樣的時間背景和曾點回答中的不合理處來看，其所言內容應非直敘，而是比興式的隱喻。他首先看出孔子打算放棄從政之路，轉為專心著述為學以教化後人，故深得夫子之贊許。孔子晚年拒絕了衛出公的徵召，回魯後也不求出仕，一心為學著述，因此才能刪述古籍，形成後世影響深遠的經學傳統。究其關鍵，「侍坐」章的問答實具極為重要的歷史意義。

Throughout the ages, scholars have proposed many interpretations of Analects 11.26. Although each explanation has its supporting evidence, none of them are wholly convincing, which has left later generations unsure of which to accept. As Xu Fuguan once wrote, “for the last two thousand years it has been a case without an answer.” However, very few previous explanations offer a detailed analysis of the passage based on its historical setting, and most overlook the illogicality of Zeng Dian’s response to Confucius’s question. Based on the simultaneous presence of Confucius’s four disciples (Zilu, Zeng Dian, Ran Qiu, and Gongxi Hua) by his side, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding the phrase “nobody understands me,” this study shows that the discussion recorded in 11.26 should have taken place around the sixth reign year of Duke Ai of Lu. Moreover, judging from the illogical aspects of Zeng Dian’s response, his description of bathing and resting in the shade should be understood as a metaphor. Zeng Dian’s true intention was to suggest that Confucius give up the pursuit of a career in government and instead devote himself to reforming later generations through education. and thus it was his response which was so highly praised by Confucius. The sixth year of Duke Ai of Lu’s reign was the most tumultuous one in the life of Confucius, and it was also a key turning point in the latter part of his life. After traveling around the various states for many years, he was first trapped on the road between Chen and Cai, and then was later unable to obtain an audience with the ruler of Chu, thus coming to realize that finding a lord and practicing government was no longer a viable option. After hearing from the Madman of Chu and Zeng Dian’s metaphorical suggestion (18.7, 11.26), Confucius decided to give up on the practice of government and turn to education instead, rejecting an invitation from Duke Chu of Wei and, after returning home to Lu, never seeking office again. Confucius thus came to spend his later years devoted to writing and compiling, the result being the Five Classics that would have such a great influence on later generations. Because of this, investigating the key points of Analects 11.26’s questions and answers is of great significance.