《Caigentan (菜根譚) - Original Text, Former Collection #27》 居軒冕之中,不可無山林的氣味;處林泉之下,須要

《Caigentan (菜根譚) - Original Text, Former Collection #27》

 

📜 Original Text

 

居軒冕之中,不可無山林的氣味;
處林泉之下,須要懷廊廟的經綸。

📚 Translation

 

Even when holding a high official position, one must not lose the simple integrity of the mountains and forests; and even when living in nature amidst forests and springs, one must harbor the grand ambition of governing the nation.

✍️ Hanja Breakdown

 

• 居 (jū): To live, reside, stay.

• 軒 (xuān): Chariot, pavilion, high house. Here, it signifies official position or status.
• 冕 (miǎn): Ceremonial crown (symbol of high office) – a symbol of high-ranking officials.
• 軒冕 (xuān miǎn): High official position, high status, the chariot and ceremonial crown of a noble, i.e., high office.
• 之 (zhī): 's, in, to (denotes possession or connection).
• 中 (zhōng): Middle, inside, among.
• 居軒冕之中 (jū xuān miǎn zhī zhōng): To be in a high official position.
• 不 (bù): Be not, cannot.
• 可 (kě): Can, may.
• 不可 (bù kě): Must not.
• 無 (wú): To not have.
• 不可無 (bù kě wú): Must not be without, must certainly have.
• 山 (shān): Mountain.
• 林 (lín): Forest.
• 山林 (shān lín): Mountains and forests, nature away from the secular world – a symbol of reclusion and simplicity.
• 的 (de): 's (used as a possessive particle in modern Chinese, here as an auxiliary particle).
• 氣 (qì): Spirit, demeanor, aura.
• 味 (wèi): Taste, flavor, atmosphere.
• 氣味 (qì wèi): Demeanor, atmosphere, a blend of spirit and taste, the ambiance of one's character.
• 山林的氣味 (shān lín de qì wèi): The demeanor of mountains and forests, a simple and natural essence.
• 處 (chǔ): To live, to be in a situation.
• 林 (lín): Forest.
• 泉 (quán): Spring, fountain, waterside – symbolizes living in nature.
• 林泉 (lín quán): Forests and springs, nature, a secluded dwelling, i.e., a place of reclusion or life in nature.
• 下 (xià): Below, under.
• 處林泉之下 (chǔ lín quán zhī xià): To live amidst forests and springs, to live in nature.
• 須 (xū): Must, necessarily.
• 要 (yào): Must, need to. (Emphasizes 'must' when used with 須).
• 須要 (xū yào): Must necessarily, absolutely need to have.
• 懷 (huái): To embrace, to hold, to keep in mind, to think.
• 廊 (láng): Corridor, hallway, symbolizes the court.
• 廟 (miào): Ancestral temple, shrine, court.
• 廊廟 (láng miào): The court, political circles, important national affairs, the official body for discussing state affairs.
• 的 (de): 's. (Here, an auxiliary particle).
• 經 (jīng): Classic, scripture, to govern.
• 綸 (lún): Fishing line; to govern, to weave.
• 經綸 (jīng lún): Grand plans or ambitions for governing the world, the aspiration to manage the nation and benefit the people. The overarching framework of politics, the grand vision for governing the nation.
• 廊廟的經綸 (láng miào de jīng lún): The grand vision of the court, the great ambition to handle state affairs.

🔍 Explanation

 

This passage speaks to the dual wisdom that true character and leadership must embody — suggesting that two harmonious worlds should coexist within a single person.

The first part emphasizes: “Even when holding a high official position, one must not lose the humble grace of the mountains and forests.”

Here, “high official position (軒冕)” symbolizes power, honor, and the complexities of the secular world.
Yet no matter how lofty one’s station, one must retain the “essence of the mountains and forests (山林的氣味),” meaning a humble, simple attitude, like nature itself — never losing one’s true self.

This teaching warns against becoming arrogant through power or losing oneself in pursuit of honor.
Even in a high position, one should remain self-reflective and maintain a modest heart.

In contrast, the second part states: “Even when living in nature amidst forests and springs, one must harbor the grand vision and statesmanship of the court.”

“Forests and springs (林泉)” signify a life of reclusion in nature, away from the affairs of the world.
However, one should not merely be content with retreating from worldly matters and living peacefully; even in such a life, one should embrace the “statesmanship of the court (廊廟的經綸),” meaning to hold a grand vision for governing the nation and its people and aspiring to benefit the world.

This reminds us that personal cultivation and a tranquil life are important — but so too is remembering one’s responsibility to society and the community, and nurturing a grand vision.

Ultimately, this passage conveys that true wisdom and character come from harmoniously managing one’s inner self, unshaken by external circumstances.
To remain humble and true to oneself even in high office, and to harbor great aspirations even when in seclusion — this is the ideal character of a true leader, and indeed, what everyone should strive for.

※ What is ‘經綸 (Gyeongnyun)’?

‘Gyeongnyun (經綸)’ is a profound and far-reaching concept, transcending mere personal ability or planning.

Breaking down the Chinese characters: ‘經 (gyeong)’ means to comprehend and govern the world’s affairs, much like weaving and spinning thread; ‘綸 (ryun)’ refers to a strong, durable thread, often used as a fishing line.

In ancient thought, it was likened to how one skillfully maneuvers a fishing line — loosening and tightening to guide and ultimately catch the fish — symbolizing the ability to flexibly lead people and affairs, establishing order.

Thus, ‘Gyeongnyun’ encompasses both the grand ambition and overarching vision to govern and stabilize the world, and the strategy and ability to actually bring it to fruition.

It signifies an individual’s great vision and sense of responsibility to contribute to society or the nation — ultimately, the wisdom to weave together ideals and reality in the world.