敬老 林鈺堂

衰老退化屬天然,熟諳世情通權變;
血氣方剛多莽撞,誠心敬重領益深。


王女居士見年輕人多不尊重老年人,請余略示敬老之理。

人老生理退化乃自然現象,有幸活到老,則個個難免。然而經驗累積既久,自然較為圓融周到,遇事較知瞻前顧後,權變應對。年輕者雖較靈活敏捷,但易衝動而欠周詳顧慮,若能敬重年紀大、經驗多者,便易感得盡心之教導,而得益匪淺。

 
                    二○○三年四月十日 
                    養和齋   於加州


Respect Elders Yutang Lin

Deterioration with aging is only natural,
Yet experienced in knowing adjustment.
Vigorous youth often rush forth bluntly;
Sincere respect will earn guidance deep.

Comment:

Upasika Wang, seeing many instances of youth being disrespectful of elders, asked me to write about respecting elders.

It is only natural that as we grow older our physical and mental functions gradually deteriorate. For all those who are lucky enough to live to old age none could escape this fate. Nevertheless, as a result of long-term accumulated experiences it is only natural that older people would be more polished and all-round; they tend to think of causes and consequences and are more ready to make appropriate adjustments. Youth are alert and swift in action but may rush into things without making proper precautions; if they could be respectful to elders who are more experienced, then it is more likely that they would benefit from careful guidance.


Written in Chinese on April 10, 2003
Translated on April 15, 2003
El Cerrito, California


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