文／佛光星雲（1927～）

真正的富有，是歡喜而不是財富；

真正的貧窮，是無知而不是無錢。

人生最大的敵人，不是別人，而是自己；

人生最大的勝利，不是制敵，而是克己。

有權勢的人，權勢不偉大，平凡才偉大；

有名位的人，名位不重要，人格才祟高。

愈是歷經困難挫折，愈是成就逆增上緣；

凡事用心勤肯學習，必定能夠突破囿限。

當挫敗困厄的時候，要能不氣不餒不惱；

當恐懼徬徨的時候，要能無憂無慮無苦；

當遭受批評的時候，要能反省慚愧懺悔；

當遇到瓶頸的時候，要能積極奮鬥進取。

──選自《佛光菜根譚》

Self-Discipline Leads to Success

Venerable Master Hsing Yun (1927 - )

English translation:

Ven. Man Ho, Ven. Zhi Yue, and Terrie Martinez

Real wealth is joy, not money.

Real poverty is ignorance, not lack of money.*

We, not others, are our own worst enemy.

The greatest victory is not conquering others,

but conquering ourselves.

Influential people are at their best

when they do not flaunt their power.

Important people are great only

when they rely on their character,

not their position.*

The more hardships and setbacks we experience,

the more supportive conditions we will have.

The more committed and willing to learn,

the greater our potential in breaking our limits.

When baffled, don't be upset.

When frightened, be carefree.

When criticized, examine yourself and change.

When frustrated, work harder.*

── from Fo Guang Cai Gen Tan

(Roots of Wisdom; *The Everlasting Light)