Guidelines & Principles To Ensure A Happier Today And Tomorrow (Part 7 of 7)

【余力学文】AFTER DOING THE ABOVE, THE ARTS COME NEXT.

【不力行。但学文。长浮华。成何人。】
If we acquire knowledge but do not sincerely apply what we have learned, we will have only increased our conceit.  What then will we become?

【但力行。不学文。任己见。昧理真。】
If we are sincere in what we are doing but not acquiring knowledge, we will only be stubbornly following our viewpoints.  We will never see the truth.

【读书法。有三到。心眼口。信皆要。】
When studying, our mind, eyes, and mouth must be focused on our learning.
All three must be wholeheartedly dedicated to learning.
 
【方读此。勿慕彼。此未终。彼勿起。】
When reading a book, do not contemplate another.
If we have not completed one, do not start another.

【宽为限。紧用功。工夫到。滞塞通。】
In our studies, we should set a reasonable timetable and then study hard. With enough time and effort,
we will thoroughly understand the text.

 【心有疑。随札记。就人问。求确义。】
If we have a question, we should make a note of it.
Then ask a person who knows the answer.

 【房室清。墙壁净。几案洁。笔砚正。】
We should keep our room clean, our desk tidy, and our pens and pencils in their proper places.

 【墨磨偏。心不端。字不敬。心先病。】
If we do not properly care for our writing tools, it shows carelessness.
If our words are written sloppily, it shows disrespect.

 【列典籍。有定处。读看毕，还原处。】
Books should be organized and placed on the bookshelves in their proper places.
After reading a book, we should put it back where it belongs.

【虽有急。卷束齐。有缺坏。就补之。】
Even when in a hurry, we should carefully put our book away.
If it is damaged, we should repair it.

【非圣书。屏勿视。蔽聪明。坏心志。】
o not read books that are untruthful or immoral,
for these will block our wisdom and undermine our aspirations.

【勿自暴。勿自弃。圣与贤。可驯致。】
e should not, because of our arrogance, harm ourselves by doing something improper.
We should not, because of our lack of confidence, give up on ourselves.
With effort, we will gradually become a noble person.