The text of this inscription comes from 孔子家语 = Kongzi Jiayu / 王肃 by Wang Su (195-256 AD The three kingdoms period). This work is first mentioned in《汉书·艺文志》’Han History – Bibliographical treatise’
The text reads (translation by Yaron Seidman):
In the temple of Duke Huan of the state of Lu, Confucius saw a vessel hanging oddly (not evenly). Confucius asked the temple keeper “what kind of vessel is this?” The temple keeper replied, “It is called ‘the forgiving seat vessel’”. Confucius said “I heard about the ‘forgiving seat vessel’, when its empty it lays odd, when half full it is upright, and when it is full it flips upside down (thus spills the water inside). The wise prince uses it as an advice tool and it is always by the side of his seat. (Confucius) looked to his disciples and said “ try and pour water into it”. He (one disciple) poured in some water and when (the vessel) was half full it stood upright, however when it filled up it turned upside down (and the water spilled out). Confucius sighed deeply and said “Alas! Is there any single thing that does not overturn when it is full?” Zi Lu (one of the disciples) asked, “Dare I ask if there is a way to support keeping the vessel full?” Confucius replied “for the clever one who is wise and farsighted, he protects it by keeping stupid. For the one who has great merit under heaven, he protects it by allowing (or yielding to heaven’s wishes). For the brave and powerful, he protects it by cowardly act. For the wealthiest in the four seas, he protects it with modesty. This is called the Dao of losing it over and over again (in order to gain it or to keep it full)”.
