Verses from "Ode to a Discourse in the Hall" by Zen Master Huang He of the Tang Dynasty
[Original work is as follows]
Things will be very difficult when you return home after a hard work, so hold on tightly to the rope. Let's do a show; without a bit of coldness to the bone, the fragrance of plum blossoms will come.
〔Modern translation〕If the plum blossoms had not withstood the suffering of wind and frost, how could they have the refreshing fragrance of fresh flowers.
[Usage] It is used to describe that only through hard work can one achieve something.
[Example] The revolutionary martyrs went through a lot of hardships in order to save China. People know best the truth of "how can you get the fragrance of plum blossoms without going through a cold to the bones".
These are two motto poems that encourage people to overcome difficulties and aspire to achieve their careers based on the character of plum blossoms proudly facing the frost and blooming alone in the cold. Regarding plum blossoms, Fan Chengda of the Song Dynasty said in "Plum Blossom Book: Preface": "Plum blossoms are the most beautiful things in the world. Regardless of whether they are wise, foolish, virtuous or unworthy, no one dares to object." "Beautiful things" here refers to particularly rare flowers, that is to say, plum blossoms. It is a plant of superior quality. It can be seen that the author uses plum blossoms to symbolize a spirit, and this symbol itself contains a certain philosophy; if he gives a causal hint about the "chill to the bone" he endured and the "smell-scented fragrance" he finally obtained, it serves as a metaphor. "Plum blossom" embodies another profound truth. The author is an eminent monk of Zen Buddhism. He used this poem to express his determination to achieve results through persistent practice and the correct attitude that people should adopt to deal with all difficulties. This is also the main reason why these two lines of poetry are extremely famous and have been quoted many times. They have transformed from Zen poetry into secular famous sayings.