余力学文 Learning literature &art afterwards

不力行。但学文。长浮华。成何人。
If I do not actively practice what I have learned, but only study on the surface, it would all be ostentatious even though my knowledge is increasing. What kind of person will I be?

但力行。不学文。任己见。昧理真。
If I do apply my knowledge diligently, but stop studying, I will only do things based on my own opinion, ignoring the truths and facts.

读书法。有三到。心眼口。信皆要。
There are methods to study correctly. They involve concentration in three areas: my mind, my eyes and my mouth. To believe in what I am studying is equally important.

方读此。勿慕彼。此未终。彼勿起。
When I begin to read a book, I will not think about other things. If I have not completed a book, I will not start to read another.

宽为限。紧用功。工夫到。滞塞通。
I will give myself lots of time to study, and I will be diligent. If I devote enough time and effort, I will thoroughly understand what I am learning.

心有疑。随札记。就人问。求确义。
If I am in doubt, I will make a note of it. I will ask people with knowledge in this particular area to find correct answers or explanations.

房室清。墙壁净。几案洁。笔砚正。
I will keep my room neat, my walls uncluttered and clean; my desk tidy and my brush and inkstone properly placed.

墨磨偏。心不端。字不敬。心先病。
If my ink block is ground tilted to one side, it shows I have a poor state of mind. When my words are written carelessly without showing respect, it then reveals my unwell state of mind.

列典籍。有定处。读看毕。还原处。
My books should be classified, placed on the book shelves in their proper places. After I finish reading a book, I will put it back in its right place where it belongs.

虽有急。卷束齐。有缺坏。就补之。
Even if I am in a hurry, I still must neatly roll up and bind the open bamboo scroll I have been reading. All missing or damaged pages ought to be immediately repaired.

非圣书。屏勿视。蔽聪明。坏心志。
If it is not a book on the teachings of the saints and sages, it should be discarded and not even looked at, such books can block my wisdom, and will undermine my aspirations and sense of direction.

勿自暴。勿自弃。圣与贤。可驯致。
Neither be too harsh on myself, nor give up on myself. To be a person of high ideals, moral standards, and virtues is something we can all accomplish in time.