Monday, January 18, 2010

弟子规

((弟子规))原文及解说

(总叙)原文:

弟子 圣人 首孝悌 谨信 爱众 亲仁 有余力 则学文

说:

乐莫如读书,至要莫如教子。

((弟子规))这本书是学童们的生活规范,他是依据至圣先师孔子的教诲编成的。

首先,在日常生活中要做到孝敬父母,友爱兄弟姐妹,其次一切言行中,要谨慎,要讲信用;和大众交往时要平等仁和,要时常亲近有仁德的人,向他学习 。以上这些事是学习的根本,非做不可。如果做了还有余遐,更应努力的学习礼、乐、射、御、书、术等六艺,各种经典,以及其他有益的学问。

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(入则孝)原文:

父母呼 应勿缓 父母命 行勿 父母教 须敬听 父母 须顺承
则温 则凊 则省 则定 出必告 反必面 居有常 业无变
虽小 勿擅 茍擅为 子道 虽小 勿私藏 茍私藏 亲心伤
亲所好 为具 亲所恶 谨为去 身有 贻亲忧 德有 贻亲羞
亲爱我 孝何 亲憎我 孝方
亲有过 谏使更 怡吾色 柔吾声 谏不入 复谏 号泣随 挞无怨
亲有疾 药先尝 昼夜侍 不离床 丧三年 常悲咽 处变 酒肉
丧尽礼 祭尽 事死者 如事生

说:

孝悌是中国文化的基础,古人云:百善孝为先。一个人能够孝顺,他就有一颗善良 仁慈的心,有了这份仁心,就可以利益许许多多的人。

在家中,父母叫唤我们时,应该一听到就立刻回答,不要慢吞吞的答应。父母有事要我们去做,要赶快行动,不要借故拖延,或者懒得去做。父母要我们学好而教导我们时 ,必须恭敬而不可随便,要将话听到心里。我们犯错了,父母责备我们,应当顺从并且承担过失,不可忤逆他们,让他们伤心。

为人子女,冬天要留意父母亲穿的是否温暖,居处是否暖和。夏天,要考虑父母是否感到凉爽。每早起床,一定要看望父母亲,请问身体是否安好;傍晚回来了,也一定要向父母亲问安 。外出时,先告诉父母要到哪里去,回家以后,一定面见父母亲,让他们感到心安。日常生活起居作息有一定的秩序,而且对于所从事的事情,不随便改变

事情虽然很小,不要擅自做主而不禀告父母,假如任意而为,就有损为人子女的本分,东西虽然很小,也不要背着父母,偷偷的私藏起来,被父母知道了,父母心里一定十分难过

父母亲所喜爱的东西,当子女的都应尽力准备 齐全,父母所厌恶的,都该小心排除。万一我们的身体受到伤害,一定会给父母亲带来忧愁,我们的品格有了缺失,会让父母亲感到羞辱、没有面子。

父母亲爱护子女,子女能孝顺父母亲,那是极其天然的事,这样的孝顺又有什么困难呢?如果父母亲讨厌我们,却还能够用心尽孝,那才算得是难能可贵。一般人 总认为,父母要对子女有所付出后,子女才要有行孝的义务,这和菜市场的讨价还价有什么两样呢?

父母亲有了过失,当子女的一定要劝谏改正,而劝谏的时候,绝对不可板着面孔, 声色厉,脸色要温和愉悦,话语要柔顺平和。假如父母亲不接受我们的劝谏,那要等到父母高兴的时候再劝谏。若父母亲仍固执不听,有孝心的人不忍父母亲 陷于不义,甚至放声哭泣,来恳求父母改过,即使招父母亲责打也毫无怨言、

当父母亲有了疾病,熬好的汤药,做子女的一定要先尝尝,是否太凉或太热 。不分白天或夜晚,都有应该侍奉在父母身边,不可随意离开父母太远,在父母重病时,最需要有人照顾,尤其是自己的子女能在身边陪伴,照顾起居,是父母心中 最感温暖与满足的。在父母临终病重之际,为人子女的我们, 岂能因为事业忙,或没有时间,而放弃这种机会呢?

当父母不幸去世,必定要守丧三年,守丧期间,因为思念父母就常常悲伤哭泣起来,自己住的地方也改为简朴,并戒除喝酒、吃肉的生活享受。办理父母的丧事要依照礼仪,不可草率马虎,祭祀时要尽到诚意 对待已经去逝的父母亲,要像对待父母生前一样的恭敬。

为什么要这样做呢?孔子说:孩子生下来三年之久,才离开父母的怀抱,能够自己走自己吃,让父母稍稍松一口气,当子女的 ,我们在父母去逝后,为什么就不能在三年的丧期中时时刻刻想念父母,爱念父母呢?人生在世父母与我们最亲,给我们的恩情也最重,努力学习侍奉父母的礼节, 把孝道当成一项大事业,用心经营,才能立足于天地之间。父慈子孝,不一定让我们的家富裕有钱,不一定有花园别墅可以住,但是,孝行却可以建立天然和谐的 秩序,让我们活在安和乐逸的环境中。家,如果是一个人的堡垒,孝,就是堡垒下的基石。多一份孝心,家就多一份保障,让我们用孝行把家固若 汤堡垒。

((弟子规))这些规矩,看似平常无奇,但是,如果我们认真去实行,那带给父母亲的欢欣快乐。可不是有性的东西可以媲美的哟。现在我们在家庭就能培养出这么好的言行举止,将来自然会有意想不到的收获。


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(出则弟)原文:

兄道友 弟道恭 兄弟睦 孝在中 财物轻 怨何生 语忍 忿自泯
饮食 或坐走 长者先 幼者后 长呼人 即代叫 人不在 己即到
称尊 勿呼名 对尊长 见能 路遇 趋揖 长无言 退恭立
骑下马 乘下 过犹待 步餘
长者立 幼勿坐 长者坐 命乃坐 长前 声要低 低不 却非宜
近必 退必 问起对 视勿移
诸父 如事父 诸兄 如事兄

说:

则弟,说的是家中兄弟相处之道,以及如何和长辈 在一起的规矩。在这些规范中,训练小孩谦恭有礼,懂得尊重别人,自然容易融入团体,为大家所接纳。当哥哥姐姐的要能友爱弟妹,做弟妹的应做到 恭敬兄姐,这样兄弟姐妹就能和睦而减少冲突,父母心中就快乐。在这和睦当中就存在孝道。

