中庸·第一章 The Mean, Chapter One
Traditionally attributed to Zisi 子思 · Zhou to early Han; division follows Zhu Xi
The complete opening chapter on human nature, private conduct and the fitting expression of feelings.
天命之谓性，率性之谓道，修道之谓教。 tiān mìng zhī wèi xìng, shuài xìng zhī wèi dào, xiū dào zhī wèi jiào.
What heaven bestows is called nature; following that nature is called the Way; cultivating the Way is called teaching.
道也者，不可须臾离也，可离非道也。 dào yě zhě, bù kě xū yú lí yě, kě lí fēi dào yě.
The Way cannot be left for even a moment; what can be left is not the Way.
是故君子戒慎乎其所不睹，恐惧乎其所不闻。 shì gù jūn zǐ jiè shèn hū qí suǒ bù dǔ, kǒng jù hū qí suǒ bù wén.
Therefore a gentleman is watchful about what he does not see and apprehensive about what he does not hear.
莫见乎隐，莫显乎微，故君子慎其独也。 mò xiàn hū yǐn, mò xiǎn hū wēi, gù jūn zǐ shèn qí dú yě.
Nothing shows more clearly than the hidden; nothing is more evident than the minute. Therefore a gentleman takes care when alone.
喜怒哀乐之未发，谓之中；发而皆中节，谓之和。 xǐ nù āi lè zhī wèi fā, wèi zhī zhōng; fā ér jiē zhòng jié, wèi zhī hé.
Before joy, anger, sorrow and pleasure arise, this is called equilibrium; when they arise and all meet their proper measure, this is called harmony.
中也者，天下之大本也；和也者，天下之达道也。 zhōng yě zhě, tiān xià zhī dà běn yě; hé yě zhě, tiān xià zhī dá dào yě.
Equilibrium is the great root of the world; harmony is the Way shared throughout the world.
致中和，天地位焉，万物育焉。 zhì zhōng hé, tiān dì wèi yān, wàn wù yù yān.
Bring equilibrium and harmony to their fullest extent, and heaven and earth take their proper places, while all things grow and flourish.