From A Chinese Garden of Serenity, Epigrams from the Ming Dynasty 'Discourses on Vegetable Roots' (1959), translated by Chao Tze-chiang:
When a man of insight appreciates the music of a lyre, calligraphy, poetry, or painting, he nurtures his mind with them; but a worldly man delights only in their physical appeals. When a noble-minded man appreciates mountains, rivers, clouds, or other natural objects, he develops his wisdom with them; but a vulgar man finds pleasure only in their apparent splendor. So we know that things have no fixed attribute. Whether they are noble or ignoble depends upon one's understanding.
Add new tag, Garden of Serenity, Quote of the DayFrom A Chinese Garden of Serenity, Epigrams from the Ming Dynasty ‘Discourses on Vegetable Roots’ (1959), translated by Chao Tze-chiang:
Natural scenery—such as the azure mists on the hills, the ripples on the water, the shadow of a cloud on a pond, the hazy gleams among the grass, the expressions of blossoms under the moon, or the graceful manners of willows in the wind, all of which are existent and yet non-existent, half real and half unreal—is most agreeable to the human heart and most inspiring to the human soul. Such vistas are the wonder of wonders in the universe.
Add new tag, Garden of Serenity