把身外所用的钱财物品看轻点,少计较,兄弟之间就不会产生怨恨 讲话时不要太冲动,伤感情的话要能忍住不说,那么不必要的冲突怨恨就会消失无踪。

日常饮食起居中,有人认为孩子还小,和长辈相处在一起,不要太过要求他们,长大自然就适应了,甚至对孩子宠爱有加,把好吃好用的先给小孩享用,以致小孩认 为这样是理所当然的,不知道要礼让长辈,因而误导孩子养成坏的习惯。而((弟子规))却指导我们,不要因为大人的宠爱而忽略了应从小培养礼让的美德,不管是吃 东西或喝饮料,要请长辈先用;如果和长辈坐在一起,要请长辈先坐;如果和长辈走在一起,应让长辈先走。

长辈呼叫人时,自已听见了,要替长辈去传唤,如果所叫的人不在时,自己应当回来报告长辈,更能进一步请问长辈,有没有需要帮忙的事情。

称呼长辈时,不可以直呼长辈的名字,那是不礼貌的行为;在长辈面前,不要表现自己很有才能,藐视长辈。

走路时遇见长辈,要赶紧走上前去行礼问候,如果长辈没和我们说话时,就先退在一旁恭恭敬敬的站着,让长辈先走过去。如果自己是骑马的,遇到长辈就应该下马,如果乘坐车辆就应该下车,让长辈先过去,等待大约离我们百步的距离以后,自己才上马或上车。

如果长辈还站着,年幼的我们不应先坐下来,如果长辈坐着,允许我们坐下时才可以坐下。在长辈面前讲话,声音要低,但是回答的声音,低到听不清楚,那也不适 当,要和颜悦色,声音要柔和清楚才好。进见长辈时走路要快点,动作表现得很礼节,等到告退时,要慢慢退出。长辈问话时,要站起回答,眼神注视长辈,不要左 右移动。

对待叔叔伯伯,要像对待自己的父亲一样恭敬,对待同族兄长,要像对待自己的胞兄一样友爱.


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(谨)原文:

朝起早 夜眠 老易至 惜此 晨必盥 兼漱口 便溺回 辄净手
冠必正 纽必结 袜与履 紧切 置冠服 有定位 勿乱 污秽
贵洁 贵华 上循分 下称家 对饮食 拣择 食适可 过则
年方少 饮酒 饮酒醉 为丑
从容 立端正 揖深 拜恭敬 勿践 勿跛倚 勿箕踞 摇髀
缓揭帘 勿有声 宽转弯 勿触棱 执虚器 执盈 入虚室 如有人
事勿忙 忙多 勿畏 轻略 闹场 绝勿近 邪僻事 绝勿问
将入 问孰存 将上堂 声必 问谁 对以名 吾与我 不分明
用人物 须明求 倘不 为偷 借人物 时还 后有急 借不

说:

为人子,早上要尽量早起,晚上要晚点睡觉,因为人生的岁月很有限,光阴容易消逝,少年人一转眼就是老年人了,所以我们要珍惜现在宝贵的时光。

每天早上起床必须先洗脸,然后刷牙濑口,解完大小便以后把手洗干净,这样才是讲究卫生的好孩子

门帽子要戴端正,穿衣服要把纽扣纽好;袜子和鞋子都要穿得贴切,鞋带要系紧 这样全身仪容才整齐。脱下来的帽子和衣服应当放置在固定的位置,不要随手乱丢乱放以免弄皱弄脏。穿衣服注重的是整齐清洁,不在衣服的昂贵华丽,而且要依照自己的身分穿着 ,也要配合家庭的经济状况。

对于食物不要挑剔偏食,而且要吃适当的份量,不要过量。我们年纪还小尚未成年 ,更不该尝试喝酒,因为喝醉了丑态百出,最容易表现出不当的言行。

走路时脚步要从容不迫,站立的姿势要端正。注意行礼时要把身子深深地躬下 ,跪拜时要恭敬尊重。

进门时不要踩到门槛,站立时要避免身子歪曲斜倚,坐着时不要双脚 开簸箕,或者是虎琚的样子,也不要抖脚或摇臀,这样才能表现优雅怡人的姿态。

进门的时候慢慢的揭开帘子,尽量不发出声响,走路转弯时与棱角要远一点 ,保持较宽的距离,才不会碰到棱角伤了身体;拿空的器具要像拿盛满的一样小心,进到没人的屋子里,要像进到有人的屋子里一样。

做事不要匆匆忙忙,匆忙就容易出错,遇到该办的事情不要怕困难,而犹豫 退缩,也不要轻率随便而敷衍了事。容易发生打斗的场所,我们不要靠近逗留;对于邪恶怪僻的事情,不必好奇的去追问。

将要入门之前先问一下:“有人在”?将要走进厅堂时,先放大音量要让厅堂里的人知道 ;假使有人请问:“你是,回答时要说出自己的名字,如果只说或是对方就听不清楚到底是谁。我们要使用别人的物品,必须事前对人讲清楚,如果没有得到允许就拿来用 ,那就相当于偷窃的行为。借用他人的物品用完了要立刻归还,以后遇到急用再向人借时,就不会有太多的困难。这些平常语言行为的要则,让我们即知即行,掌握自己 ,使处事更有效率,待人更为和谐,创造一个身心调和的环境。如果我们一时做不到也不必气馁,只要能清楚的辨别方向,认同圣贤的教化,肯用功夫慢慢的琢磨,就像 璞石也能慢慢地呈现出美玉来。


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(信)原文:

凡出言 为先 诈与妄 奚可焉 话说多 不如少 惟其是 勿佞巧
奸巧 秽污词 市井气 切戒之
见未真 轻言 知未的 轻传 事非宜 轻诺 茍轻诺 进退错
凡道字 重且舒 勿急疾 勿模糊 说长 说短 关己 闲管
见人善 即思 纵去远 渐跻 见人恶 即内省 则改 无加警
唯德学 唯才 不如人 当自砺 若衣服 饮食 不如人 勿生戚
闻过怒 闻誉乐 损友来 益友却 闻誉恐 闻过欣 谅士 渐相亲
无心非 为错 有心非 为恶 过能改 归于无 倘掩 增一辜

说:

凡是开口说话,首先要讲究信用,欺诈不实的言语,在社会上可以永远行得通吗?话说得多不如说的少 ,凡事实实在在,不要讲些不合实际的花言巧语,另外,奸邪巧辩的言语,脏不雅的词句及无赖之徒通俗的口气,都要切实戒除掉。

