巳好古博雅之士，切宜知此。夫彈琴，先平定其心，端莊其容貌，盖得以寫其情性，而樂其天真也。 覽琴在前，按以身對四五徽間，八字安足，兩手如翼，若按劍之勢。一心左顧，不可回視，右手一入，如讀書然。日就月將，則可然進道矣。

For those first learning, it is especially important to understand the meaning of "yin" ("harmonious sound", here interpreted as "music"). What is meant by "music"? When sound becomes "wen" (i.e., takes on patterns that have meaning) it is called "music". Nowadays, students only know about 嘹亮 brightness and clarity in relation to music but do not understand the sounds‘ rhythm and structure, to the extent that they drift into (the frivolous sounds of) Zheng and Wei, their proper intent gradually becoming lost. This is truly lamentable.

Those who are fond of antiquity and broad refinement should certainly understand this. When playing the qin, one must first calm the mind and compose one’s appearance with dignity, for only then can one express one's emotions and nature, thereby enjoying one's innate authenticity. When looking at a qin in front of you (and getting ready to play), place yourself between the fourth and fifth hui (markers). Arrange your feet in an 'eight-character' stance (八), place both hands (arms) like wings, postured like gripping a sword. Focus your mind towards the left, never looking around. Once the right hand goes forward (to the strings) it should become like reading a book. As day days and months progess, thus can one gradually approach the Dao.