There is no grudge that cannot be undone; selfish desires need only to be removed.
There is no suffering that cannot be reconciled; clinging needs only to be let go of.
A smile is the most beautiful color in the world; praise is the best sound in the world.
Words of praise are like perfume: even a small drop will fill the air all around.
The voice of admonishment is like a majestic bell: even a small toll will shake the world.
Wealth is not a permanent friend, but friends are permanent wealth.
You are happy and I suffer— there is still joy.
You have and I do not— there is no dispute.
You are right and I am wrong— we have good relations.
You are big and I am small— we are not going to fight.
There is wealth in the world everywhere, but it depends on good deeds, good words and a good heart.
There is auspice in the human world at all times, but it depends on true affection, righteousness and a good aim.
Have a mouth full of good words.
Have a hand full of good deeds.
Have a face full of smiles.
Have a heart full of joy.
The base consider their own faults to be the fault of others: they often blame everyone but themselves.
The virtuous consider others’ faults to be their own fault: they often examine their own conscience and blame themselves.
Conducting oneself should be as noble as mountains; handling life’s affairs should be as fluid as water.
Talking is like shooting an arrow: once a word goes out, you cannot retrieve it; thus, we should be prudent when making statements.
Worries are like weeds: once they take root, you cannot burn them down; thus, we should guard our minds against faults.
Broken things can be restored, but not broken affection and honor; thus, we should treasure friendship.
Lost wealth can be regained, but not time; thus, we should treasure time.
Enthusiasm should follow the Way; bravery should join forces with reason.
A gentle voice is more touching than an splendid song; a cynical tone is a sharp arrow that hurts others as well as self.
Character is built on non-selfishness; success is based on non-opportunism.
We were born with two eyes and ears; thus, we should look and listen more.
We were born with only one mouth; thus, we should talk less.
Language —should be like sunshine and convey a bright view, —should be like a flower and convey fragrant thought, —should be like pure water and convey clear ideas.
Treating others should be gentle like a spring breeze.
Conducting oneself should be pure like a summer lotus.
Disciplining oneself should be rigorous like the autumn air.
Benefiting others should be warm like the winter sun.
In conducting oneself, one should be like a mirror— examining and reflecting upon self constantly, like a suitcase— carried and set down freely at any time, like a notebook— recording merits and demerits continuously, like a candle— shining upon others forever, like a clock— treasuring life every minute and second.
With people and affairs, I should be like water:
—encountering mountains, water turns;
—encountering the coast, water turns;
—encountering rocks, water turns.
No matter whom I encounter, I turn.
I would rather be a flower, spreading sweet air and giving people fragrance.
I would rather be a bridge, linking everyone’s transit and giving people convenience.
I would rather be a tree, protecting thousands of pedestrians and giving cool freshness.
I would rather be a pond, nourishing travelers’ minds and quenching people’s thirst.
I would rather be a lamp, illuminating the road in the darkness and giving people brightness.