还未看到事情的真相 ,不轻易发表意见,对于事情了解的不够清楚,不轻易传播出去,觉得事情不恰当,不要轻易答应,如果轻易答应就会使自己进退两难。谈吐说话要稳重而且舒畅 ,不要说得太快太急,或者说得字句模糊不清,让人听得不清楚或会错意。遇到别人谈论别人的是非好坏时,如果与已无关就不要多管闲事。

见他人的优点行为 ,心中就升起向他看齐的好念头,虽然目前还差得很远,只要肯努力就能渐渐赶上。不论大善或小善,都要有思齐的信心和励行的勇气,小善切戒轻呼不 做,而行大善的机会来了也要及时把握,尽心尽力勉强而之。

见他人犯了罪恶的时候 ,心里先反省自己,如果也犯同样的过错,就立刻改掉,如果没有就更加警觉不犯同样的过错。

当道德学问和才艺不如他人时 应该自我督促努力赶上,至于穿的衣服和吃的饮食不如他人时,可以不用担心、郁闷。

别人说我的过错就生气,称赞我就高兴,这样不好的朋友就会越来越多,真诚有益的朋友就不敢和我们在一起。如果听到别人称赞我先自我反省,生怕自己没有这些优点 ,只是空有虚名;当听到别人批评我的过错时,心里却欢喜接受,那么正直诚实的人就越喜欢和我们亲近。

不是有心故意做错的 ,称为过错;若是明知故犯的,便是罪恶。不小心犯了过错,能勇于改正就会越改越少,渐归于无过,如果故意掩盖过错,那反而又增加一项掩饰的罪过 了。


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(泛众)原文:

凡是人 须爱 天同覆 地同
行高者 名自高 人所重 非貌高 才大者 望自大 人所服 非言大
己有能 勿自私 人所能 轻訾 谄富 骄贫 厌故 勿喜新
人不 勿事 人不安 话扰
人有短 切莫 人有私 切莫 道人善 即是善 人知之 愈思勉
扬人恶 既是 疾之甚 祸且作 善相 德皆建 过不规 道两
凡取与 贵分晓 与宜多 取宜少 将加人 问己 己不欲 即速已
恩欲 怨欲忘 报怨短 报恩长
待婢仆 贵端 虽贵端 慈而 势服人 心不然 理服人 方无言

说:

对于大众有关怀爱护的心,如同苍天与大地,绝对没有私心,不论好人、坏人、聪明、愚笨、宝贵、贫贱、种族国界都一样给予保护和承载,纯是一片仁慈之心,不为名利毫无虚假 。正是天同覆,地同的大同境界。

爱众的人人君子,他的心中有人我一体的观念,所以肯放下滔滔私心,关怀大众 ,我们若处处学着仁厚待人,在德行上改过修养,守住人的品格,并深入学习各项才艺,相信也能做出一份番利益大众的事业。

品行高尚的人,名声自然高,人们所敬重的是德行,并不是论外貌是否出众 ;才能大的人声望自然大,人们所信服的是真才,并不是只会发表言论。

自己有能力做的事情,不要自私保守;看到别人有才华,应该多加赞美肯定 ,不要因为嫉妒而贬低别人。

对富有的人态度不谄媚求荣;对贫穷的人不表现出骄傲自大的样子,不厌恶 不嫌弃亲戚老友,也不一味喜爱新人新朋友。至圣先师孔子教导我们,贫穷的人除了不谄媚迎合外,能够在道德上自得其乐更好,富有的人不但不以骄傲的心态妨碍他人 ,更要爱好礼节,恭敬大众。贫和富只是生活方式不同而已,都要学习礼节充实各项才能,发挥人我一体的仁心,才能营造一个贫而乐,富而好礼的幸福社会。

他人有事,忙得没有空暇,就不要找事搅乱他;对方身心很不安定,我们就不 再用闲言碎语干扰他。别人的短处绝对不要揭露出来,别人有秘密不想让人知道,我们就不要说出来。

赞美别人的善行,就等于是自己行善,因为对方知道了,就会更加勉励行善 ;宣扬别人的过恶,就等于自己作恶,如果过份的憎恶,就会招来灾祸。行善能相互劝勉,彼此都能建立良好的德行,有了过错而不相互规劝,相方都会在品行上留下缺陷

和人有财物上的往来,应当分辨清楚不可含糊。或者,财物只与他人应该慷慨多 布施;取用别人的财物就应少取一些;有事要托人做或有话要和人说,先问一问自己是不是喜欢,如果自己不喜欢就应立刻停止。

他人对我有恩惠,应时时想回报他;不小心和人结了怨仇,应求他人谅解,及早忘掉仇恨 报怨之心停留的时间越短越好,但是报答恩情的心意却要长存不忘,对待家中的待婢和仆人,本身行为要注重端正庄重不可轻浮随便,若能进一步做到仁慈、宽厚,那就更完美了 权势可以获使人服从,虽然表面上不敢反抗,心中却不以为然。唯有以道理感化对方,才能让人心悦诚服而没有怨言。

虽然现在也很少有人用婢仆,但是上下尊卑的关系仍然处处可见,让我们一起来学习仁德君子的泛爱众 ,多为大众着想,共同营造一个相互关怀、相互体谅的温馨社会.


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(亲仁)原文:

同是人 类不齐 流俗众 仁者希 果仁者 人多畏 言不 色不媚
亲仁 无限好 德日 过日少 亲仁 无限害 小人 百事坏

说:

样都是人,类别却不一定整齐,就一般说,跟着潮流走的俗人占了大部分,而有仁德的人却显得稀少。对于一位真正的仁者,大家自然敬畏他,仁者说话不会故意隐讳 扭曲事实,脸色态度也不会故意向谄媚求好。能够亲近仁者,向他学习就会得到无限的好处,自己的品德自然进步,过错也跟着减少。如果不肯亲近仁者,无形中就会产生许多害处 ,小人会乘虚而入,围绕身旁,事情就会弄得一败涂地。

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(余力学文)原文:

不力行 但学文 长浮华 成何人 但力行 不学文 任己 昧理真
读书法 有三到 心眼口 信皆要 读此 勿慕彼 此未 彼勿起
宽为限 紧用功 工夫到 滞塞通 心有疑 随札 就人 求确
房室清 墙壁净 几案 砚正 墨磨偏 心不端 字不敬 心先病
列典籍 有定 读看毕 还原处 虽有急 卷束 有缺坏 补之
非圣 屏勿 聪明 坏心志 勿自暴 勿自弃 圣与 驯致

说:

