Caigentan (菜根譚) - Former Collection (前集) #16 [016]

《Caigentan(菜根譚) Original Text, Front Collection #16》[016]

📜 Original Text

寵利母居人前, 德業毋¹落人後;
受享母踰分外, 修為毋減分中。

(※ 1. While some editions use 母, it is highly likely a transcription error for 毋, which signifies prohibition in classical Chinese.)

📚  English Translation

Do not seek to be ahead of others in honor and gain;
Do not fall behind in virtue and good deeds.
Do not indulge in pleasures beyond your rightful share;
Do not diminish your self-cultivation, even within your means.

🔍 Explanation: The Aesthetics of Balance in Living within One's Means

This passage uses a structure of paired contrasts—do not strive to be ahead vs. do not fall behind, and do not exceed vs. do not diminish—to underscore the importance of balance in life.

The first line, 「寵利毋居人前，德業毋落人後」, teaches that while people may crave honor (寵) and gain (利), one should not rush to take precedence over others in pursuing them. Instead, it encourages making effort not to fall behind in virtue (德) and good deeds (業).

This reorients our priorities: rather than competing for recognition or material gain, we are called to fill our lives with moral substance and the legacy of good actions.

The second line, 「受享毋踰分外，修為毋減分中」, cautions that even as we enjoy life’s pleasures, we should not go beyond what is proper or fitting for us.

At the same time, even within limited means, one must not reduce their commitment to self-cultivation and personal integrity.

It is a philosophy of moderation in enjoyment and diligence in self-refinement—living outwardly within one’s circumstances, while nurturing inwardly higher standards for the self.

Ultimately, this verse invites reflection on the true meaning of “knowing one’s place.”

It is not blind humility or self-restraint, but rather the wisdom to discern where we ought to lead and where we must follow.

This discernment is what builds a steady and harmonious life.

✍️ Character Breakdown

寵 (chǒng): favor, glory, distinction, grace
利 (lì): benefit, profit, material gain
寵利 (chǒnglì): honor and gain; worldly recognition
毋 (wú): do not (classical Chinese prohibition)
居 (jū): to occupy, to stand in a position
人前 (rén qián): before others; ahead of others
德 (dé): virtue, moral character
業 (yè): deeds, merits, work
德業 (déyè): virtue and achievements; moral practice
落人後 (luò rén hòu): fall behind others
受享 (shòuxiǎng): to enjoy, to partake of
踰 (yú): to exceed, go beyond
分外 (fènwài): beyond one’s proper share or measure
修為 (xiūwéi): cultivation, personal discipline
減分中 (jiǎn fēn zhōng): diminish within one’s rightful scope; reduce what one ought to maintain