Ch1-1-1(神的二性性相與被造世界)

第一章 創造原理Chapter 1 The Principle of Creation

經過漫長的歷史期間，人類為了解決人生與宇宙的根本問題，一直陷於苦悶中。但是，至今尚未有一人能給予我們滿意的解答。
Throughout history, people have anguished over the fundamental questions of human life and the universe without arriving at satisfying answers.
這是因為不明瞭原本人與宇宙是如何被創造的根本原理之故。
This is because no one has understood the root principle by which humanity and the universe were originally created.
要好好地處理這個問題, 光是研究結果性的存在是不夠的，
To approach this topic properly, it is not enough to examine resultant reality.
更根本的是關於原因性存在的問題。
The fundamental question is that of the causal reality.
關於人的生命與宇宙的問題，若是沒有先了解創造他們的神為如何之存在，是無法解決的。
Problems concerning human life and the universe cannot be solved without first understanding the nature of God.
本章(創造原理)將廣泛地論及此根本問題
This chapter deals extensively with these questions.

第一節 神的二性性相與被造世界
Section 1 The Dual Characteristics of God and the Created Universe

（一）神的二性性相1.1 The Dual Characteristics of God
我們如何才能瞭解無形存在之神的神性呢？
How can we know the divine nature of the invisible God?
只要觀察被造世界就能明瞭。
One way to fathom His deity is by observing the universe which He created.
所以，保羅說「自從造天地以來，神的永能和神性是明明可知的，雖是眼不能見，但藉著所造之物，就可以曉得，叫人無可推諉」（羅一．２０）。
Thus, St. Paul said: Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. -Rom. 1:20CEV|KJ|NI
如同一切作品是看不見之作者稟性的實體展開，
Just as a work of art displays the invisible nature of its maker in a concrete form,
森羅萬象的被造世界，也是創造它的神將祂不可見的神性，當作實體對象展開的。
everything in the created universe is a substantial manifestation of some quality of the Creator's invisible, divine nature. As such, each stands in a relationship to God.
因此，如同通過作品就能明瞭作者的稟性一般，
Just as we can come to know the character of an artist through his works,
觀察被造萬物就可明瞭神的神性。
so we can understand the nature of God by observing the diverse things of creation.
為了要明瞭神的神性，讓我們來探求普遍存在於被造世界的共通事實。
Let us begin by pointing out the common elements which are found universally throughout the natural world.
一切存在，無論何物，不僅在其自體內，與別的存在之間，也都以陽性與陰性的二性性相，結合相對的關係方能存在。
Every entity possesses dual characteristics of yang (masculinity) and yin (femininity)
and comes into existence only when these characteristics have formed reciprocal relationships,
both within the entity and between it and other entities.


