1月21日

知與行
宋 朱熹 ( 1130~1200 )

知與行，工夫須著並到。
知之愈明，則行之愈篤；行之愈篤，則知之益明。
二者皆不可偏廢。
如人兩足相先後行，便會漸漸行得到。
若一邊軟了，便一步也進不得。
然又須先知得，方行得。所以《大學》先說致知，
《中庸》說知先於仁、勇，而孔子先說「知及之」。
然學問、慎思、明辨、力行，皆不可闕一。

──選自《晦庵集》等

January 21th

Understanding and Practicing
Zhu Xi (1130 - 1200, Song Dynasty)
English translation: Miao Guang

Equal efforts need to be exerted to the enhancement of
understanding and practice. The clearer your understanding,
the more solid your practice is; subsequently, your under-
standing will become even more clear. Neither one can be
done without the other.

Just like two alternating footings, eventually you will
reach your goal; should the momentum of one side weaken,
there will be no progress at all.

You must first attain understanding before you can practice.
For this reason, in the Great Learning, the attainment of
understanding is mentioned first. In the Doctrine of the Mean,
understanding is placed before benevolence and courage.
Confucius stressed that “once understanding is sufficient to
attain,” knowledge, careful reflection, clear discrimination,
and earnest practice will all be complete.

── from Hui'an Ji (Collection from the Dark Hut) and others