Chapter 7:
第七节
After All the Above Are Accomplished,
余力
Further Study and Learn Literature and Art to Improve Your Cultural and Spiritual Life
学文
If you do not actively make use of what you have learned but continue to study on the surface,
不力行,但学文,
your knowledge is increasing but it is only superficial.
长浮华,
What kind of person will you be?
成何人
If you do apply your knowledge diligently,
但力行,
but stop studying,
不学文,
you will only do things based on your own opinion, thinking it is correct.
任己见,
In fact, what you know is not the truth.
昧理真。
There are ways to study correctly.
读书法,
They involve concentration in three areas:
有三到,
your mind, your eyes, and your mouth.
心眼口,
To believe in what you read is equally important.
信皆要。
When you begin to read a book,
方读此,
do not think about another.
勿慕彼,
If you have not completed the book,
此未终,
do not start another.
彼勿起。
Give yourself lots of time to study,
宽为限,
and study hard.
紧用功,
Given time and effort,
工夫到,
you will thoroughly understand.
滞塞通。
If you have a question,
心有疑,
make a note of it.
随札记,
Ask the person who has the knowledge for the right answer.
就人问,求确义。