1. From a yellow seed, black ink is created, and from the writing formed by that ink knowledge has proliferated on the earth. Without the writing formed by that ink, knowledge cannot be obtained.
2. The ink is so ordinary in nature, yet it can preserve and store knowledge. Both the best and the lowest qualities of living beings are described in texts because of it.
3. A reed of wood is sharpened and split at the tip to make a writing instrument. Then the pen and ink come together to perform the act of writing.
4. When the paper and the pen come together with the black ink transferring between them, words are written and the worthwhile accomplishment of spreading knowledge is made possible in this world.
5. With analysis and thought about what is written even fools can become wise. In this way, the experience of Truth and the realization of That which is beyond this world can be obtained.
6. That which is agreeable to everyone is what becomes common knowledge. However, the wise do not accept this common knowledge to be true.
7. Different lines that are written are considered to be best, mediocre, and bad, and with some lines, their merit or lack or merit is not apparent. The experience of these four types of lines is different for different people.
8. Those who talk about the greatness of the past fourteen generations of their ancestors may be wise or stupid, who knows? What is important is that the listener must see what needs to be done for oneself.
9. The lines that are written disappear and are gone, but what is written about should be experienced for oneself. This aspect of understanding should not be neglected.
10. One who entertains all sorts of opinions of many people only gets lost in guesswork and imagination, and is deprived of the definite conviction of what is true.
11. Go ahead and listen to what many people have to say, but use the power of discrimination and see for yourself, in your own experience, what is true and what is false.
12. Do not openly contradict anyone, but understand what will be hurtful or helpful to another so that he might get the experience himself. What is the use of a lot of unnecessary talk?
13. Even if a person is stubborn and immature, he should still be respected. In this way many people will pleased in their minds.
14. If someone's mind is twisted and perplexed by a problem and he keeps turning it around backwards and forwards, the problem only becomes multiplied many times. How can one say someone is wise who does not know how to pacify the mind of another?
15. Only if one can make foolish people wise does his life become praiseworthy. To unnecessarily be involved in arguments is foolishness.
16. Meet and mingle with others, and with a humble and kind approach, change their understanding. Using proper discretion and thoughtfulness do not let them know your good intentions.
17. To do this, walk and talk according to the disposition of others, and join with them in their the way of life.
18. One who cares for the benefit of others does not engage in argumentative behavior. Little by little, from his experience he gives explanations to others that provides understanding in their minds.
19. First the mind of another should be won over so that he accepts you. Then, slowly provide solutions to his concerns that help him to understand, and by using various means, take him beyond the world.
20. When one stubborn person meets another, only confusion ensues. Where constant bickering is going on there is no room for wisdom.
21. Many people go on unnecessarily chattering, but to actually help another to understand is difficult. To win over another's mind and take them beyond the world is not easy.
22. One must bear the brunt of the stream of abusive and mean words in order for others to change their minds and see things differently.
23. Speak only after understanding the situation, but do not present an attitude of having superior knowledge. Wherever you go, maintain a kind and modest demeanor.
24. When asking for alms, visit both nice towns as well as poor villages and observe many households. Study and evaluate common people as well as renowned people, and then move on.
25. In most places you find something of value. Make friends among the people and develop good relationships with those who are virtuous and clear-minded. By sitting around idly you cannot accomplish anything. Move from one place to another giving explanations.
26. Be alert and understand everything well before giving information to others. If there is some place you wish to go, use proper discernment first to understand the level of receptivity among the people before going there.
27. One should have a good understanding of many subjects by heart so the minds of everyone can be pacified. Write books and give them to others. Show benevolence towards others beyond limit.
28. Give others what they need, and by that giving you will become well-liked and accepted by all.
29. One who is accepted and respected by everyone cannot be said to be an ordinary person. Many people are wholeheartedly appreciative of such a person.
30. Such are the signs of wisdom. With wisdom one can win over the entire world. There is never anything lacking for such a person, wherever he may go.