Children's reading of classics (Preface) Although our ancestors are far away, we must be sincere in sacrifices. Although children may be foolish, they cannot avoid reading the classics. The ancient wise ones said: "Teach children from an early age and teach women when they first arrive." When a child's innocence has not yet been lost, it is the easiest time to teach them, and also the time when they need teaching the most. As the saying goes: "The first impression is the most important." The Three-Character Classic says: "Human nature is similar at birth, but habits diverge with environment. If not educated, nature will change."
If we can take advantage of this golden period, using the examples of ancient sages to influence our children, employing the wisdom of saints and sages to teach the pure-hearted children, then: "Early formation is like nature, and habits become natural." Gradually accumulating day by day, we will surely lay the foundation for their lifelong behavior, family establishment, career success, happiness, and success. Parents who care about education must not overlook this.
"The way of teaching values specialization." When teaching children to read the classics, we must have patience and long-term vision! We should not seek quick results, and we must especially pay attention to "broad knowledge is not as good as specialized knowledge." Therefore, one classic should be recited hundreds to thousands of times. The deeper the roots are planted, the more fragrant the fruits will be. Su Dongpo said: "Classics do not get tiresome after being read a hundred times, thorough reading and deep thought will make you understand naturally." The ancient sages often said: "After reading the classics a thousand times, their meaning will become clear." Confucius read the I Ching until the ropes binding the book broke three times, showing how deeply he studied.
The selection of classics is recommended to focus on: Disciple Rules, Three-Character Classic, Four Books, Laozi and Zhuangzi as the main texts, with Three Hundred Tang Poems as supplementary material. Recitation and singing can be alternated for adjustment. If there are more than ten people to exchange ideas, experiencing the joy of reading classics, the effect will be even better. "Raising without teaching is the father's fault; teaching without strictness is the teacher's laziness." I hope to share this with all parents and teachers around the world.
Blessings to you!
Disciple Rules General Summary
Disciple Rules, teachings of the sage, first filial piety and brotherly love, next caution and trustworthiness, universal love for all, and proximity to benevolence. Having spare time, then study literature.
Morning rise early, night sleep late, old age comes easily, cherish this time. Morning wash face, brush teeth, return from toileting, always clean hands. Hat must be correct, buttons must be tied, socks and shoes both tight. Place hats and clothes in designated spots, do not scatter them causing dirt. Clothes value cleanliness, not luxury, upper follows rank, lower suits household. With eating and drinking, do not pick and choose, eat appropriately, do not overindulge. Young years, do not drink alcohol, drunkenness is most shameful. Walk composedly, stand uprightly, bow deeply and respectfully. Do not tread thresholds, do not lean crookedly, do not sit sprawling, do not shake thighs. Lift curtains gently, no sound, turn widely, do not touch edges. Hold empty vessels as if full, enter empty rooms as if occupied. Matters should not be hurried, haste leads to many mistakes. Do not fear difficulty, do not neglect lightly. Avoid places of strife, absolutely do not approach evil deeds. Before entering, ask who is present, before ascending hall, raise voice. When asked who, respond with name, 'I' and 'me' cause confusion. Use others' things only with permission, otherwise it is theft. Borrowed items should be returned promptly, future needs will be easier.
Trustworthiness: In all speech, trustworthiness is primary, deceit and falsehood are unacceptable. Speaking much is worse than speaking little, speak truthfully, avoid flattery. Deceitful words, filthy language, and vulgar talk should be strictly avoided. Without seeing clearly, do not speak lightly, knowing incompletely, do not transmit lightly. Matters unsuitable, do not promise lightly, promising lightly leads to indecision. In all speech, speak deliberately and clearly, do not rush or mumble. They say long and short, unrelated to oneself, do not interfere idly. Seeing others' virtues, emulate immediately, though distant, gradually attain. Seeing others' faults, introspect immediately, if present, correct, if absent, beware. Only virtue and learning, talent and artistry, if inferior, strive diligently. If clothing and food are inferior, do not lament.
Hearing faults angrily, hearing praise happily, brings harmful friends, repels beneficial ones. Hearing praise fearfully, hearing faults joyfully, attracts honest and trustworthy individuals, fostering closer relationships. Unintentional errors are called mistakes, intentional errors are called sins. Errors corrected disappear, concealing increases guilt.
Universal Love: All people require love, heaven covers all equally, earth supports all equally. High conduct brings high reputation, people respect not appearance but virtue. Great talent brings great renown, people admire not words but actions. Having abilities, do not be selfish, seeing others' talents, do not belittle lightly. Do not fawn on wealth, do not pride on poverty, do not tire of the old, do not favor the new. If others are busy, do not disturb, if uneasy, do not interrupt conversations. Others' shortcomings, do not reveal, others' secrets, do not disclose. Praising others' virtues is itself virtuous, others knowing, encourages further effort. Publicizing others' faults is itself faulty, excessive criticism invites misfortune. Encouraging each other towards goodness builds virtue, failing to correct each other harms both paths.
In all taking and giving, clarity is valuable, give generously, take sparingly. Before imposing on others, ask oneself, if unwilling, stop immediately. Gratitude should be remembered, resentment forgotten, repay grievances briefly, repay kindnesses long.
Serving attendants, personal integrity is essential, though upright, kindness and leniency are preferable. Coercion through power does not win hearts, persuasion through reason leaves no argument.
Affection for Benevolence: All people are alike, yet vary greatly. Common folk are numerous, benevolent ones rare. Truly benevolent, people fear, speech unreserved, demeanor unaffected. Being close to benevolence is infinitely beneficial, virtue daily increases, faults daily decrease. Not close to benevolence is infinitely harmful, petty people advance, all affairs deteriorate.
Remaining efforts in learning literature: Not practicing earnestly but only studying literature leads to superficiality and becomes what kind of person? Only practicing earnestly without studying literature relies on personal views, obscuring true principles. Reading method has three essentials: mind, eyes, mouth, all indeed necessary. While reading this, do not envy that, this not finished, that not started. Be lenient with deadlines, work hard diligently, when efforts reach, blockages resolve. Doubts arise, note them down, consult others, seek precise meanings. Room clean, walls neat, desk tidy, pens and ink proper. Ink ground unevenly shows lack of focus, writing disrespectful shows prior ailment. Arrange classics in fixed places, after reading, return to original places. Even in urgency, bundle neatly, if damaged, repair promptly. Non-saint books, avoid viewing, obstructs intelligence, harms heart's aspirations. Do not destroy oneself, do not abandon oneself, saints and sages can be attained gradually.
End of Easy Understanding of Disciple Rules