弟子規 Di Zi Gui - Guide To A Happy Life

Chapter 1 – At Home, Be Dutiful to My Parents
Chapter 2 – Standards for a Younger Brother When Away from Home
Chapter 3 – Be Cautious in My Daily Life
Chapter 4 – Be Trustworthy
Chapter 5 – Love All Equally
Chapter 6 – Be Close to and Learn from People of Virtue and Compassion
Chapter 7 – After All the Above are Accomplished, I Should Study Further And Learn Literature and Art to Improve My Cultural and Spiritual Life

Chapter 3 – Be Cautious in My Daily Life

I will get up each morning before my parents; at night, I will go to bed only after my parents have gone to sleep. 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.

When I get up in the morning, I will wash my face and brush my teeth. After using the toilet, I will always wash my hands.

I must wear my hat straight, and make sure the hooks of my clothes are tied. My socks and shoes should also be worn neatly and correctly.

I will always place my hat and clothes away in their proper places. I will not carelessly throw my clothes around, for that will get them dirty.

It is more important that my clothes are clean, rather than how extravagant they are. I will wear only what is suitable for my station. At home, I will wear clothes according to my family traditions and customs.

When it comes to eating and drinking, I will not pick and choose my food. I will only eat the right amount; I will not over-eat.

I am still young, I must not drink alcohol. When I am drunk, my behavior will turn ugly.

I will always walk composed, with light and even steps. I will always stand up straight and tall. My bows will always be deep, with hands held in front and arms rounded. I will always pay my respect with reverence.

1 will not step on doorsills or stand leaning on one leg. 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.

I will always lift the curtain slowly, and quietly. I must leave myself ample space when I turn so I will not bump into a corner.

I will hold empty containers carefully as if they were full. I will enter empty rooms as if they were occupied.

I will avoid doing things in a hurry, as doing things in haste will lead to many mistakes. I should not be afraid of difficult tasks, and I will not become careless when a job is too easy.

I will keep away from rowdy places. I will not ask about things that are abnormal or unusual.

When I am about to enter a main entrance, I must first ask if someone is inside. Before entering a room, I must first make myself heard, so that those inside know someone is approaching.

If someone asks who I am, I must give my name. To answer `It is me’ or `Me’ is not sufficient.

Before borrowing things from others, I must ask for permission. If I do not ask, it is stealing.

When borrowing things from others, I will return them promptly. Later, if I have an urgent need, I will not have a problem borrowing from them again.

Glossary
Established date: 03/06/10
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