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. The general idea of this section is: People must have a broad mind, only by being humble and cautious can they gain true insights; People must be strong and persistent, with a firm will, in order to avoid the temptation of fame and fortune.
《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。本节大意：人一定要有虚怀若谷的胸襟，只有谦虚谨慎才能获得真知灼见；人一定要坚强执著，意志坚定，那样才能不受名利的诱惑。
《菜根谭》（虚心明理、实心却欲）
心不可不虚，虚则义理来居；心不可不实，实则物欲不入。
Man must keep his mind wide open, so that righteousness can take up its dwelling there. At the same time, one must keep one’s mind substantially filled, so that it can block the inroads of endless desires for material comforts.
（保罗·怀特 译）
The heart should be made open to conviction so that righteousness will put down its roots there. Meanwhile, it should also be made solid so that material desires can not penetrate.
（周文标 译）
