鐔津文集 12.18

12.18

All phenomena between heaven and earth / Possess both turbidity and purity. / When purity alone moves people, / People become upright. / When turbidity alone moves people, / People fall into disorder. / Only through purity and uprightness / Do you cultivate your virtue; / Only through turbidity and disorder / Do you nurture your vices. / Reflect on this, O gentlemen: / Choose where you dwell in your time! / Be cautious, O gentlemen: / Be prudent in what you enjoy in your time! / Your veranda is bright; / Your scenery is pure. / There are lofty mountains, / By which feelings can be unfolded; / There are glistening waters, / In which hat-strings can be washed. / Once your intention is cleansed, / Once your spirit is purified, / Only purity and cleanliness / Constitute supreme ease. / Do not deem the veranda humble, / For here is fine appreciation; / Do not dismiss it as external things, / For here is spiritual encouragement. / Purity and the veranda / Are what the Dao avails itself of. / Capable of diligent purpose: / That is the Superior Man! (In the original collection the name was not recorded, which is questionable; here referring to him as Gaoshi merely lodges an intended meaning.)