Translation setting:
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| | 觀周: |
孔子觀於明堂，睹四方之墉，有堯，舜，桀，紂之象，而各有善惡之狀，興廢之誡焉。又有周公相成王，抱之而負斧扆，南面以朝諸侯之圖焉。孔子徘徊而望之。謂從者曰：此則周之所以盛也。夫明鏡者所以察形，往古者所以知今，人主不務襲迹於其所以安存，而忽怠於所以危亡，是猶未有以異於却步而欲求及前人也。豈非惑哉。 |
| | Confucius observed at the Mingtang hall and saw the walls of the four directions. There were images of Yao, Shun, Jie, and Zhou, each displaying their respective virtues and vices, along with warnings about rise and decline. There was also a picture of the Duke of Zhou assisting King Cheng, holding him while carrying the ax and facing south to receive the feudal lords. Confucius walked back and forth, gazing at them. He said to his followers: "This is why the Zhou dynasty was so prosperous." A clear mirror is used to examine one's appearance; the past is studied in order to understand the present. A ruler who does not strive to follow the practices that ensured his safety and survival, but neglects and becomes complacent about what led to danger and downfall, is no different from someone taking backward steps yet wishing to catch up with those ahead. Is this not a great confusion?
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| | 觀周: |
孔子觀周，遂入大祖后稷之廟，廟堂右階之前，有金人焉。參緘其口而銘其背曰：古之慎言人也。戒之哉。無多言，多言多敗，無多事，多事多患，安樂必誡，無行所悔，勿謂何傷，其禍將長，勿謂何害，其禍將大，勿謂不聞，神將伺人，焰焰不滅，炎炎若何，涓涓不壅，終為江河，緜緜不絕，或成網羅，豪末不扎，將尋斧柯，誠能慎之，福之根也。口是何傷，禍之門也。强梁者不得其死，好勝者必遇其敵，盗憎主人，民惡其上，君子知天下之不可上也。故下之，知衆人之不可先也。故後之，温恭慎德，使人慕之，執雌持下，人莫逾之，人皆趣彼，我獨守此，人皆惑惑，我獨不徙，內藏我智，不示人技，我雖尊高，人弗我害，唯能於此，天道無親，常與善人，戒之哉。戒之哉。孔子既讀斯文。顧謂弟子曰：小子志之，此言實而中，情而信。 |
| | Confucius visited the Zhou dynasty and thus entered the temple of Da Zu Hou Ji. In front of the right steps before the temple hall, there was a bronze figure. Its mouth was sealed with three layers of silk, and its back bore an inscription that read: "This is a man from ancient times who spoke with great caution." Be cautious! Do not speak much; speaking too much leads to failure. Do not involve yourself in many affairs; being involved in many affairs brings misfortune. Even in peace and happiness, one must remain cautious. Do not act on what will cause regret. Do not say, "What harm can it do?" For its misfortune will grow. Do not say, "What damage can it cause?" For its disaster will become great. Do not think that no one hears; the gods are watching people. A small flame that is not extinguished—how will it burn fiercely? A trickle of water that is not blocked—eventually it becomes a river. A faint thread that does not cease—perhaps it forms a net or trap. If the tip of a hair is not grasped, One will have to use an axe and its handle, If one can truly be cautious, it is the root of blessings. What harm could words cause? They are the gate to misfortune. The arrogant and domineering will not die a natural death; those who love to compete will inevitably meet their match. Thieves hate the owner, and people resent their superiors. A gentleman knows that one cannot be at the top of the world. Therefore, he remains humble, knowing that one must not take precedence over others. Therefore, he follows behind, being warm, respectful, and cautious in virtue, making people admire him. By adopting a yielding and humble stance, no one can surpass him. While others rush forward, I alone hold to this; while others are confused and shifting, I alone do not move. I conceal my wisdom within and do not display my skills to others. Though I may be respected and exalted, people will not harm me. Only by being thus does the Way of Heaven remain impartial, always favoring good men. Be cautious! Be cautious! After Confucius had read this text, he turned to his disciples and said: "Disciples, take note of these words. They are true and accurate, sincere and trustworthy."
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