对于孝、弟、谨、信、泛爱众、亲仁这些应该努力实行的本份,却不肯力行,只在学问上研究探索,这样最容易养成虚幻浮华的习性,怎能成为一个真正有用的人呢?相对的 ,如果只重力行,对于学问却不肯研究,就容易执著自己的看法,而无法契合真理,这也不是我们所应有的态度。

今日普遍流行诋毁圣贤的风气,怀疑古人,藐视伦常大道。尤其是基本的孝道 ,近几年来,更被视为隘板落伍,大家虽有心改革社会乱象,也动用大批的人力物力倡导,终因伦常观念被大家忘失太久了,使得社会秩序无法整顿起来。孔子曾指出 立志、自立、立仁的君子要广博的研究各种学问,然后用礼节来约束言行,这样一个具有知识和礼节的君子,他的言行就不至于太离谱了。((弟子规))把礼的内容 具体化,只要循着((弟子规))来实践,兼学各种经典和生活知识,就能拥有高远的智慧和实践的勇气,智勇双全的人,必然不会偏离正道,正道就是直路,很快便能到达目

读书的方法要注重三到,就是心到、眼到、口到。这三到都要实实在在的做到 读书时正在读这一段,就不要想到别段,这段还未读完读通,不要因为没有兴趣,失去了好奇心,就跳到另一段,而东翻西阅,不肯定下心来,按步就班的读完。读书时要有规范 读一本书或一门功课,要有比较宽裕的期限,但是不能因为时间有多余,就等期限快到了才开始读,一急之下反而耽误事情,所以一规化好就要赶紧用功。

遇到滞塞难通的地方,更要专心研究,只要功夫到了,自然就能通达了解,这正是所谓书读千遍,其意自现。有疑问的地方,经反复思考,还不能了解的话,就用笔把问题记下来,向有关的师长请教,一定要得到正确的答案才可放过。

书房要整理得简单清洁,四周墙壁保持干净,书桌清洁干净,所用的笔和砚台要摆放端正 ,在砚台上磨墨,如果墨条磨扁了,就是存心不端正,写字若随便不公正,就是心里先有了病,排列经典图书,要安放在固定的地方,读完以后立刻归还原处,即使发生紧急的事也要 先收拾整齐以后才能离开。遇到书本有残缺损坏时,应立刻补好保持完整,你爱书,书爱你,自有一份恭敬在其中,一份恭敬就有一份收获,十分恭敬就有十分收获。

如果不是传输圣贤道理的书籍,一概摒除一旁不要理它,因为书里面不正当的事理会蒙蔽我们 聪明智慧,会败坏我们纯正的志向。

不要自以为是而狂妄自大,也不要自甘堕落而放弃自己,圣贤的境界的虽高 ,但只要按步就班,循序渐进,人人都可到达。处在蒙昧年幼之时,若采要正正当当的教材,配合优良的环境,来培养学习,就能造就圣贤。((弟子规))所讲的道理,正是圣人的 训诲,从入则孝、出则弟、谨而信、泛爱众,亲仁及余力学文着手,在日常生活中的伦常做起,经家庭扩及到学校、社会,最能孕育出正人君子的品行。所以这本书应该认真的反复读诵 ,深入内心,当成个人反省的镜子至行为的指针

Monday, January 4, 2010

弟子规英文版

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总叙

Preface Outline


弟子规。圣人训。

These are the rules for being a student

Handed down to us by Ancient Sages.

Standards for Being a Good Student and Child is a book that

was taught by Chinese saints and sages of the ancient past.

首孝弟。次谨信。

First be filial to your own parents

And respectful to all of your elders.

The book first teaches us how to be dutiful to your parents, and how to be respectful and loving to our siblings.

It then teaches us how to be cautious with all people, matters, and things in our daily life, and how to be a trustworthy person; and to believe in the teachings of the ancient saints and sages.

泛爱众。而亲仁。

Be trustworthy, cautious and kind,

And draw near to those who are good.

Furthermore, it teaches us to love all equally,

and to be close to and learn from people of virtue and compassion.

有余力。则学文。

Whatever time you have left

Should be devoted to learning.

Only when we have accomplished all the above

can we then study further and learn literature and art to improve the quality of our cultural and spiritual lives.


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第一章 入则孝

Chapter 1 On Being Filial at Home

Chapter 1 At Home, Be Dutiful to My Parents

父母呼。应勿缓。

When your mother or father is calling,

Do not be slow to respond.

When my parents call me,

I will answer them right away.

父母命。行勿懒。

When your parents tell you to do something,

Do not be lazy or sulky.

When they ask me to do something,

I will do it quickly.

父母教。须敬听。

When your parents need to instruct you,

You should listen with patient respect.

When my parents instruct you,

I will listen respectfully.

父母责。须顺承。

Whenever your parents must scold you,

Accept it with faithful compliance.

When my parents reproach me,

I will obey and accept their scolding. I will try hard to change and improve myself, to start anew.

冬则温。夏则凊。

In the winter, make sure they are warm.

In the summer, make sure they are cool.

In the winter, I will keep my parents warm;

in the summer, I will keep your parents cool.

晨则省。昏则定。

In the morning, cheerfully greet them.

In the evening, tell them “Good night.”

I will always greet my parents in the morning to show them that I care.

At night I will always make sure my parents rest well.

出必告。反必面。

If you plan to go out, tell your parents.

Report to them when you get back.

Before going out, I must tell my parents where I are going, for parents are always concerned about their children.

After returning home, I must go and see my parents to let them know I am back, so they do not worry about me.

居有常。业无变。

Settle down in one certain place.

Do not switch from one job to another.

I will maintain a permanent place to stay and lead a routine life.

I will persist in whatever I do and will not change my aspirations at will.

事虽小。勿擅为。

No matter how small the affair,

Do not act just as you please.

A matter might be trivial, but if it is wrong to do it or unfair to the other person,

I must not do it thinking it will bear little or no consequence.

苟擅为。子道亏。

For if you act just as you please,

Then you have not performed as you should.

If I do,

I am not being a dutiful child because my parents would not want to see me doing things that are irrational or illegal.

物虽小。勿私藏。

Although a thing may be small,

Do not save it just for yourself.

Even though an object might be small,

I will not keep it a secret from my parents.

苟私藏。亲心伤。

For if you hoard things for yourself,

Your parents’ hearts will be grieved.

If I do,

I will hurt my parents’ feelings.

亲所好。力为具。

Whatever your parents like best,

You should provide for them soon.

If whatever pleases my parents is fair and reasonable,

I will try my best to attain it for them.

亲所恶。谨为去。

Whatever your parents dislike,

You should do your best to remove.

If something displeases my parents, if within reason

I will cautiously keep it away from them.

