Ordinarily, looking into the mirror and grooming oneself is sufficient for the

upkeep of one’s personal appearance. This is very important. Most people’s personal
appearance is poor because they do not look into the mirror well enough.
Training to speak properly can be done by correcting one’s speech when at home.
Practice in letter writing goes to the extent of taking care in even one-line letters.
It is good if all the above contain a quiet strength. Moreover, according to what the
priest Ryozan heard when he was in the Kamigata area, when one is writing a
letter, he should think that the recipient will make it into a hanging scroll.
It is said that one should not hesitate to correct himself when he has made a
mistake. If he corrects himself without the least bit of delay, his mistakes will
quickly disappear. But when he tries to cover up a mistake, it will become all the
more unbecoming and painful. When words that one should not use slip out, if one
will speak his mind quickly and clearly, those words will have no effect and he will
not be obstructed by worry. If there is, however, someone who blames a person for
such a thing, one should be prepared to say something like, «I have explained the
reason for my careless speech. There is nothing else to be done if you will not listen
to reason. Since I said it unwittingly, it should be the same as if you didn’t hear it.
No one can evade blame.» And one should never talk about people or secret
matters. Furthermore, one should only speak according to how he judges his
listener’s feelings.
The proper manner of calligraphy is nothing other than not being careless, but in
this way one’s writing will simply be sluggish and stiff. One should go beyond this
and depart from the norm. This principle applies to all things.
It is said, «When you would see into a person’s heart, become ill.» When you are
sick or in difficulties, many of those who were friendly or close to you in daily life
will become cowards. Whenever anyone is in unhappy circumstances, you should
above all inquire aster them by visiting or sending some gist. And you should never
in your whole life be negligent toward someone from whom you have received a
favor.
By such things the consideration of others can be seen. In this world the people
who will rely on others when they are in difficulties and asterwards not give them a
thought are many.
You cannot tell whether a person is good or bad by his vicissitudes in life. Good
and bad fortune are matters of fate. Good and bad actions are Man’s Way.
Retribution of good and evil is taught simply as a moral lesson.