Selected Verses from Caigentan, Reflections on Vegetable Roots 菜根譚

Simple roots and greens, quiet by the water—reflections on living with humility, patience, and inner strength.

In this post, I’ve gathered a few selected verses from Reflections on Vegetable Roots (菜根譚) that felt meaningful to me. I hope they offer gentle guidance and maybe even a small moment of clarity as you continue on your own path.

Here is the playlist of videos.

The wind passes through a bamboo grove. When it’s gone, no sound remains. Geese fly over a winter pond. When they’re gone, no reflection remains. Thus, when things arise, a person of character responds. When things pass, their mind returns to openness. 風來疏竹， 風過而竹不留聲； 雁渡寒潭， 雁去而潭不留影。 故君子事來而心始現， 事去而心隨空。	Link to blog
When a thought arises, and it is turning toward desire, guide it back to the path of what is right. Be aware the second it appears. With awareness, the thought can change. Then troubles turn toward good, and what felt almost lost still has a way back. Don’t let this moment slip away. 念頭起處， 才覺向欲路上去， 便挽從理路上來。 一起便覺， 一覺便轉， 此是轉禍為福， 起死回生的關頭， 切莫輕易放過。	link to blog

More will be added over time.