身有伤。贻亲忧。

If you carelessly injure your body,

Your parents will worry and fret.

When my body is hurt,

My parents will be worried.

德有伤。贻亲羞。

If you heedlessly damage your virtue,

You bring shame and disgrace to your parents,

If my virtues are compromised,

my parents will feel ashamed.

亲爱我。孝何难。

When your parents are loving and kind,

Of course it’s not hard to be filial.

When I have loving parents,

it is not difficult to be dutiful to them.

亲憎我。孝方贤。

The true test of being a person

Comes when parents are hateful and cruel.

But if I can be dutiful to parents who hate me,

only then will I meet the standards of the saints and sages for being a dutiful child.

亲有过。谏使更。

If your recognize faults in your parents,

Exhort them to change for the better.

When my parents do wrong,

I will urge them to change.

怡吾色。柔吾声。

Speak to them kindly and gently

With a pleasant smile on your face.

I will do it with a kind facial expression

and a warm gentle voice.

谏不入。悦复谏。

If they cannot accept your advice,

Wait for an opportune time.

If they do not accept my advice,

I will wait until they are in a happier mood before I attempt to dissuade them again,

号泣随。挞无怨。

You may even use tears to exhort them,

But don’t resent it if you are punished.

followed by crying, if necessary, to make them understand.

If they end up whipping me I will not hold a grudge against them.

亲有疾。药先尝。

When your parents are ill, call the doctor,

Be sure the prescription is right.

When my parents are ill,

I will taste the medicine first before giving it to them.

昼夜侍。不离床。

Wait on them day after day,

At their bedside by day and by night.

I will take care of them night and day and

stay by their bedside.

丧三年。常悲咽。

For three years after their death,

Remember them always in sorrow.

During the first three years of mourning after my parents have passed away,

I will remember them with gratitude and feel sad often for not being able to repay them for their kindness in raising me.

居处变。酒肉绝。

During this period of mourning,

Don’t drink wine or eat meat.

During this period I will arrange my home to reflect my grief and sorrow.

I will also avoid festivities and indulgence in food and alcoholic drinks.

丧尽礼。祭尽诚。

Take care of their funeral arrangements,

Make offerings on their behalf.

I will observe proper etiquette in arranging my parents’ funerals.

I will hold the memorial ceremony and commemorate my parents’ anniversaries with utmost sincerity.

事死者。如事生。

Reverently cherish their memory

As if they were still in the world.

I will serve my departed parents

as if they were still alive.



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第二章 出则悌

Chapter 2 On Practicing True Brotherhood

Chapter 2 Standards for Brothers At Home or Away from Home

兄道友。弟道恭。

When the older children are friendly

And the younger children respectful,

If I am the older sibling, I will befriend the younger ones.

If I am the younger sibling, I will respect and love the older ones.

兄弟睦。孝在中。

Then brothers and sisters won’t fight,

And it’s clear they know how to be filial.

Only when I can maintain harmonious relationships with my siblings

am I being dutiful to my parents.

财物轻。怨何生。

Don’t think of wealth as important,

Or else you will feel resentful.

When I value my familial ties more than property and belongings,

no resentment will come between me and my siblings.

言语忍。忿自泯。

When talking to others, be patient,

Then you won’t be troubled by anger.

When I am careful with words and hold back hurtful comments,

my feelings of anger naturally die out.

或饮食。或坐走。

When people are eating or drinking,

Sitting down or taking a walk,

Whether you are drinking, eating,

walking, or sitting,

长者先。幼者后。

Let those who are older go first.

The young ones should follow behind.

I will let the elders go first;

the younger ones should follow.

长呼人。即代叫。

If an elder is looking for someone,

You should run the errand instead.

When an elder is asking for someone,

I will get that person for him right away.

人不在。己即到。

If the person you seek can’t be found,

Hurry back and report what you’ve learned.

If I cannot find that person,

I will immediately report back, and put myself at the elder’s service instead.

称尊长。勿呼名。

In speaking to those who are older,

Use the proper terms of respect.

When I address an elder,

I should not call him by his given name. This is in accord with ancient Chinese etiquette.

对尊长。勿见能。

When you are facing teachers and elders,

Don’t show off or try to look smart.

In front of an elder,

I will never show off.

路遇长。疾趋揖。

If you meet an elder while walking,

Greet him or her with respect.

If I meet an elder I know on the street,

I will promptly clasp my hands and greet him with a bow.

长无言。退恭立。

If the elder does not address you,

Respectfully stand to one side.

If he does not speak to me,

I will step back and respectfully stand aside.

骑下马。乘下车。

If an elder’s walking and you’re riding,

Stop and ask if he’s traveling far.

Should I be riding on a horse and spot an elder I know walking, I will dismount and pay respect to the elder.

If I am riding in a carriage, I will stop, get out of the carriage, and ask if I can give the elder a ride.

过犹待。百步余。

Respectfully wait till he’s passed you

Before you continue on in your car.

If I meet an elder passing by, I will stand aside and wait respectfully.

I will not leave until the elder disappears from my sight.

长者立。幼勿坐。

When an elder person is standing,

The young ones should not take a seat,

When an elder is standing,

I will not sit.

长者坐。命乃坐。

But wait till the elder is seated,

And sit down when you are told.

After an elder sits down,

I sit only when I am told to do so.

尊长前。声要低。

Speak softly in front of your elders,

In a low voice that pleases the ear.

Before an elder,

I will peak softly.

低不闻。却非宜。

But you are wrong if you’re speaking

So softly that no one can hear.

But if my voice is too low and hard to hear,

it is not appropriate.

进必趋。退必迟。

Greet your elders promptly,

And take your leave slowly.

When meeting an elder, I will walk briskly towards him;

when leaving, I will not exit in haste.

问起对。视勿移。

Answer questions respectfully,

And don’t let your eyes dart around.

When answering a question,

I will look at the person who is asking me the question.

事诸父。如事父。

You should treat everyone’s parents

Just the same as you treat your own.

I will serve my uncles

as if I am serving your parents.

事诸兄。如事兄。

Treat all brothers and sisters

Just like your family at home.

I will treat my cousins

as if they are my own siblings.




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第三章 谨(On Being Careful)

Chapter 3 Be Cautious in My Daily Life

朝起早。夜眠迟。
In the morning it’s best to rise early.At night you should go to bed late.

I will get up each morning before my parents;

at night, I will go to bed only after my parents have gone to sleep.

老易至。惜此时。
Cherish the time that is left you. Don’t expect that old age will wait.

