Three Character Classic, Disciples' Rules and Thousand Character Classic

Disciples' Rules (Di Zi Gui)

1. 1

   弟子規、聖人訓、首孝、次謹信

   Rules for disciples are the teachings of the sages: first, be filial; next, be careful and trustworthy.

2. 2

   愛眾、而親仁、有餘力、則學文

   Love all people and draw close to the benevolent. If you have strength to spare, study literature.

3. 3

   父母呼、應勿緩、父母命、行勿懶

   When your parents call, answer without delay. When your parents give instructions, act without laziness.

4. 4

   父母教、須敬聽、父母責、須順承

   When your parents teach you, listen respectfully. When your parents reprimand you, accept it obediently.

5. 5

   冬則温、夏則凊、晨則省、昏則定

   In winter, keep your parents warm; in summer, keep them cool. In the morning, inquire after them; in the evening, see that they are settled for the night.

6. 6

   出必告、反必面、居有常、業無變

   When going out, tell your parents; when returning, present yourself to them. Keep a regular place of residence, and do not change your occupation.

7. 7

   事雖小、勿擅為、苟擅為、子道虧

   Even in small matters, do not act on your own authority. If you do, you fall short of your duty as a child.

8. 8

   物雖小、勿私藏、苟私藏、親心傷

   Even if an object is small, do not keep it secretly for yourself. If you do, you wound your parents’ hearts.

9. 9

   親所好、力為具、親所惡、謹為去

   What your parents like, strive to provide; what your parents dislike, take care to remove.

10. 10

    身有傷、貽親憂、德有傷、貽親羞

    An injury to your body brings your parents worry; an injury to your virtue brings your parents shame.

11. 11

    親愛我、孝何難、親憎我、孝方賢

    When your parents love you, how difficult is filial devotion? When your parents dislike you, filial devotion truly shows your worth.

12. 12

    親有過、諫使更、怡吾色、柔吾聲

    If your parents are at fault, gently urge them to change. Keep your expression pleasant and your voice gentle.

13. 13

    諫不入、悅復諫、號泣隨、撻無怨

    If they do not accept your counsel, offer it again when they are pleased. Follow them with cries and tears, and bear their blows without resentment.

14. 14

    親有疾、藥先嘗、晝夜侍、不離床

    When your parents are ill, taste their medicine first. Attend them day and night, without leaving their bedside.

15. 15

    喪三年、常悲咽、居處變、酒肉絕

    Mourn for three years, often weeping with grief. Change your living arrangements, and abstain from wine and meat.

16. 16

    喪盡禮、祭盡誠、事死者、如事生

    Observe the funeral rites fully, and make offerings with utmost sincerity. Serve the dead as you would serve the living.

17. 17

    兄道友、弟道恭、兄弟睦、孝在中

    The elder brother’s way is kindness; the younger brother’s way is respect. When brothers live in harmony, filial devotion is found within it.

18. 18

    財物輕、怨何生、言語忍、忿自泯

    If you hold wealth and possessions lightly, how can resentment arise? If you exercise restraint in speech, anger naturally fades.

19. 19

    或飲食、或坐走、長者先、幼者後

    Whether eating, drinking, sitting, or walking, let elders go first and the younger follow.

20. 20

    長呼人、即代叫、人不在、己即到

    When an elder calls for someone, immediately call that person on their behalf. If that person is absent, go to the elder yourself.

21. 21

    稱尊長、勿呼名、對尊長、勿見能

    When addressing respected elders, do not call them by name. In their presence, do not show off your abilities.

22. 22

    路遇長、疾趨揖、長無言、退恭立

    When you meet an elder on the road, approach promptly and bow with clasped hands. If the elder does not speak, step back and stand respectfully.

23. 23

    騎下馬、乘下車、過猶待、百步餘

    If riding a horse, dismount; if riding in a carriage, get out. Even after the elder has passed, wait until they are more than a hundred paces away.

24. 24

    長者立、幼勿坐、長者坐、命乃坐

    When an elder stands, the younger must not sit. When the elder sits, sit only when told to do so.

25. 25

    尊長前、聲要低、低不聞、卻非宜

    In the presence of respected elders, keep your voice low. Yet speaking so softly that you cannot be heard is not proper.

26. 26

    進必趨、退必遲、問起對、視勿移

    When approaching, move briskly; when withdrawing, move slowly. When questioned, rise to answer, and do not let your gaze wander.

