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.

The wind passes through a bamboo grove. When it’s gone, no sound remains. Geese fly over a frozen pond. When they’re gone, no reflection remains. In the same way, when something happens, a virtuous person’s mind responds. When it is over, the mind settles back into its natural state. 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。

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When a thought enters your mind, and you notice it moving toward desire, gently guide it back to the path of wisdom. Each time a thought appears, pay close attention. Once you notice it, you have the power to change it. This is the moment when a bad situation can become a good one. This is the key moment to save yourself. So don’t take this chance lightly—it truly matters. 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。

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More will be added over time.