Read, reflect, pray
Taishang Ganying Pian 04: Honesty even when unseen
English rendering of the Japanese reader’s section 04. The 24 divisions are this site’s editorial divisions, not original chapters.
English rendering
Advance if the way is right; withdraw if it is not. Do not tread crooked paths or deceive even in a dark room. Accumulate virtue and good deeds; be compassionate toward living things. Serve sincerely, honor parents, and let siblings treat one another with affection and respect. Correct yourself and thereby guide others. Care for orphans and the bereaved; respect the old and cherish children. Do not harm even insects, plants or trees.
Reading note from this site
The passage joins inward honesty with care for those whose needs can be overlooked.
Chinese source passage
是道則進，非道則退。不履邪徑，不欺暗室；積德累功，慈心於物；忠孝友悌，正己化人；矜孤恤寡，敬老懷幼；昆蟲草木，猶不可傷。
Based on the classical text and this site’s independently prepared Japanese rendering. Classical source edition