A Plain Translation of "The Root of Vegetables in Plain Language" and "Fleeting Dreams and Lasting Shadows"

Author: Hong Yingming
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-10-01
Features: [Excerpt:] Conceal cleverness in clumsiness, use obscurity to reveal clarity, embed purity in turbidity, and take yielding as extension. This is indeed a pot for engaging with the world and a cave for hiding oneself. [Explanation:] To hide one's intelligence and wisdom in seemingly foolish words and deeds, to cover one's sharpness with a facade of ignorance, to conceal one's inner integrity in amiable and vague behavior, and to treat everything with patience and humility as a principle for asserting one's will. If these can be achieved, it is equivalent to mastering the art of navigating the world and finding a safe retreat for preserving oneself. The signs of decline are present in fullness, and the seeds of transformation arise in desolation. Therefore, a noble person should remain vigilant in prosperity and persevere with patience in adversity. [Explanation:] Generally, the signs of decline and decay appear in times of prosperity, and the seeds of transformation and vitality emerge in times of decline. Thus, a person of high cultivation should maintain a clear mind in times of peace to prevent future troubles and possess unwavering perseverance when facing adversity to seize opportunities for success. Those who marvel at the extraordinary lack vision; those who rigidly adhere to self-righteousness lack enduring virtue. [Explanation:] A person who is only interested in pursuing novelty and strangeness without exploring the essence of ordinary things is certainly one without far-sightedness and shallow knowledge. A self-righteous person who clings to moral integrity and acts alone finds it difficult to maintain such virtue permanently. When anger and desire are at their fiercest, one knows it is wrong yet cannot control it. Who is it that knows it is wrong? Who is it that cannot control it? If one can suddenly awaken and restrain such actions at this critical moment, the fierce demon becomes a benevolent deity. [Explanation:] When anger burns like a wildfire and desires bubble like boiling water, one clearly knows that such actions are wrong yet often cannot control them. Then who is it that knows it is wrong? Who is it that cannot control it? If one can awaken and restrain such actions at this pivotal moment, the fierce demon becomes a benevolent deity. [Explanation:] Those who are already content in every way are like a water jar almost full but not yet overflowing— add another drop, or it will overflow. Those in perilous situations are like a tree about to break but not yet broken— add another strain, or it will snap immediately. [Explanation:] Observe people with a calm eye, listen to words with a calm ear, feel with a calm heart, and think with a calm mind. [Explanation:] To observe others' actions with a calm gaze, listen to others' words with a calm ear, process perceptions with a calm heart, and contemplate the truth of things with a calm mind. [Explanation:] A benevolent person's heart is broad and relaxed, bringing them abundant blessings and long-lasting joy, and they exude a magnanimous and composed demeanor in all things. A petty person's thoughts are rushed and narrow, leading to meager rewards and fleeting happiness, and they reveal a greedy and selfish nature in everything they do. [Explanation:] When hearing of others' faults or bad deeds, do not immediately develop aversion without investigation, as it may be the result of malicious slander. When hearing of others' good deeds or virtuous actions, do not immediately trust or favor them without careful observation, as it may be a ploy by those with ulterior motives to gain favor. [Explanation:] A person with a restless nature and rough heart achieves nothing, while a person with a calm and composed mind attracts abundant blessings and accomplishments. [Explanation:] When employing people, do not be harsh, for harshness drives away those who wish to serve. When making friends, do not be indiscriminate, for indiscriminate friendships attract flatterers. [Explanation:] When the wind is slanting and the rain is fierce, one must stand firm. When flowers are lush and willows are vibrant, one must maintain a high perspective. When the path is perilous and the way is treacherous, one must turn back early. [Explanation:] In times of turbulent change, one must have unwavering faith and stand firm amidst the storms. In places filled with beautiful women, one must maintain a clear vision and resist the allure of temptation. In critical situations, one must act decisively and retreat without hesitation. [Explanation:] A person of integrity should temper their nature with harmony, avoiding conflicts. A person of achievement should uphold humility, avoiding jealousy. [Explanation:] A person of integrity should regulate their temperament with a harmonious heart, avoiding extremism and disputes. A person of achievement should maintain humility and kindness, avoiding provoking jealousy. [Explanation:] A scholar in office should not be too inaccessible, as this discourages opportunistic seekers. A scholar in the countryside should not be too aloof, as this distances old friends. [Explanation:] A scholar in office should handle requests with restraint, maintaining a dignified and serious demeanor to deter opportunists. A scholar in the countryside should be approachable and amiable to foster bonds with neighbors and old friends. [Explanation:] One must respect the noble and the common alike. Respecting the noble prevents arrogance, and respecting the common prevents tyranny. [Explanation:] When facing setbacks, think of those less fortunate, and resentment will fade. When feeling complacent, think of those superior to you, and your spirit will be rejuvenated. [Explanation:] Do not make promises lightly in joy, nor lose patience in anger, nor engage in excess in triumph, nor abandon tasks in fatigue. [Explanation:] A person who reads well reads until they are moved to dance, avoiding mere memorization. A person who observes well observes until their heart and mind are in harmony, avoiding superficiality. [Explanation:] Heaven bestows wisdom on one to enlighten the ignorant, yet the world often shows off strengths to highlight others' weaknesses. Heaven bestows wealth on one to help the needy, yet the world often uses wealth to oppress the poor. Such people are indeed the scum of humanity and the sinners of heaven, defying divine will with their great sins! [Explanation:] The truly wise are free from thoughts and worries, while the foolish are ignorant and unaware. Both can be discussed with in matters of learning and achievement. Only the mediocre, with their thoughts and knowledge, often doubt and hesitate, making it difficult to achieve success in anything. [Explanation:] The mouth is the gate of the heart; guard it not well, and you will reveal all its secrets. The mind is the foot of the heart; guard it not well, and you will stray into evil paths. [Explanation:] When blaming others, seek no fault where none exists, and the situation will be fair. When blaming oneself, seek fault even where none exists, and virtue will advance. [Explanation:] Be generous to others, forgiving their faults as if they were nonexistent, and they will remain calm and reform. Be strict with yourself, examining your actions for faults even when none are apparent, and your virtue will improve.