Dense snow, pines and osmanthus chill
The study window channels lingering clarity still
Wind shakes, ice and jade seem to shatter
Before the steps, lute and chime-stone sounds scatter
The couch is still, desk and inkstone clean
Scrolls scattered, silk pages brightly glean
Lofty discourse unfolds like Sengzhao's thought
Precise words aid Mr. Gong, wisdom sought
Concepts touch on mystery profound
Analysis of reason, crisscrossing around
All transformations lie within me
How can a single object cause fright to be?
What can stir the rivers and seas?
Hills and mountains are ever at peace
Slow and fast do not hinder each other
First and last merely strive one another
A mirror reflects beauty and ugliness apart
A scale weighs heavy and light, its art
Should one's face willingly enter the mirror's view?
Do trifling measures concern the balance true?
The subtle Way transcends suddenly, unseen
Like splitting a lampstand, the sound is crisp and keen
On paper, pull the solid bolt with might
On the tongue's tip, wield a weapon sharp and bright
Perfect clarity preserves the upright nature's core
Dust of guests expelled, delusive feelings no more
To dwell is precisely not to dwell
Not to act is precisely to act well
The Shuyue music abandons vermilion strings
The vulgar Qin zheng is despised for its clamorous rings
Plainness values flavorlessness as noble
Shepherd's stew is shamed before the grand broth's stable
Vast and far, it embraces heaven and earth
Deep and obscure, it sinks into silent dearth
Without troubling to lift a single step
Instantly one reaches a ten-thousand-mile trek
The hut is distant, still not understood
Hidden meanings once led to hearing misunderstood
Simply must uphold the wondrous discourse
And together go to the city of Vaiśālī's source