12月1日

本箴
明 王錫爵 ( 1534~1614 )

孝悌為立身之本，忠恕為存心之本，
立志為進修之本，讀書為起家之本，
嚴肅為正家之本，勤儉為保家之本，
寡欲為養身之本，慎言為遠害之本，
節欲為卻病之本，清謹為當官之本，
謹厚為待人之本，擇友為取益之本，
虛心為受教之本，自修為止謗之本，
凝重為受福之本，一經為教子之本，
積善為裕後之本，方便為處事之本，
權宜為應變之本，膽略為任事之本，
實勝為得名之本，聖賢以心地為本，
君子專力於務本。

──選自《格言聯璧》

December 1

Foundations: Some Admonitions
Wang Xijue (1534 - 1614, Ming Dynasty)
English translation: John Balcom

Filial piety is the foundation for establishing self.
Loyalty and kind heartedness are the foundation of intention.
Resolve is the foundation for engaging in advanced studies.
Reading is the foundation for starting a family.
Hard work and thrift are the foundation
    for maintaining one's family.
Having few desires is the foundation
    for keeping out of harm's way.
Controlling one's desires is the foundation
    for getting rid of illness.
Honesty and prudence are the foundation of being an official.
Kindness is the foundation for the treatment of the people.
Choosing good friends is the foundation for gaining benefit.
Modesty is the foundation for receiving instruction.
Self-cultivation is the foundation for stopping slander.
Shouldering responsibility is the foundation
    for receiving blessings.
One sutra is the foundation for a child's education.
Storing good deeds is the foundation
    for enriching one's offspring.
Convenience is the foundation for handling affairs.
Expediency is the foundation for meeting contingencies.
Courage and strategy are the foundations for holding a post.
Real victory is the foundation for gaining force.
Saints and sages use the mind as their foundation;
The gentleman focuses his energies on these foundations.

── from Geyan Lianbi (Aphorisms and Apothegms)