Investigate things to extend knowledge.

Before heaven and earth existed, there was, ultimately, principle (li) first.

Ask why this pond stays so clear: because living water keeps flowing from its source.

People seek retreats in the country, by the sea, in the mountains — but you can retire into yourself whenever you choose.

-- Marcus Aurelius

Ask why this pond stays so clear: because living water keeps flowing from its source.

-- Zhu Xi

It is easy to vanquish bandits in the mountains; it is hard to vanquish the bandits in one's heart.

-- Wang Yangming

A sunao (open) mind sees the truth of things without being trapped by preconceptions.

-- Kōnosuke Matsushita