太阳之人,居处于于,好言大事,无能而虚说,志发于四野,举措罔顾是非,为事如常自用,虽败而常无
悔,此太阳之人也。
马注∶于于,无事之意。好言大事,无能而虚说,所谓其言之不怍者也。志发于四野者,事不畏人知也。
《左传》云∶裨谌谋于野,则获;谋于室,则否。此才性之蔽,为事如常者,止庸常也。自用者,愚而好自用,
虽败无悔也。
少阳之人, 谛好自贵,有小小官,则高自宣,好为外交,而不内附,此少阳之人也。
马注∶ 谛者,凡事自审也。好自贵,外交而不内附者,妄自尊贵,浮而不实也。
阴阳和平之人,居处安静,无为惧惧,无为欣欣,婉然从物,或与不争,与时变化,尊则谦谦,谭而不
治,是谓至治。
马注∶无为惧惧欣欣者,不因物感而遽喜怒也。尊则谦谦者,位尊而愈谦抑也。谭而不治者,无为而治,
故曰至治,不治之治也。
帝曰∶别人奈何?少师曰∶太阴之人,其状 黑色,念然下意,临临然长大, 然未偻,此太阴之人也。
马注∶ 甚黑,念然下意,即上文下齐湛湛之意也。临临然,长大之貌。其 虽长,直身而不伛偻也。
少阴之人,其状清然窃然,固以阴贼,立而躁 ,行而似伏,此少阴之人也。
马注∶清然者,言貌似清也;窃然者,消沮闭藏之貌。虽曰清然窃然,实以阴险贼害为心,即上所云贼心,
始有此态也。其立
也躁而不静, 则觇望;其行也伏如伛偻,此其内藏沉思反侧之心故耳,较太阴人长大不伛偻为异也。
Individuals with a Taiyang constitution are calm and unhurried in their demeanor, fond of discussing grand affairs, yet lacking ability while indulging in empty talk. Their ambitions are displayed openly in all directions; their actions disregard right and wrong. In handling matters, they persistently rely on their own judgment as usual, and even when defeated, they rarely feel regret. These are individuals with a Taiyang constitution.
Ma Shi’s Commentary: "Yuyu" implies a state of leisurely ease. Being fond of discussing grand affairs while lacking ability and speaking vacuously refers to what is called one who speaks without shame. That their ambitions are displayed in all directions means they do not fear others knowing. The *Zuo Zhuan* states: "Pi Chen succeeds when planning in the open fields but fails when planning indoors." This is a limitation of their talent and nature. Handling matters as usual refers merely to being ordinary. Relying on one's own judgment implies being foolish yet self-opinionated; even if they fail, they do not regret it.
Individuals with a Shaoyang constitution observe things meticulously and value themselves highly. If they hold even a minor official position, they boast loudly about themselves. They prefer external social interactions rather than internal attachment or belonging. These are individuals with a Shaoyang constitution.
Ma Shi’s Commentary: "Di" means carefully examining everything oneself. Valuing oneself highly, engaging externally without internal attachment, indicates arrogant self-praise that is superficial and insubstantial.
Individuals with a Yin-Yang Peaceful constitution live quietly and peacefully. They do not experience sudden fear or joy due to external stimuli. They gently comply with things, do not contend with others, and change with the times. Although honored, they remain humble. Through discourse, they govern without forceful intervention; this is called supreme governance.
Ma Shi’s Commentary: Not experiencing sudden fear or joy due to external stimuli means not reacting immediately with emotions based on external influences. Remaining humble despite high status means becoming more modest as one's position rises. Governing through discourse without forceful intervention is "governing by non-action" (Wu-wei), hence it is called supreme governance—a governance achieved through non-governance.
The Yellow Emperor asked: What about other types? The Minister Shao replied: Individuals with a Taiyin constitution have dark skin, appear low-spirited and submissive, look tall and imposing, yet stand straight without stooping. These are individuals with a Taiyin constitution.
Ma Shi’s Commentary: Dark skin and a low-spirited, submissive appearance correspond to the previously mentioned "submissive and deep" demeanor. "Linlin" describes a tall and imposing appearance. Although tall, their posture is straight and not hunched.
Individuals with a Shaoyin constitution appear aloof and secretive, are stubborn and inherently envious or malicious. When standing, they are restless; when walking, they seem to crouch or shrink. These are individuals with a Shaoyin constitution.
Ma Shi’s Commentary: "Qingran" suggests an outward appearance of aloofness; "Qieran" depicts a demeanor of dejection and concealment. Although appearing aloof and secretive, their hearts harbor阴险 (yinxian - sinister/malicious) thoughts, which aligns with the previously mentioned "treacherous heart," giving rise to such attitudes. Their standing is restless rather than still, and they peek and watch; their walking appears shrunken like a stoop. This is due to their inner minds harboring deep, overthinking, and restless thoughts. This differs from Taiyin individuals, who are tall and straight without stooping.