中国传统法律文化中的“水”

“Water” in Traditional Chinese Legal Culture

摘要: 本研究旨在考释“灋”当中的“水”，以及针对多位学者对许慎在《说文解字》当中关乎“水”的释义进行论辩。在本研究当中提出了中国传统法律文化下的“水”实则富含意义，具体表现在了“灋”字本身，推及至当代，纵使“灋”不再使用，而使用更为简单的“法”，其仍存有灋之部件“水”的意涵。本研究不仅通过“灋”进行说明，还以“經”字进行论证。“經”与“水”仍有不可分离之关系，即“巠”这一部件与“水脉”有关，而“經”也具备“水”之特性，所谓“经世济民”之“经世”，治理国家与人民，无论是国家层面还是人民层面都要有所“兼容”、“适应”，从治水到治民再到治国。

Abstract: This study aims to explore the interpretation of “water” within the character “灋(fǎ)” and engage in a scholarly debate surrounding Xu Shen’s explanation of “water” in the Shuowen Jiezi. This research proposes that “water” in the context of traditional Chinese legal culture is profoundly significant, particularly as reflected in the character “灋(fǎ)” itself. Even though the character “灋(fǎ)” has been replaced by the simpler “法(fǎ)” in contemporary usage, the component “water” within “灋(fǎ)” retains its meaning. This study not only elucidates this through the character “灋(fǎ)” but also substantiates it with the character “經” (jīng). The relationship between “經(jīng)” and “water” is inseparable, as the component “巠(jīng)” is related to water veins. “經(jīng)” embodies the characteristics of water, exemplified by the phrase “经世济民” (governing the world and benefiting the people), where “经世” (governing the world) implies that the governance of the state and the people, at both the national and individual levels, must embrace “inclusiveness” and “adaptability”, drawing a parallel from managing water to managing people and ultimately governing the state.