When I realize that time is passing me by and cannot be turned back, and that I am getting older year by year,

I will especially treasure the present moment.

晨必盥。兼漱口。
In the morning, first wash your face, And next brush your teeth very well.

When I get up in the morning, I will wash my face

and brush my teeth.

便溺回。辄净手。
After you go to the toilet, Use water and soap on your hands.

After using the toilet,

I will wash my hands.

冠必正。纽必结。袜与履。俱紧切。
You should put on your hat withcare,And fasten your buttons and snaps.
Then pull up your socks very neatly,And fasten your shoelaces as well.

I must wear my hat straight,

and make sure the hooks of my clothes are tied.

袜与履。俱紧切。置冠服。有定位。
Then pull up your socks very neatly,And fasten your shoelaces as well.
Your hat and other clothes,Should be put in their own special places.

My socks and shoes

should also be worn neatly and correctly.

置冠服。有定位。勿乱顿。致污秽。
Your hat and other clothes,Should be put in their own special places.
Do not leave them just lying around,Or they’re sure to get wrinkled and soiled.

I will always place my hat and clothes away

in their proper places.

勿乱顿。致污秽。

Do not leave them just lying around,Or they’re sure to get wrinkled and soiled.

I will not carelessly throw my clothes around,

for that will get them dirty.

衣贵洁。不贵华。

Your clothing should always be neat.

If it’s not new and stylish, don’t worry.

It is more important that my clothes are clean,

rather than how extravagant they are.

上循分。下称家。

What you wear should make common sense.

Don’t spend too much money on clothes.

I will wear only what is suitable for my station.

At home, I will wear clothes according to my family traditions and customs.

对饮食。勿拣择。

Do not fuss and complain about tastes

When you are given something to eat.

When it comes to eating and drinking,

I will not pick and choose my food.

食适可。勿过则。

Eat enough so that you are full,

But do not eat more than you need.

I will only eat the right amount;

I will not over-eat.

年方少。勿饮酒。

During the time when you are young,

Don’t drink liquor or take harmful drugs.

I am still young,

I must not drink alcohol.

饮酒醉。最为丑。

To get drunk is disgraceful and ugly.

Taking drugs brings you nothing but shame.

When I am drunk,

my behavior will turn ugly.

步从容。立端正。

Your walk should be easy and graceful.

When you stand, keep your back tall and straight.

I will always walk composed, with light and even steps.

I will always stand up straight and tall.

揖深圆。拜恭敬。

Your half bows should be deep and full,

And your full bows made with respect.

My bows will always be deep, with hands held in front and arms rounded.

I will always pay my respect with reverence.

勿践阈。勿跛倚。勿箕踞。勿摇髀。
Watch your step as you enter a doorway. Stand up straight and don’t lean against the wall.
Do not sit sprawled all over the floor. Or wriggle and squirm when you walk.

I will not step on doorsills

or stand leaning on one leg.

勿箕踞。勿摇髀。

Do not sit sprawled all over the floor. Or wriggle and squirm when you walk.

I will not sit with my legs apart or sprawled out.

I will not rock the lower part of my body while standing or sitting down.

缓揭帘。勿有声。

When closing a door best be careful,

Do it slowly without too much noise.

I will always lift the curtain slowly,

and quietly.

宽转弯。勿触棱。

Whenever crossing a room,

Don’t bump into the table and chairs.

I must leave myself ample space when I turn

so I will not bump into a corner.

执虚器。如执盈。入虚室。如有人。
You should carry an empty container, Just as carefully as one that is full.
And enter a room that is empty, As you would if a crowd were inside.

I will hold empty containers carefully

as if they were full.

入虚室。如有人。

And enter a room that is empty, As you would if a crowd were inside.

I will enter empty rooms

as if they were occupied.

事勿忙。忙多错。

There is no need to be in a hurry.

If you rush you will make a mistake.

I will avoid doing things in a hurry,

as doing things in haste will lead to many mistakes.

勿畏难。勿轻略。

Don’t be afraid of what’s hard,

And don’t be careless with what is easy.

I should not be afraid of difficult tasks,

and I will not become careless when a job is too easy.

斗闹场。绝勿近。

Never go to rowdy places,

Or places where people are fighting.

I will keep away from rowdy places.

邪僻事。绝勿问。

When something is low and improper

It’s not worth your talk or your questions.

I will not ask about things that are abnormal or unusual.

将入门。问孰存。

When you’re going to enter a room,

First knock to make sure it’s permitted.

When I am about to enter a main entrance,

I must first ask if someone is inside.

将上堂。声必扬。

When joining a gathering of people,

Let them all know you’ve arrived.

Before entering a room,

I must first make myself heard, so that those inside know someone is approaching.

人问谁。对以名。

If someone should ask who you are,

You should answer by giving your name.

If someone asks who I am,

I must give my name.

吾与我。不分明。

If you respond, “It is me,”

You ’re not giving a proper reply.

To answer ‘It is me’ or ‘Me’

is not sufficient.

用人物。须明求。

If you use someone else’s belongings,

Be sure that you ask for permission.

Before borrowing things from others,

I must ask for permission.

倘不问。即为偷。

If you don’t get the owner’s permission,

Then stealing is what you have done.

If I do not ask,

it is stealing.

借人物。及时还。后有急。借不难。
If you must borrow something from another, Make sure you return it on time.
If someone asks you for something, Loan it to them as soon as you can.

When borrowing things from others,

I will return them promptly.

后有急。借不难。

If someone asks you for something, Loan it to them as soon as you can.

Later, if I have an urgent need,

I will not have a problem borrowing from them again.



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第四章 信


Chapter 4 On Being Honest

Chapter 4 Be Trustworthy

凡出言。信为先。

Whatever it is that you say,

You should speak so that you can be trusted.

When I speak,

honesty is important.

诈与妄。奚可焉。

Tell the truth so others can believe you.

To lie is against human nature.

Deceitful words and lies

must not be tolerated.

话说多。不如少。

To talk just a little is better

Than to chatter non-stop all day long.

Rather than talking too much,

it is better to speak less.

惟其是。勿佞巧。

Talk only about what you’re sure of;

Avoid cunning or flowery words.

I will speak only the truth,

I will not twist the facts.

奸巧语。秽污词。

Don’t use words to be mean and cruel,

Or speak about things that are coarse.

Cunning words,

foul language, and

市井气。切戒之。

Let your language be pure and correct.

Stay away from all that’s unworthy.

philistine habits

must be avoided at all costs.

见未真。勿轻言。

If you haven’t seen something quite clearly,

Don’t speak of it as if you know.

