Chance for Self-Transformation from Reflections on Vegetable Roots 念頭起處

Years ago, I read a book about Mother Teresa called Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the Saint of Calcutta. Her spirit and wisdom deeply touched me. One thing she wrote that stayed with me was something like: “I don’t need very much. I can go on for a very long time with very little.”

I feel the same way about the wisdom in Reflections on Vegetable Roots (Caigentan, 菜根譚). Just one verse from this book can help me stay on my spiritual path for a long time.

There’s one verse in particular that stands out. It teaches that every thought is a chance to change and grow—a possible turning point in our lives. That’s why we shouldn’t ignore these moments. They truly matter on our journey, and we must take them to heart.

Thoughts are like bubbles. Their existence is short. Eastern philosophy teaches us to use their short existence as opportunities to look into our minds. This verse reiterates this teaching in a beautiful way. Photo by Alexas Fotos from Pexels

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。

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.

The last part of this verse reminds us how important the present moment is. It’s wild to think that this one moment can either help us move forward or hold us back. Sometimes I ask myself—can I really feel the weight of this moment? It makes me think of a line from the Book of Poetry: "Be careful and aware, as if walking along a cliff or treading on thin ice." By taking a moment to pause, reflect, and shift our thoughts, we can shape a better future. So why would we ever take such a powerful moment for granted?