Translation from Chinese to English

[BobbiBrown]

I came upon this phrase while trying to put together a plaque to dedicate to my father who passed away 6 years ago. At the time the phrase made sense, now I can't seem to find the translation. Can someone assist with translating it to English?

Thanks in advance.

[Elaine Wang]

No pains，no gains.

[BobbiBrown]

I thought the phrase meant something else. Someone had told me that its an old phrase meaning "Only through letting go can we truly possess what is real".

Thanks for the clarification Elaine.

[creamyhorror]

"Only through paying [a price] can one gain real blessings/benefits."

In other words, it's quite close to "no pain, no gain", though more formal in tone...