On Reading

Introducion:

Though rather small, the pond is able to clearly and invariably reflect a wide variety of things under the sun because it is constantly replenished by its inexhaustible source.    

Text:

Guān shū yǒu gǎn

  观      书   有 感

（南宋）朱熹

Bàn mǔ fāng táng yí jiàn kāi

 半    亩    方     塘   一 鉴 开，

Tiān guāng yún yǐng gòng pái huái

 天       光      云     影    共     徘   徊。

Wèn qú nǎ dé qīng rú xǔ

 问    渠 哪得    清   如许?

Wèi yǒu yuán tóu huó shuǐ lái

 为    有    源    头     活    水 来。

On Reading

Zhu Xi (Song)

The half-mu square pond lies open to the eye,

Therein move the light and clouds of the sky.

If you wonder why is it so clear within,

That is because fresh water is ever flowing in.

Comment:

Though rather small, the pond is able to clearly and invariably reflect a wide variety of things under the sun because it is constantly replenished by its inexhaustible source. Through this specific image the poet expresses what he gains from extensive reading, which boils down to the truth: only by constantly acquiring new knowledge and learning new skills, can one keep clear-headed, become creative and insightful, adapt himself to the changed circumstances and new development of society.