In stillness, a person’s thoughts are as clear as water, and his true heart can be seen to the bottom.
In carefree moments, a person’s mettle and bearing are unhurried, and his real motive can be recognized.
In a life devoid of wealth and fame, a person’s attitude is modest and amiable, and his temperament and taste can be discovered.
Nothing matters more than these three respects in examining the nature of man and the soundness of his principles.
静中念虑澄澈，见心之真体；闲中气象从容，识心之真机；淡中意趣冲夷，得心之真味。观心证道，无如此三者。
Notes
- The clamor of the world obscures the soul’s purity—only stillness clarifies its original nature;
- The burden of affairs stifles the spirit’s potential—only leisure unlocks its creative vitality;
- The chase for desires distorts the heart’s compass—only simplicity restores its innate contentment.
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