Caigen Tan “is a collection of quotes on cultivation, life, social interaction, and worldly affairs collected and compiled by Hong Yingming, a Taoist during the early Ming Dynasty. It is a rare and precious treasure. There is an incredible and subtle power to cultivate one’s heart, cultivate one’s character, and nurture one’s morality. Its writing is concise, clear, and elegant, while also incorporating both refined and popular elements. Like a quote, but with an interest that quotes do not possess; Like an essay, but with a refinement that is not easily accessible to essays; Like admonishment, but lacking in the warmth and clarity of admonishment; And there is the scenery of the mountains in the rain, the sound of the bell at night, shining among them. Its words are clear and fragrant, and the wind and moon are boundless.
《菜根谭》是明朝还初道人洪应明收集编著的一部论述修养、人生、处世、出世的语录集，为旷古稀世的奇珍宝训。对于人的正心修身、养性育德，有不可思议的潜移默化的力量。 其文字简炼明隽，兼采雅俗。似语录，而有语录所没有的趣味；似随笔，而有随笔所不易及的整饬；似训诫，而有训诫所缺乏的亲切醒豁；且有雨余山色，夜静钟声，点染其间，其所言清霏有味，风月无边。
《菜根谭》英译（磨练福久、参勘知真）
一苦一乐相磨练，练极而成福者，其福始久；一疑一信相参勘，勘极而成知者，其知始真。
Repeatedly tempering oneself through the interchange of weal and woe enables one to attain long-term happiness. Repeatedly testing and checking in a process of doubt to belief and from belief to doubt enables one to attain true knowledge.
（保罗·怀特 译）
A person should temper himself by repeatedly experiencing both hardship and enjoyment; only in this way and when it has been done to the utmost can the fortune he attains remain long. A person should testify his researches by being open to belief and doubt over and over again; only in this way and after every bit of effort has been made can the knowledge he acquires become true.
（周文标 译）
