1. "Song of Lime" - Yu Qian of the Ming Dynasty
Thousands of hammers carved out the deep mountains, and the fire burned them as if nothing happened.
Don’t be afraid of your bones being shattered into pieces, you must remain innocent in this world.
Translation: Limestone can only be mined from the mountains after thousands of hammerings, and it treats the burning of raging fire as a very common thing. Even if his body is broken into pieces, he is not afraid and is willing to leave his innocence in the world.
2. "Ink Plum Blossom" - Wang Mian of the Yuan Dynasty
The tree at the head of the pond where I wash inkstones has flowers blooming with faint ink marks.
Don’t let anyone praise you for the good color, just leave the pure energy filling the universe.
Translation: There is a plum tree beside the inkstone washing pond in my house, and the blooming plum blossoms show faint traces of ink. There is no need for others to praise its beautiful color. It only needs the fragrance of plum blossoms to permeate the world.
3. "Bu Suanzi·Yong Mei" - Lu You in the Song Dynasty
Beside the broken bridge outside the post office, it is lonely and ownerless. It is already dusk and I am sad alone, and it is even more windy and rainy.
I have no intention of fighting for spring, and I will let everyone be jealous. It fell into mud and was crushed into dust, but only the fragrance remained the same.
Translation: Beside the broken bridge outside the inn, the plum blossoms bloomed lonely, with no one coming to appreciate them. It's sad enough to be alone in the dusk, but it's also blown away by wind and rain. It blooms at the top of the flowers, but has no intention of competing with the flowers to enjoy the spring glory. It just lets the flowers go and be jealous. Even if the flower pieces fall and are crushed into dust, their everlasting fragrance will remain in the world.
4. "Shu Duanzhou County Zhaibi" - Bao Zheng of the Song Dynasty
Purifying the heart is the root of the disease, and straightness is the strategy of the body. Good work will eventually build a building, and fine steel will not serve as a hook.
The mice and birds are happy when the warehouse is full, but the rabbits and foxes are sad when the grass is gone. There are lessons in the history books, don't bring shame to those who come.
Translation: Purity of selfishness is the foundation of managing affairs, and speaking the straight way is the purpose of establishing oneself. Good wood will eventually become a pillar, and good steel will be strong and unyielding. The rats and sparrows are happy when there is plenty of grain in the barn and eat the public grain; the rabbits and foxes are worried when there are no weeds in the wild. Keep in mind the teachings left by the sages on how to conduct one's affairs, and never let future generations feel ashamed when they think of me.