I must leave myself ample space when I turn
so I will not bump into a corner.
执虚器。如执盈。入虚室。如有人。
You should carry an empty container, Just as carefully as
one that is full.
And enter a room that is empty, As you would if a crowd were
inside.
I will hold empty containers carefully
as if they were full.
入虚室。如有人。
And enter a room that is empty, As you would if a crowd were
inside.
I will enter empty rooms
as if they were occupied.
事勿忙。忙多错。
There is no need to be in a hurry.
If you rush you will make a mistake.
I will avoid doing things in a hurry,
as doing things in haste will lead to many mistakes.
勿畏难。勿轻略。
Don’t be afraid of what’s hard,
And don’t be careless with what is easy.
I should not be afraid of difficult tasks,
and I will not become careless when a job is too easy.
斗闹场。绝勿近。
Never go to rowdy places,
Or places where people are fighting.
I will keep away from rowdy places.
邪僻事。绝勿问。
When something is low and improper
It’s not worth your talk or your questions.
I will not ask about things that are abnormal or unusual.
将入门。问孰存。
When you’re going to enter a room,
First knock to make sure it’s permitted.
When I am about to enter a main entrance,
I must first ask if someone is inside.
将上堂。声必扬。
When joining a gathering of people,
Let them all know you’ve arrived.
Before entering a room,
I must first make myself heard, so that those inside know
someone is approaching.
人问谁。对以名。
If someone should ask who you are,
You should answer by giving your name.
If someone asks who I am,
I must give my name.
吾与我。不分明。
If you respond, “It is me,”
You ’re not giving a proper reply.
To answer ‘It is me’ or ‘Me’
is not sufficient.
用人物。须明求。
If you use someone else’s belongings,
Be sure that you ask for permission.
Before borrowing things from others,
I must ask for permission.
倘不问。即为偷。
If you don’t get the owner’s permission,
Then stealing is what you have done.