舉例來說，在今天，被認為物質之根本構成要素的基本粒子，也都具有陽性、陰性，或陽性與陰性中和之中性。
For example, subatomic particles, the basic building blocks of all matter, possess either a positive charge, a negative charge or a neutral charge formed by the neutralization of positive and negative constituents.
它們以二性性相結合相對的關係形成原子。
When particles join with each other through the reciprocal relationships of their dual characteristics, they form an atom.
而且，原子也帶有陽性或陰性，他們也以二性性相結合相對的關係，形成物質的分子。
Atoms, in turn, display either a positive or a negative valence. When the dual characteristics within one atom enter into reciprocal relationships with those in another atom, they form a molecule.
如此形成的物質，再互相以二性性相的相對關係，被植物或動物吸收成為營養。
Molecules formed in this manner engage in further reciprocal relationships between their dual characteristics to eventually become nourishment fit for consumption by plants and animals.
所有的植物又各自以雄蕊與雌蕊存續，
Plants propagate by means of stamen and pistil.
所有的動物各自以雄雌繁殖生存。
Animals multiply and maintain their species through the relationship between males and females.
神創造男性亞當後，說「那人獨居不好」（創二．１８），
According to the Bible, after God created Adam, He saw that it was not good for the man to live alone.1(Gen. 2:18)CEV|KJ|NI
又創造了當作其對象的女性夏娃後，方認為「甚好」６（創一．３１）。
Only after God created Eve as Adam's female counterpart did He declare that His creations were "very good."2(Gen. 1.31)CEV|KJ|NI
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同時，如同電解後的陽離子與陰離子各自以質子與電子結合形成一般，
Even though atoms become positive or negative ions after ionization, each still consists of a positive nucleus and negative electrons in stable unity.
雄蕊與雌蕊，或雄與雌也各在其自體內結合陽性與陰性二性性相的相對關係存在著。
Similarly, each animal, whether male or female, maintains its life through the reciprocal relationships of yang and yin elements within itself. The same holds true for every plant.
就人而言，在男性內，潛在有女性性相；而在女性內，也潛在有男性性相。
In people, a feminine nature is found latent in men and a masculine nature is found latent in women.
不僅如此，森羅萬象的存在樣相皆為相對的，
Moreover, every creation exists with correlative aspects:
如表裡、內外、前後、左右、高低、強弱、抑揚、長短、廣狹、東西、南北等，
inside and outside, internal and external, front and rear, right and left, up and down, high and low, strong and weak, rising and falling, long and short, wide and narrow, east and west, north and south, etc.
這是因為一切被造物，皆被創造為必須以二性性相的相對關係互相維持存在的緣故。
The reason for this is that everything is created to exist through the reciprocal relationships of dual characteristics.
如此，我們就可以了解，一切存在均以陽性與陰性二性性相的相對關係維持存在的事實。
Thus, we can understand that everything requires for its existence a reciprocal relationship between the dual characteristics of yang and yin.
然而，我們必須明瞭，形成一切存在之更根本的另一面二性性相的相對關係。
However, there is another pair of dual characteristics in reciprocal relationship which are even more fundamental to existence than the dual characteristics of yang and yin.
凡存在者，都具有內性與外形。
Every entity possesses both an outer form and an inner quality.
並且，其可見的外形相似於不可見之內性。
The visible outer form resembles the invisible inner quality.
內性雖然是眼睛看不到，但因它持有某種樣相，因此，相似於它的外形，即以眼睛可見之某一樣相顯現出來。
The inner quality, though invisible, possesses a certain structure which is manifested visibly in the particular outer form.
我們稱此內性為性相，而稱此外形為形狀。
The inner quality is called internal nature, and the outer form or shape is called external form.
不過，由於性相與形狀是表現同一存在的相對兩面，
Since internal nature and external form refer to corresponding inner and outer aspects of the same entity,
因此，也可把形狀稱為第二的性相。
the external form may also be understood as a second internal nature.
總合性相與形狀兩者，稱為二性性相。
Therefore, the internal nature and external form together constitute dual characteristics.


Let us take human beings as an example.
讓我們以人作為例子來說明。
A human being is composed of an outer form, the body, and an inner quality, the mind.
人是由稱為體的外形與稱為心的內性所構成的。
The body is a visible reflection of the invisible mind.
可見的體，相似於看不見的心；
Because the mind possesses a certain structure,
因為心持有某一結構/姿態，
the body which reflects it also takes on a particular appearance.
因此，相似於心的體也持有某一特定的外形。
This is the idea behind a person's character and destiny being perceived through examining his outward appearance by such methods as physiognomy or palm reading.
這就是由面相或手相等外貌，判斷看不見的心或命運所持的根據。
Here, mind is the internal nature and body is the external form.
我們稱心為性相，體為形狀。
Mind and body are two correlative aspects of a human being;
心與體皆為同一人的相對兩面，
hence, the body may be understood as a second mind.
因此，也可把體稱為第二個心，
Together, they constitute the dual characteristics of a human being.
人的二性性相也是這樣構成的。
Similarly, all beings exist through the reciprocal relationships between their dual characteristics of internal nature and external form.
同樣的, 一切存在，都是藉著性相與形狀之二性性相的相對關係而存在的。


