《菜根谭》英译（扫除外物、直觅本来）

人心有一部真文章，都被残篇断简封锢了；有一部真鼓吹，都被妖歌艳舞淹没了。学者须扫除外物，直觅本来，才有个真受用。 <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

In everyone’s heat there is a book of truth. But it is torn and incomplete, and its message is blurred. Deep in everyone’s spirit is a beautiful melody, but it is drowned by lascivious chords. He who hankers after knowledge must reject all external temptations, and seek the essence of human nature. Only then will he be able to acquire really useful knowledge.

（保罗·怀特 译）

In everyone’s heart, there is a book on code of conduct, but it is sealed up with miscellaneous fragments; and also there is a music score of innermost feelings, but it is drowned out by indecent melodies. As a learner, he must do his utmost to clear away external enticement and come straightway to the perception of the essence of his own nature. Only by doing like this will he be really able to benefit from the book and from the music score as well.

（周文标 译）