Copying the Classics · Caigentan
Passages that reach a heart worn out from trying
The title means "talks on chewing vegetable roots" — the taste of chewing something plain for a long time.
Written by someone who had left office, so much of it is about stepping back and enduring.
How it works
- One passage per sheet — first read the classical Chinese original with your eyes.
- Read the original aloud following the pronunciation guide, then slowly take in the Korean meaning.
- Read the explanation of one word and the short question, then think of where it touches your life.
- Copy it by hand on the blank lines, and hold on to the sentence that stays with you today.
When · with whom
Suits a day when the mind is noisy. Better to go slowly, one sheet at a time.
Passages chosen from Caigentan
- Stillness found in a quiet place is not true stillness. Only stillness found in the midst of turmoil is true. / What stillness do you want to keep even in the midst of turmoil?
- In making your way through the world, yielding a step is the higher way. / Where would stepping back one pace today put you higher?
- In dealing with others, one measure of generosity is a blessing. / In what way could you be a little more generous with someone?
- In the midst of a troubled heart, you always find the taste of a joyful heart. / What small joy remains even in the middle of a troubled heart?
- When the ground of the heart is bright, there is blue sky even inside a dark room. / Even in a dark room, what blue sky is left in your heart?
- When you meet someone whose way is blocked, look back to the heart they started with. / When you see someone stuck, what beginning heart of theirs do you want to consider first?
- Do not fret when things go against your wishes, and do not rejoice when they suit your heart. / What should you remember so you're shaken less, whether things go your way or not?
- Neither favor nor disgrace startles you. / What words will you hold on to so praise and blame don't startle you?
- In making friends, you must carry three parts of a chivalrous spirit. / What is something you should step forward and do for a friend?
- If you want to find ease in the middle of a busy day, first take the reins of your mind while you are at leisure. / What heart should you cultivate in quiet times, so you're not shaken when things get busy?