What is the relationship between internal nature and external form?
性相與形狀之間具有怎樣的關係呢？
The internal nature is intangible and causal, and stands in the position of a subject partner to the external form;
無形之內的性相成為原因，站在主體的立場；而形狀即成為有形之外的結果，站在對象的立場。
the external form is tangible, resultant, and stands in the position of an object partner to the internal nature.
在一個體內的這種主體與對象的相互關係包括:
The mutual relationships between these two aspects of an entity include:
內與外，原因與結果，主體與對象，縱與橫等相對關係。
internal and external, cause and result, subject partner and object partner, vertical and horizontal.
再以人為例來說明，心與體各相當於性相與形狀，
Let us again use the example of a human being, whose mind and body are his internal nature and external form, respectively.
體不僅相似於心，並按照心的命令，或動或靜，人即指向著其目的維持生命。
The body resembles the mind and moves according to its commands in such a way as to sustain life and pursue the mind's purposes.
所以，心與體持有內與外，原因與結果，主體與對象，縱與橫等相對關係。
Mind and body thus have a mutual relationship of internal and external, cause and result, subject partner and object partner, vertical and horizontal.
同樣的, 所有被造物，雖然曾次錯綜複雜，
Similarly, all created beings, regardless of their level of complexity,
但都持有無形的性相，即相當於人的心, 和有形的形狀, 即相當於人的體.
possess an intangible internal nature, which corresponds to the human mind, and a tangible external form, which corresponds to the human body.
在任何一種當中, 這內的性相成為原因或主體，支配著外的形狀.
Within each being, the internal nature, which is causal and subject, commands the external form.
而這種關係讓每一個性體成為持有某種目的性之神的被造物而存在著。
This relationship allows the individual being to exist and function purposefully as a creation of God.
動物之所以生存和活動, 和人一樣, 他們的肉體也是被他們的心所引導, 使肉體為了某一目的而行動。
Animals live and move because their bodies are directed by an internal faculty corresponding to the human mind, which endows them with a certain purpose.
植物也有這種性相部份，作如同人心一般的作用，使個體維持有機性機能。
Plants maintain their organic functions by virtue of their internal nature, which also operates like the human mind in some respects.


不僅如此，人要彼此結合，是因為每個人中都有想要互相結合的心。
The human mind imparts to every person a natural inclination to join with others in harmony.
同樣地，陽離子與陰離子能夠結合成為某種物質，
Likewise, positive ions and negative ions come together to form particular molecules,
也是因為在兩種離子中，各有指向以形成分子為目的之某種性相部份的緣故。
because within every one of them exists a rudimentary internal nature that guides them toward that end.
電子以質子為中心轉動而形成原子，
Electrons assemble around nuclei to form atoms
這也是因為在二者之間，各有以指向形成原子為目的之性相部份的緣故。
because they possess an attribute of internal nature which directs them toward that purpose.
今日的科學，認為構成原子的基本粒子是由能量形成。
According to modern science, all particles that constitute atoms are made up of energy.
這能量為了形成基本粒子，就必須在能量自體中，具有指向以形成基本粒子為目的之性相部份。
For energy to form particles, it, too, must possess an internal nature which directs it to assume specific forms.
那麼，再進一步，我們即不得不探求使具備性相與形狀的能量存在，且成為一切存在界之窮極原因的某一存在。
Probing deeper still, we search for the Ultimate Cause which brought this energy, with its elements of internal nature and external form, into existence.
此存在將是宇宙萬物中一切存在的第一原因，
This being would be the First Cause of all the myriad things in the universe.
作為第一原因, 此存在必須具備性相與形狀之二性性相,
As the First Cause, it must also possess the dual characteristics of internal nature and external form,
而站立在形成所有萬物之主體性性相與形狀的位置。
which stand in the position of subject partner to the internal natures and external forms of all beings.
我們將此存在界的第一原因稱為神，
We call this First Cause of the universe God,
並將神的性相與形狀，稱為本性相與本形狀。
and we call God's internal nature and external form the original internal nature and original external form.
如保羅所指出的，由探求一切被造物內普遍具有的共通事實，我們就可以了解神性,
As St. Paul indicated, by investigating characteristics that are universally present in the diverse things of creation, we can come to know the nature of God:
我們即瞭解神就是本性相與本形狀之二性性相的中和主體，並且是一切存在界的第一原因。
God is the First Cause of the entire universe and its subject partner, having the harmonious dual characteristics of original internal nature and original external form.



