《菜根谭》是明朝还初道人洪应明收集编著的儒家经典，是一部论述修养、人生、处世、出世的语录集。其文字简炼明隽，兼采雅俗，言辞中流露出山林意趣，渗透着万物一体的世界观。开出的处世之方偏重心态和人事，悟虚妄真实之理，指出贫富、尊卑、穷达因为心念使善恶、祸福相互转换，告诫世人及时转念，戒贪少欲，取中庸之道。著作前后内容和深度有所不同，反映出了不同的阅历和境界。
Caigen Tan “is a Confucian classic collected and compiled by Hong Yingming, a Taoist during the early Ming Dynasty. It is a collection of sayings discussing cultivation, life, social interactions, and worldly affairs. His writing is concise, clear, and elegant, with a blend of elegance and vulgarity. His words reveal the charm of mountains and forests, permeating the worldview of the unity of all things. The way of dealing with the world emphasized on mentality and human affairs, realizing the truth of falsehood, pointing out that wealth, hierarchy, and poverty can be transformed into good and evil, as well as good and bad, due to the mindset. It warned people to change their mindset in a timely manner, avoid greed and desires, and take the middle way. The content and depth of the work differ before and after, reflecting different experiences and realms.
《菜根谭》（舍己勿疑、施恩勿报）
舍己毋处其疑，处其疑即所舍之志多愧矣；施人毋责其报，责其报并所施之心俱非矣。
In making a sacrifice, it is important not to have an indecisive mind. Such a mind can inflict a great deal of shame on your spirit of self-sacrifice. When bestowing alms do not expect any return from the recipient—that would only spoil your original charitable heart.
（保罗·怀特 译）
The one who is determined to sacrifice his own interests should not hesitate about doing so, for hesitation brings shames on him even if he has the intention of self-sacrifice. The one who is going to bestow favors onto others should not anticipate return, for anticipation for return distorts both charity and benefaction.
（周文标 译）
In sacrificing yourself, do not hesitate; if you do, your selflessness will be compromised. In bestowing favours, do not ask for a return; if you do, your generosity will be no longer what it is.
（蒋坚松 译）
