游白水书

原文：

子由，吾闻君子之学，莫若修身。修身则善心生，善心生则邪心息。故修其身而天下平。吾欲使汝学之，庶几不失吾志。吾闻白水之游，其地清幽，风景如画，宜于修身养性。故欲汝往游，以观其景，养其心。

吾观白水之山，其势雄伟，峰峦叠嶂，气象万千。水之清浅，如镜如练，可鉴可游。其石则奇峰异石，或立或卧，或飞或走，千姿百态。吾观其景，心旷神怡，不知老之将至。汝往游，当能得其趣也。

吾闻白水之水，其源深不可测，其流清澈见底。水之味甘美，饮之可养身。吾观其水，心清如水，无欲无求。汝往游，当能得其清也。

吾闻白水之人，其性淳朴，其心善良。与人交往，和气生财，谦逊待人。吾观其人，心悦诚服，愿与之交。汝往游，当能得其和也。

子由，吾欲汝往游白水，非徒观其景，养其心，亦欲汝知君子之道，修身齐家平天下。吾望汝能以白水为师，学其自然，养其心性，行其道义，以成君子之器。

汝行前，吾有数言相赠。一则，行远必自迩，登高必自卑。汝宜谦逊，不可骄纵。二则，学而不思则罔，思而不学则殆。汝宜勤学，不可懈怠。三则，知之者不如好之者，好之者不如乐之者。汝宜乐学，不可厌学。四则，勿以恶小而为之，勿以善小而不为。汝宜积善，不可为恶。

子由，吾望汝能谨记吾言，游白水而得真谛，修身而得天下。吾虽远在他乡，亦愿以心相随，望汝能成大器，光耀吾门。

翻译：

To Youyou,

I have heard that the study of a gentleman is none other than to cultivate oneself. When one cultivates oneself, benevolence arises, and when benevolence arises, evil thoughts subside. Therefore, by cultivating oneself, the world can be at . I wish to make you learn this, hoping that you will not lose my aspirations. I have heard of the journey to Baishui, a place of serene beauty and picturesque scenery, which is conducive to cultivating one’s character and temperament. Therefore, I want you to go there for a visit, to observe the scenery, and to nurture your heart.

I have seen the mountains of Baishui, their grandeur and majestic, with layered peaks and ridges, displaying a myriad of images. The water is clear and shallow, like a mirror or a silk, reflecting and enjoyable. The rocks are strange peaks and stones, some standing, some lying, some flying, some walking, in a thousand different postures. I observe the scenery, feeling at ease and refreshed, unaware of the approaching old age. You going there will surely be able to find the joy in it.

I have heard that the water of Baishui is deep and unfathomable, its flow clear and transparent to the bottom. The taste of the water is sweet and delicious, drinking it can nourish the body. I observe the water, my heart as clear as the water, without desires or ambitions. You going there will surely be able to find its purity.

I have heard that the people of Baishui are simple and kind-hearted. In their interactions with others, they are harmonious and prosperous, and they treat others with modesty. I observe them, and I am pleased and willing to associate with them. You going there will surely be able to find its harmony.

Youyou, I want you to go to Baishui not just to observe the scenery and nurture your heart, but also to understand the way of a gentleman, to cultivate oneself, to manage the family, to govern the country, and to bring to the world. I hope you can take Baishui as a teacher, learn from its nature, nurture your character, act according to righteousness, and become a worthy vessel of a gentleman.

Before you leave, I have a few words to impart. First, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and one must be humble when climbing high. You should be modest and not proud. Second, to learn without thinking is futile, and to think without learning is dangerous. You should be diligent in your studies and not be lazy. Third, those who know are not as good as those who love, and those who love are not as good as those who are delighted. You should be delighted in learning and not weary of it. Fourth, do not do evil because it is small, and do not neglect to do good because it is small. You should accumulate good deeds and not do evil.

Youyou, I hope you can remember my words, go to Baishui and find the truth, cultivate yourself and bring to the world. Although I am far away, I also wish to follow you with my heart, hoping that you can become a great talent and bring glory to our family.