《中庸》 The Doctrine of Mean
天命之谓性 What Heaven has conferred is called the True Nature
率性之谓道 an accordance with this True Nature is called the Tao
修道之谓教 cultivation of the Tao is called the teachings
道也者 Tao
不可须臾离也 cannot leave, even for an instant
可离 非道也 If it can leave, then it is not the Tao
是故君子 Therefore, noble persons
戒慎乎其所不睹 are cautious even when they are not seen
恐惧乎其所不闻 are vigilant even when they are not heard
莫见乎隐 莫显乎微 Inner thoughts are shown through observable actions
故君子慎其独也 Therefore, noble persons are conscientious even when alone
喜怒哀乐之未发 Before feelings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, or joy arise
谓之中 this state is called the Mean
发而皆中节 When feelings have arose but stay within reasonable limits
谓之和 this state is called the Harmony
中也者 This Mean
天下之大本也 is the great root of all things in the world
和也者 This Harmony
天下之达道也 is the path to Tao for all things in the world
致中和天地位焉 When Mean and Harmony are reached, all things will be in order
万物育焉 and all things in the world will grow and flourish
忠义济世圣贤行谊 Loyalty and justice are the world-saving ways of the saints
皆反求自己 all saints are introspective
中庸本体 一个诚字 Sincerity is the essence of the Doctrine of Mean
道尽了真义 a complete expression of its true meaning
诚则明矣 明则诚矣 Sincerity precedes clarity, clarity precedes sincerity
不诚无物矣 Without sincerity, nothing exists
不偏不倚 无过不及 Not partial or inclined, not excessive or deficient
心不牵系 万民安怡 An unattached heart leads to a peaceful stability for all
孝敬父母友兄弟 Filial respect toward parents, amity toward siblings
克己复礼非朝夕 Self-discipline and propriety are not attained in a day
道德谨记先正己 Bear morality in mind, focus first on self-rectification
勿忘洁矩将心比 Do not forget empathy
继志善述忠义表 Continue past aspirations, exemplify loyalty and justice
千古不易至诚矣 Utmost sincerity is realized by an unwavering fidelity