What I have not seen with my own eyes,

I will not readily tell to others.

知未的。勿轻传。

If you’re not sure about what exactly happened,

Don’t spread rumors around.

What I do not know for sure,

I will not easily pass on to others.

事非宜。勿轻诺。

When you know something is wrong,

Do not simply follow along.

If I am asked to do something that is inappropriate or bad,

I must not agree to do it.

茍轻诺。进退错。

If you just go along with the crowd,

You’re bound to make a mistake.

If I do, I will be doubly wrong.

凡道字。重且舒。

When you speak, say the words clearly;

Distinctly and smoothly they flow.

I must speak

clearly and to the point.

勿急疾。勿模糊。

If you talk too fast, no one will heed you;

The same if you mumble too low.

I must not talk too fast

or mumble.

彼说长。此说短。

Some like to talk about good points,

Others like to find faults, big and small.

Some like to talk about the good points of others,

while some like to talk about the faults of others.

不关己。莫闲管。

If something is none of your business,

Simply pay no attention at all.

If it is none of my business,

I will not get involved.

见人善。即思齐。纵去远。以渐跻。
When you see the good points of others, You should strive to imitate them.
Though you don’t match up to them now. Persevere and one day you’ll catch up.

When I see others do good deeds,

I must think about following their example.

纵去远。以渐跻。

Though you don’t match up to them now. Persevere and one day you’ll catch up.

Even though my own achievements are still far behind those of others,

I am getting closer.

见人恶。即内省。

When you notice bad habits in others,

Reflect on your own shortcomings.

When I see others do wrong,

I must immediately reflect upon myself.

有则改。无加警。

If you have the same faults, correct them.

If not, never let them arise.

If I have made the same mistake, I will correct it.

If not, I will take extra care to not make the same mistake.

唯德学。唯才艺。

If your virtue, learning and talents

Don’t measure up to others,

When my morals, conduct, knowledge,

and skills

不如人。当自砺。

Then spur yourself to work harder.

Accept nothing less than your best.

seem not as good as those of others,

I will encourage myself to be better.

若衣服。若饮食。

If your wardrobe is seldom in fashion

And your home is simple and plain,

If the clothes I wear,

and the food I eat and drink

不如人。勿生戚。

While your friends have the newest and finest,

Don’t be upset and never complain.

are not as good as that of others,

I should not be concerned.

闻过怒。闻誉乐。

If you’re angry when told of your faults,

And happy when praise comes your way,

If criticism makes me angry and

compliments make me happy,

损友来。益友却。

Harmful friends will draw near you,

And wholesome friends will stay away.

bad company will come my way and

good friends will shy away.

闻誉恐。闻过欣。

If compliments make you uneasy

And hearing your faults makes you glad,

If I am uneasy about compliments and

appreciative of criticism,

直谅士。渐相亲。

Forgiving and straightforward friends

Will then gradually come to your side.

then sincere, understanding, and virtuous people

will gradually come close to me.

无心非。名为错。

When an error is not made on purpose,

It is simply called a mistake.

If any mistake I make is inadvertent,

it is merely a mistake.

有心非。名为恶。

But to deliberately do something wrong,

Is not a mistake, but an evil.

If it is done on purpose, however,

it is an evil act.

过能改。归于无。

If you can reform your offenses,

Your faults will all disappear.

If I correct my mistake and do not repeat it,

I no longer own the mistake.

倘掩饰。增一辜。

But trying to cover them over

Makes your offenses more severe.

If I try to cover it up,

I will be doubly wrong.



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第五章 泛爱众


Chapter 5 On Cherishing All Living Beings

Chapter 5 Love All Equally

凡是人。皆须爱。

For all creatures throughout the world,

One should cherish a kind regard.

Human beings, regardless of nationality, race, or religion

- everyone - should be loved equally.

天同覆。地同载。

The sky covers all of us equally.

The earth supports all humankind.

We are all sheltered by the same sky and

we all live on the same planet Earth.

行高者。名自高。

People whose conduct is fine

Are sure to have good reputations.

A person of high ideals and morals

is highly respected.

人所重。非貌高。

Good conduct is what we respect;

Fine looks cannot bring people honor.

What people value

is not based on outside appearance.

才大者。望自大。

People who have great ability

Thereby enjoy great prestige.

A person’s outstanding ability

will naturally endow him with a good reputation.

人所服。非言大。

Others will follow their lead,

But great talkers don’t earn much respect.

Admiration from others does not come from

boasting or praising oneself.

己有能。勿自私。

The abilities you yourself have

Should not be used to attain selfish goals.

If I am a very capable person,

I should use my capabilities for the benefit of others.

人所能。勿轻訾。

The abilities others may have

Should not be belittled and scorned.

Other people’s competence

should not be slandered.

勿谄富。勿骄贫。

It’s not right to flatter the rich

Or be arrogant towards the poor.

I will not flatter the rich,

or despise the poor.

勿厌故。勿喜新。

What’s old need not be rejected.

What’s new is not necessarily good.

I will not ignore old friends,

only taking delight in new ones.

人不闲。勿事搅。

If you see a person who’s busy,

Leave him alone until he’s free.

When a person is busy,

I will not bother him with matters.

人不安。勿话扰。

If you see that a person is upset,

Don’t annoy him with idle chatter.

When a person’s mind is not at ease,

I will not bother him with words.

人有短。切莫揭。

Although you may know someone’s faults,

There’s no need to tell everyone.

If a person has a shortcoming,

I will not expose it.

人有私。切莫说。

The personal business of others

Should not be the subject of talk.

If a person has a secret,

I will not tell others.

道人善。即是善。

Praising the virtue of others

Is itself a virtuous deed.

Praising the goodness of others

is a good deed in itself.

人知之。愈思勉。

When people hear they’ve been praised,

They will want to improve even more.

When people are being praised and approved of,

they will be encouraged to try even harder.

扬人恶。即是恶。

There is never anything good

In talking of others’shortcomings.

Spreading rumors about the wrongdoings of others

is a wrongdoing in itself.

疾之甚。祸且作。

If they hear, they will surely resent it;

They will see you mean nothing but trouble.

When the harm done has reached the extreme,

misfortunes will surely follow.

善相劝。德皆建。

We should urge each other towards goodness

And develop our virtue together.

When I encourage another to do good,

both of our virtues are built up.

过不规。道两亏。

If our faults are not corrected,

We will surely stray from the Way.

If I do not tell another of his faults,

we are both wrong.

凡取与。贵分晓。

The amount you give and you get

Should always be clearly distinguished.

