Zhang Chao 張潮

1690s · Qing China

In ruling yourself, carry the air of autumn. In dealing with the world, carry the air of spring.

律己宜帶秋氣，處世宜帶春氣。

Dream Shadows (Youmengying)

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Tao Yuanming 陶淵明

405 · Eastern Jin China · On giving up office and going home

I delight in the fond talk of my family, and take pleasure in the zither and my books to drive away care.

悅親戚之情話，樂琴書以消憂。

"The Return" (Guiqulai ci)

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Gang Jeongildang 姜靜一堂

1823 · Joseon Korea

The night is deep and all stirring has ceased. The courtyard is empty, the white moon bright. My heart is clear as if washed, and wide open I see my own nature.

夜久羣動息庭空皓月明方寸淸如洗豁然見性情

Jeongildang yugo, "Sitting at Night"

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Sumangala's Mother Sumaṅgalamātā

c. 5th century BC · ancient India · The end of a song about being freed from the pestle and the cooking pot

I come to the foot of a tree and think, "Oh, the happiness!" and meditate in happiness.

Sā rukkhamūlamupagamma, Aho sukhanti sukhato jhāyāmī

Therigatha (Verses of the Elder Nuns) 2.3

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Yi Hwang 李滉

c. 1550 · Joseon Korea · On withdrawing from office to the stream in his home district. He renamed the stream Toegye, "retreat stream," and took it as his own name

Out of office, I am at ease in my foolish lot; my learning slips back, and I worry for my late years. At last I have settled beside the stream, and looking at the running water I examine myself each day.

身退安愚分學退憂暮境溪上始定居臨流日有省

Toegye jip, "Toegye"

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