3月3日

養心歌
宋 邵雍 ( 1011~1077 )

得歲月，延歲月，得歡悅，且歡悅；
萬事乘除總在天，何必愁腸千萬結。
放心寬，莫量窄，古今興廢如眉列；
金谷繁華眼底塵，淮陰事業鋒頭血。
陶潛籬畔菊花黃，范蠡湖邊蘆絮白；
臨潼會上瞻氣雄，丹陽縣裡簫聲絕。
逍遙且學聖賢心，到此方知滋味別；
粗衣淡飯足家常，養得浮生一世拙。

──選自《邵堯夫先生詩全集》

March 3rd

A Song for Nourishing of the Mind
Shao Yong (1011 - 1077, Song Dynasty)
English translation: Miao Guang

Every year passed is a year of life prolonged; every
occasion of joy multiplies such joy. The ups and
downs in life are always in the hands of heaven*,
so why be tangled up by innumerable worries?

Broaden your mind, and never lessen in magnanimity,
for the successes and abolishments across time are too
numerous to be counted. Wealth and prosperity are
but dusts in the eye; the endeavors of the Marquis of
Huaiyin eventually caused him to bleed by the blade.

Tao Qian sat by the fence and enjoyed the yellow
chrysanthemums, while Fan Li remained at the
riverbank besides the silvery cattails. Heroism was
witnessed at the Lintong Gathering, while melodies of
the flute were silenced in the Danyang Prefecture.

To be carefree, be inspired by the sagely spirits. It is
not until now does one finally taste the difference;
rough clothing and bland food suffice to satisfy one’s
daily needs, and shall provide for a humble life.

── from Shao Yaofu Xiansheng Shi Quanji (Complete Poems of Mister Shao Yaofu)