Doctrine of the Golden Mean
The Doctrine of the Mean (中庸, py Zhōngyōng) is one of the Four Books, part of the confucean canonical scriptures.
Like the Great Learning, it is now part of the Records of Rites. It is said to be a composition by Confucius' grandson Kong Ji (孔伋), called Zisi (子思).
The purpose of this small 23 chapter book is to demonstrate the usefulness of a golden way to gain perfect virtue. If focuses on the "way" (dao, 道) that is prescribed by a heavenly mandate not only to the ruler but to everyone. To follow these heavenly instruction by learning and teaching will automatically result in a Confucian virtue. Because Heaven has laid down what is the way to perfect virtue, it is not this difficult to follow the steps of the holy rulers of old if one only knows what is the right way.
中庸, Zhong yong, is also translated as:
