編述／清．金纓（生卒年不詳）

拙字可以寡過，緩字可以免悔，

退字可以遠禍，茍字可以養福，

靜字可以益壽。

以寬和存心，以忍讓接物，

此為立身之道。

──選自《格言聯璧》

Secrets of the Five Words

Narrated by Jin Ying

(Years unknown, Qing Dynasty)

English translation: Venerable Miao Guang

“Slow-wittedness”

lessens one’s chances of mistakes,

“Deliberation”

exempts one from regrets,

“Concession”

distances one from misfortune,

“Discipline”

enhances one’s blessings,

“Tranquility”

prolongs one’s life.

Bear in mind the attitude of magnanimity, and be equipped with patience in dealing with matters. Such is the way to become well established.

── from Geyan Lianbi

(Aphorisms and Apothegms)