Guidelines & Principles To Ensure A Happier Today And Tomorrow (Part 1 of 7)

【入则孝】RESPECTING AND LOVING OUR PARENTS AT HOME
 
【父母呼。应勿缓。父母命。行勿懒。】
【父母教。须敬听。父母责。须顺承。】
When our parents call us, we should answer them right away.
When they tell us to do something, we should do it promptly.
When our parents instruct us, we should listen respectfully.
When they scold us, we should sincerely accept what they say.


【冬则温。夏则凊。晨则省。昏则定。】
We should make sure that our parents are warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
In the morning, we should greet them and show them that we care.
At night, we should make sure that they are resting comfortably.

 
【出必告。反必面。居有常。业无变。】
Before going out, we should let our parents know. When we return, we should tell them we are back.
We should lead a routine life, and we should not be constantly changing our mind in whatever we do.


【事虽小。勿擅为。茍擅为。子道亏。】
【物虽小。勿私藏。茍私藏。亲心伤。】
Even when a matter is trivial, we should not act without permission or just do as we please.
If we do so, then we are no longer a dutiful child.

We should not hide any possession, no matter how small, from our parents.
If we do, they will feel hurt.


【亲所好。力为具。亲所恶。谨为去。】
【身有伤。贻亲忧。德有伤。贻亲羞。】
When something pleases our parents and is proper, we should try our best to provide it for them.

When something displeases them, we should remove it.

If we injure ourselves, we will make our parents worry.
If we do something unvirtuous, they will feel ashamed.


【亲爱我。孝何难。亲憎我。孝方贤。】
When our parents love us, it is easy to be respectful and loving.
When they do not love us, respecting and loving them means we have a noble heart.


【亲有过。谏使更。怡吾色。柔吾声。】
【谏不入。悦复谏。号泣随。挞无怨。】
If our parents do something wrong, we should urge them to change.
Do so with a kind expression and caring voice.

Should our parents not accept our advice, try again when they are in a better mood.

If they still do not listen, our sincere tears will show them how deeply we care.
Should they get angry with us, do not hold it against them.


【亲有疾。药先尝。昼夜侍。不离床。】
【丧三年。常悲咽。居处变。酒肉绝。】
【丧尽礼。祭尽诚。事死者。如事生。】
When our parents are ill, we should make sure that they take the right medicine.
Care for them night and day, and do not leave them alone.

For three years after our parent’s passing, we should remember them in sadness.
We should live simply and not adorn our home. Avoid merry-making, meat, and alcohol.
We should arrange our parent’s funeral in a proper manner.

We should always honor them as if they were still alive and,
especially on the anniversary of their death, remember them with a sincere heart.