Whether I take or give,

I need to know the difference between the two.

与宜多。取宜少。

Make sure that your giving surpasses

The amount that you receive.

It is better to give more

and take less.

将加人。先问己。

Before you begin to blame others,

First you should question yourself:

What I ask others to do,

I must first ask myself if I would be willing to do.

己不欲。即速已。

“Would I want to be scolded and blamed?”

If not, then don’t do it to someone else.

If it is not something I would be willing to do,

I will not ask others to do it.

恩欲报。怨欲忘。

Kindness must be returned.

Let enmity just fade away.

I must repay the kindness of others and

let go of my resentments.

报怨短。报恩长。

Grudges are better forgotten;

Make kindness increase day by day.

I will spend less time holding grudges and

more time paying back the kindness of others.

待婢仆。身贵端。

Treat your employees with fairness.

Be proper and just with each one.

When I am directing maids and servants,

I will act honorably and properly.

虽贵端。慈而宽。

And not only proper and just—

You should also be kind and forgiving.

I will also treat them kindly and generously.

势服人,心不然。

If you try to rule others by force,

You will never win over their hearts.

If I use my influence to make them submissive,

their hearts will not be with you.

理服人,方无言。

If you lead them with virtue and reason,

Then they won’t feel oppressed and apart.

If I can convince them with sound reasoning,

they will have nothing to object to.



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第六章 亲仁


Chapter 6 On Drawing Near to Goodhearted People

Chapter 6 Be Close to and Learn from People of Virtue and Compassion

同是人。类不齐。

Many different kinds of people

All live on the earth together.

We are all human,

but we are not the same.

流俗众。仁者希。

There are many who follow the crowd.

There are few who are truly humane.

Most of us are ordinary;

only a very few have great virtues and high moral principles.

果仁者。人多畏。

Yet those who are truly humane

Are often feared by other people,

A truly virtuous person

is greatly respected by others.

言不讳。色不媚。

For they don’t hide behind words

Or try to please with their looks.

He will not be afraid to speak the truth and

he will not fawn on others.

能亲仁。无限好。

To follow the truly humane

Will bring immeasurable good.

If I can be close to and learn from people of great virtue and compassion,

I will benefit immensely.

德日进。过日少。

Virtue will grow day by day;

Mistakes will slowly fade away.

My virtues will grow daily and

my wrongdoings will lessen day by day.

不亲仁。无限害。

Not to follow the truly humane

Will bring immeasurable harm,

If I choose not to be close to and learn from people of great virtue,

I will suffer a great loss.

小人进。百事坏。

Unworthy people will draw near you,

And everything will go awry.

People without virtue will get close to me and

nothing I attempt will succeed.


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第七章 余力学文


Chapter 7 On Studying Whenever We Can

Chapter 7 After All the Above Are Accomplished, Study Further and Learn Literature and Art to Improve Your Cultural and Spiritual Life

不力行。但学文。

Cultural refinements have value,

But not at the expense of real work.

If I do not actively practice what I have learned,

but continue to study on the surface,

长浮华。成何人。

If you’re just superficially polished,

Then what can you expect to become?

even though my knowledge is increasing, it is only superficial.

What kind of person will I be?

但力行。不学文。

But if you do nothing but work

And have no understanding of culture,

If I do apply my knowledge diligently,

but stop studying,

任己见。昧理真。

You will be bound by your own narrow views,

And your notions of truth will be murky.

I will only do things based on my own opinion, thinking it is correct.

In fact, what I know is not the truth.

读书法。有三到。

When you’re pursuing your studies,

On the “three places” focus attention:

There are methods to study correctly.

They involve concentration in three areas:

心眼口。信皆要。

Your mind, your eyes and your mouth.

It’s important to train all these three.

my mind, my eyes, and my mouth.

To believe in what I read is equally important.

方读此。勿慕彼。

When you’ve taken up study of something,

Don’t let yourself become sidetracked.

When I begin to read a book,

I will not think about another.

此未终。彼勿起。

Be sure that you’ve finished one project

Before starting off on another.

If I have not completed the book,

I will not start another.

宽为限。紧用功。

Let your goals be lofty and broad.

Let your efforts be focused and steady.

I will give myself lots of time to study,

and I will study hard.

工夫到。滞塞通。

Once you have skill and experience,

You’ll solve every problem with ease.

If I devote enough time and effort,

I will thoroughly understand.

心有疑。随札记。

When a question comes up in your reading,

Make note of it before you forget.

If I have a question,

I will make a note of it.

就人问。求确义。

Then ask someone else who will know,

And who can explain the meaning.

I will ask the person who has the knowledge

for the right answer.

房室清。墙壁净。

Your room should be kept neat and tidy,

With walls and floors uncluttered and clean.

I will keep my room neat,

my walls uncluttered and clean,

几案洁。笔砚正。

Your desk should be kept in good order,

Pencils, paper, and pens well arranged.

my desk tidy and

my brush and inkstone properly placed.

墨磨偏。心不端。

If your desk and papers are messy,

It is likely your mind’s mixed up too.

If my ink block is ground unevenly,

it shows I have a poor state of mind.

字不敬。心先病。

If your writing is sloppy and careless,

It’s likely your mind is not focused.

When words are written carelessly, showing no respect,

this shows my state of mind has not been well.

列典籍。有定处。

Each of the books that you use

Should have its proper place on the shelf.

My books should be classified, placed on the bookshelves,

and in their proper places.

读看毕,还原处。

After you’ve finished your reading,

Put them back in the place they belong.

After I finish reading a book,

I will put it back where it belongs.

虽有急。卷束齐。

Although you may be in a hurry,

You should close your books the right way.

Even if I am in a hurry,

I still must neatly roll up and bind the open bamboo scroll I have been reading.

有缺坏。就补之。

If the pages or covers are damaged,

Be sure to take time to repair them.

Any missing or damaged pages

ought to be immediately repaired.

非圣书。屏勿视。

What hasn’t been written by sages

Is not something you should be reading.

If it is not a book on the teachings of the saints and sages,

it should be discarded and not even looked at.

蔽聪明。坏心志。

Such books block your intelligence

And undermine your resolve.

Such books can block my intelligence and wisdom, and

will undermine my aspirations and sense of direction.

勿自暴。勿自弃。

Don’t ever look down on yourself

Or fail to progress toward goodness.

Neither be harsh on myself,

nor give up on myself.

圣与贤。可驯致。

We all can gradually learn

To become worthies and sages.

To be a person of high ideals, moral standards and virtue

is something we can all attain in time.