回歸新解 / Return to Hong Kong: Another Reading

回歸新解 （節選）	Return to Hong Kong: Another Reading (excerpt)
程步奎	Cheng Bu-kuei
中國人說緣份，是解釋人生境遇到了智窮之時，推諉給終級動因的託辭，並非宿命論，反倒是愜意溫馨。 說我和香港有緣，不但是說我喜歡香港，而且還有超乎個人喜好的不可知的外力，因此，我來香港城市大學，也就似乎冥冥中自有天意。 “天時地利人和”進行了一次轉化的創造，不禁使我緬想，到城市大學來推展中國文化科目，是不是“天之將降大任於斯人也”？辛苦大概是難免了，但既是天意與緣份，也倒開心。	Destiny has been the final reason the Chinese would cite when they are at a loss how to explain certain circumstances in their lives. Instead of fatalism, here destiny conveys a rather tender feeling of satisfaction. By “predestined for Hong Kong”, I mean that not only do I like the place but some unknown external power far beyond my own preference plays a role, too. So it seems that, in the unseen world, Heaven’s will has decided that I should come to City University of Hong Kong. Thus, a blend of “the right time, right place, and right people” has created a big change for me. This cannot but make me wonder whether my given task of launching the Chinese Civilisation programme at CityU is a sign that “Heaven is about to place a great responsibility” upon me. Hard work is almost sure but, since Heaven or destiny has willed it, I would rather enjoy it. (Translated by Allen Zhuang)
(源文載《明報月刊》1999年11月號，頁99 / Source text was published in Ming Pao Monthly November 1999 issue, p 99)