我們已說明一切存在都是藉著陽性與陰性之二性性相的相對關係而存在之事實。
We have already mentioned that entities require for their existence the reciprocal relationship between the dual characteristics of yang and yin.
因此，以森羅萬象之第一原因臨在的神，也必是藉著陽性與陰性之二性性相的相對關係存在著，這是必然的結論。
It is only natural to surmise that God, the First Cause of all things, also exists based on the reciprocal relationship between His dual characteristics of yang and yin.
通過創世記第一章節「神就照著自己的形像造人，乃是照著他的形像造男造女」的記載，我們亦可明瞭神是以陽性與陰性二性性相的中和主體和諧存在之事實。
The verse "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them"3(Gen. 1:27)CEV|KJ|NI supports the idea that God, as the subject partner, has dual characteristics of yang and yin in perfect harmony.
那麼，性相形狀的二性性相與陽性陰性的二性性相之間，又有什麼關係呢？
What is the relationship between the dual characteristics of internal nature and external form and the dual characteristics of yang and yin?
原本，神的本性相與本形狀，各具有本陽性與本陰性的相對關係，
God's original internal nature and original external form each contain the mutual relationship of original yang and original yin.
因此，神的本陽性與本陰性即各為本性相與本形狀的屬性。
Therefore, original yang and original yin are attributes of original internal nature and original external form.
陽性與陰性之間的關係相似於性相與形狀之間的關係。
The relationship between yang and yin is similar to that which exists between internal nature and external form.
陽性與陰性具有以下內與外、原因與結果、主體與對象，或縱與橫的相對關係:
Yang and yin thus have the following mutual relationships: internal and external, cause and result, subject partner and object partner, vertical and horizontal.
基於這個理由, 聖經創世紀記載著: 神取下男人亞當的肋骨，創造女人夏娃當作他的對象（創二．２２）
For this reason, it is written in Genesis that God took a rib from the man, Adam, and created a woman, Eve,
to be his helper.4(Gen. 2.22)CEV|KJ|NI
既然這樣, 我們就把神的陽性與陰性，各稱為男性與女性。
In this case, the yang and yin of God were manifested in masculinity and femininity.


以神為中心完成的被造世界，正如同以心為中心完成的一個人一樣，
A human being attains perfection when he centers his life on his mind; likewise, the creation becomes complete only when God stands as its center.
因此, 只有當這個宇宙完全按照神的創造目的而或動或靜時, 才是一個完全的有機體。
Hence, the universe is a perfect organic body that moves only according to God's purpose of creation.
而此有機體也須具備性相與形狀，
As one organic body, the universe should exist in a relationship of internal nature and external form,
其性相的存在就是神，其形狀的存在就是被造世界。
with God as the internal nature and the created universe as the external form.
神把立於被造世界中心的人當作神的形狀（創一．２７）的理由亦在此。
For this reason it is written in the Bible that human beings, who are the center of the universe, are created in the image of God.5(Gen. 1.27)CEV|KJ|NI
神是以性相的男性格主體存在，
Because God exists as the subject partner having the qualities of internal nature and masculinity,
因此，當作對象而創造了形狀的被造世界。
He created the universe as His object partner with the qualities of external form and femininity.
哥林多前書十一章７節的聖句「男人是神的形像與榮耀」即證實了此原理。
All of this is supported by the Bible verse which states, "man . . . is the image and glory of God."6(I Cor. 11.7)CEV|KJ|NI
因為神是性相的男性格主體，因此，我們稱神為父，以表示其格位。
In recognition of God's position as the internal and masculine subject partner, we call Him "Our Father."
總結上述內容，就可明瞭神是本性相與本形狀之二性性相的和諧的中和主體，
In summary, God is the Subject in whom the dual characteristics of original internal nature and original external form are in harmony.
同時，也是本性相的男性與本形狀的女性之二性性相的和諧的中和的主體，
At the same time, God is the harmonious union of masculinity and femininity, which manifest the qualities of original internal nature and original external form, respectively.
而對於被造世界，神是以性相的男性格主體臨在之事實。
In relation to the universe, God is the subject partner having the qualities of internal nature and masculinity.