27. 27

    事諸父、如事父、事諸兄、如事兄

    Serve your uncles as you serve your father; serve your elder cousins as you serve your elder brothers.

28. 28

    朝起早、夜眠遲、老易至、惜此時

    Rise early in the morning and go to bed late at night. Old age comes easily; cherish this time.

29. 29

    晨必盥、兼漱口、便回、輒淨手

    In the morning, wash your face and rinse your mouth. After using the toilet, always wash your hands.

30. 30

    冠必正、紐必結、襪與履、俱緊切

    Keep your cap straight and your fastenings secured. Your socks and shoes should both fit snugly.

31. 31

    置冠服、有定位、勿亂頓、致污穢

    Keep your cap and clothing in their appointed places. Do not toss them about and let them become dirty.

32. 32

    衣貴潔、不貴華、上循分、下稱家

    Value cleanliness in clothing, not finery. Dress according to your station and within your family's means.

33. 33

    對飲食、勿揀擇、食適可、勿過則

    Do not be fussy in choosing food and drink. Eat a suitable amount, and do not exceed it.

34. 34

    年方少、勿飲酒、飲酒醉、最為醜

    While you are young, do not drink wine. Getting drunk is most disgraceful.

35. 35

    步從容、立端正、揖深圓、拜恭敬

    Walk with composure and stand upright. Bow deeply with your hands properly joined, and make your obeisances respectfully.

36. 36

    勿踐閾、勿跛倚、勿箕踞、勿搖髀

    Do not step on thresholds or lean to one side. Do not sit with your legs sprawled out or shake your thighs.

37. 37

    緩揭簾、勿有聲、寬轉彎、勿觸棱

    Lift curtains slowly, without making a sound. Turn corners widely, without striking their edges.

38. 38

    執虛器、如執盈、入虛室、如有人

    Carry an empty vessel as though it were full. Enter an empty room as though someone were there.

39. 39

    事勿忙、忙多錯、勿畏難、勿輕略

    Do not rush your tasks; haste brings many mistakes. Do not fear difficulty or treat things carelessly.

40. 40

    鬥鬧場、絕勿近、邪僻事、絕勿問

    Never go near places of fighting and disorder. Never inquire into wicked or improper affairs.

41. 41

    將入門、問孰存、將上堂、聲必揚

    Before entering a doorway, ask who is there. Before entering the hall, make your voice heard.

42. 42

    人問誰、對以名、吾與我、不分明

    When someone asks who you are, answer with your name. Saying “I” or “me” does not make it clear.

43. 43

    用人物、須明求、倘不問、即為偷

    To use another person's belongings, you must ask clearly for permission. If you do not ask, it is stealing.

44. 44

    借人物、及時還、

    When you borrow another person's belongings, return them on time.

45. 45

    凡出言、信為先、詐與妄、奚可焉

    Whenever you speak, put truthfulness first. How could deceit and falsehood be acceptable?

46. 46

    話說多、不如少、惟其是、勿佞巧

    It is better to speak little than to speak much. Speak only what is true; do not use clever flattery.

47. 47

    奸巧語、穢污詞、市井氣、切戒之

    Strictly guard against crafty speech, filthy words, and the vulgar manners of the marketplace.

48. 48

    見未真、勿輕言、知未的、勿輕傳

    Do not speak lightly of what you have not seen clearly. Do not readily pass on what you do not know for certain.

49. 49

    事非宜、勿輕諾、苟輕諾、進退錯

    Do not readily promise to do something improper. If you promise rashly, you will be wrong whether you proceed or withdraw.

50. 50

    凡道字、重且舒、勿急疾、勿模糊

    Whenever you speak, pronounce your words steadily and calmly. Do not speak hurriedly or indistinctly.

51. 51

    彼說長、此說短、不關己、莫閒管

    Whether others speak of this person's merits or that person's faults, if it does not concern you, do not meddle.

52. 52

    見人善、即思齊、縱去遠、以漸躋

    When you see goodness in others, think at once of equaling them. Though you are far behind, rise gradually toward their level.

53. 53

    見人惡、即內省、有則改、無加警

    When you see wrongdoing in others, examine yourself at once. If you have the same fault, correct it; if not, be more watchful.

54. 54

    唯德學、唯才藝、不如人、當自

    In virtue and learning, in talents and skills, if you fall short of others, you should yourself...

55. 55

    若衣服、若飲食、不如人、勿生戚

    If your clothing or your food is not as good as others', do not be distressed.

56. 56

    聞過怒、聞譽樂、損友來、益友卻

    If you become angry on hearing your faults and happy on hearing praise, harmful friends will come and helpful friends will withdraw.

57. 57

    聞譽恐、聞過欣、直諒士、漸相親

    If praise makes you apprehensive and hearing your faults makes you glad, upright and trustworthy people will gradually draw close to you.

58. 58

    無心非、名為錯、有心非、名為惡

    An unintentional wrong is called a mistake; an intentional wrong is called evil.

59. 59

    過能改、歸於無、倘飾、增一辜

    If you can correct a fault, it comes to nothing. If you conceal it, you add another offense.

60. 60

    凡是人、皆須愛、天同覆、地同載

    All people must be loved. The same heaven covers them, and the same earth supports them.

61. 61

    行高者、名自高、人所重、非貌高

    Those whose conduct is noble naturally gain a high reputation. What people esteem is not an imposing appearance.

62. 62

    才大者、望自大、人所服、非言大

    Those whose abilities are great naturally gain great prestige. What people admire is not grand talk.

63. 63

    己有能、勿自私、人所能、勿輕訾

    If you have an ability, do not keep it to yourself. Do not belittle or disparage the abilities of others.

64. 64

    勿諂富、勿驕貧、勿厭故、勿喜新

    Do not flatter the rich or be arrogant toward the poor. Do not tire of old acquaintances or delight in new ones.

65. 65

    人不閒、勿事攪、人不安、勿話擾

    When others are busy, do not trouble them with matters. When others are unsettled, do not disturb them with talk.

66. 66

    人有短、切莫揭、人有私、切莫說

    Never expose others' shortcomings. Never speak of their private affairs.

67. 67

    道人善、即是善、人知之、愈思勉

    To speak of others' goodness is itself good. When they learn of it, they are encouraged to strive still harder.

68. 68

    揚人惡、即是惡、疾之甚、禍且作

    To publicize others' wrongdoing is itself wrong. If you condemn them too harshly, trouble will arise.

69. 69

    善相勸、德皆建、過不規、道兩虧

    By encouraging one another in goodness, both build virtue. If you do not admonish one another for faults, both fall short in the Way.

70. 70

    凡取與、貴分曉、與宜多、取宜少

    In all taking and giving, clarity matters. It is fitting to give more and take less.

71. 71

    將加人、先問己、己不欲、即速已

    Before imposing something on others, first ask yourself: if you would not want it, stop at once.

72. 72

    恩欲報、怨欲忘、報怨短、報恩長

    Seek to repay kindness and forget resentment. Let repayment of grievances be brief and repayment of kindness enduring.

73. 73

    待婢僕、身貴端、雖貴端、慈而寬

    In dealing with maids and servants, maintain dignified conduct. Though dignified, be kind and generous.

74. 74

    勢服人、心不然、理服人、方無言

    If you subdue people by power, their hearts do not assent. Only when you persuade them by reason will they have nothing to say against it.

75. 75

    同是人、類不齊、流俗眾、仁者

    All are human, yet their kinds differ. Those who follow worldly ways are many; the benevolent...

76. 76

    果仁者、人多畏、言不諱、色不媚

    A truly benevolent person is held in awe by many; his speech is frank, and his expression is not flattering.

77. 77

    能親仁、無限好、德日進、過日少

    Drawing close to the benevolent brings boundless good: your virtue grows daily, and your faults diminish daily.

78. 78

    不親仁、無限害、小人進、百事壞

    Failing to draw close to the benevolent brings boundless harm: petty people draw near, and everything goes wrong.

79. 79

    不力行、但學文、長浮華、成何人

    If you do not earnestly put learning into practice but only study texts, you merely grow in superficial polish. What kind of person will you become?

80. 80

    但力行、不學文、任己見、昧理真

    If you only practice earnestly but do not study texts, you rely on your own views and remain ignorant of true principles.

81. 81

    讀書法、有三到、心眼口、信皆要

    In reading, three things must be fully engaged: the mind, the eyes, and the mouth. All are indeed essential.

82. 82

    方讀此、勿慕彼、此未終、彼勿起

    While reading this book, do not long for another. Until you have finished this one, do not begin the other.

83. 83

    寬為限、緊用功、工夫到、滯塞通

    Allow ample time, but work diligently. When sufficient effort has been made, obstacles to understanding will clear.

84. 84

    心有疑、隨札記、就人問、求確義

    Whenever doubts arise in your mind, write them down. Ask others and seek the precise meaning.

85. 85

    房室清、牆壁淨、几案潔、筆硯正

    Keep your room tidy, the walls clean, your desk spotless, and your brush and inkstone properly arranged.

86. 86

    墨磨偏、心不端、字不敬、心先病

    If you grind the ink unevenly, your mind is not upright. If you write carelessly, your mind is already at fault.

87. 87

    列典籍、有定處、讀看畢、還原處

    Arrange your books in fixed places. When you have finished reading, return them to their original places.

88. 88

    雖有急、卷束齊、有缺、就補之

    Even when in a hurry, put your books away neatly. If anything is damaged or missing, repair or replace it.

89. 89

    非聖書、屏勿視、蔽聰明、壞心志

    Put aside books that do not teach the way of the sages, and do not read them. They cloud your understanding and corrupt your heart and purpose.

90. 90

    勿自暴、勿自棄、聖與賢、可馴致

    Do not mistreat yourself or give up on yourself. Through gradual cultivation, you can become a sage or a worthy person.

Thousand Character Classic

1. 1

   天地黃 宇宙洪荒

   Heaven and earth are yellow; the universe is vast and primeval.

2. 2

   日月盈昃 辰宿列張

   The sun and moon wax and decline; the stars and constellations are arrayed across the sky.

3. 3

   寒來暑往 秋收冬藏

   Cold comes and heat departs; autumn brings harvest, and winter brings storage.

4. 4

   閏餘成歲 律調陽

   The remainder makes up the intercalary year; the pitch pipes harmonize yang.

5. 5

   雲騰致雨 露結爲霜

   Clouds rise and bring rain; dew congeals into frost.

6. 6

   金生麗水 玉出崗

   Gold is found in the Li River; jade comes from the hills.

7. 7

   劍號巨闕 珠稱夜光

   The famed sword is called Juque; the famed pearl is called Night Light.

8. 8

   菓珎李柰 菜重芥薑

   Among fruits, plums and apples are prized; among vegetables, mustard and ginger are valued.

9. 9

   海河淡 鱗潛羽翔

   The sea and rivers are fresh; scaled creatures swim beneath the water, and feathered creatures soar.

10. 10

    龍師火帝 鳥官人皇

    There were the Dragon Master, the Fire Emperor, the Bird Officials, and the Human Sovereign.

11. 11

    始文字 乃服衣裳

    Writing was first established; then upper and lower garments were worn.

12. 12

    推位讓國 有虞陶唐

    They yielded the throne and relinquished the realm: the rulers of Youyu and Taotang.

13. 13

    弔民伐罪 周發湯

    They comforted the people and punished the guilty: Fa of Zhou and Tang.

14. 14

    朝問道 拱平章

    At court they inquired about the Way; with hands folded, they governed impartially.

15. 15

    愛育黎首 臣伏戎羌

    They loved and nurtured the common people; the Rong and Qiang submitted as subjects.

16. 16

    遐迩體 率賓歸王

    Those far and near formed one body; all submitted and gave allegiance to the king.

17. 17

    鳴鳳在 白駒食場

    The calling phoenix is present; the white colt feeds in the field.

18. 18

    化被草木 賴及萬方

    Their transforming influence reached the grasses and trees; their blessings extended to every region.

19. 19

    盖此身 四大五常

    This body comprises the four great elements and the five constant virtues.

20. 20

    恭惟鞠養 豈敢毀傷

    Reverently mindful of the care that raised us, how could we dare to injure or harm it?

21. 21

    女慕貞 男效才良

    Women admire chastity; men emulate the talented and virtuous.

22. 22

    知過必改 能莫忘

    When you recognize a fault, be sure to correct it; do not forget what you are able to do.

23. 23

    罔談短 靡恃己長

    Do not speak of others’ shortcomings; do not rely on your own strengths.

24. 24

    信使可覆 器欲難量

    Let your trustworthiness withstand verification; let your capacity be difficult to measure.

25. 25

    墨悲絲 詩讚羔羊

    Mozi grieved over silk; the Book of Odes praises the lamb.

26. 26

    景行維賢 念作聖

    The worthy are models of noble conduct; through mindful reflection one becomes a sage.

27. 27

    建名立 形端表正

    Establish a name and standing; when the body is upright, its outward bearing is correct.

28. 28

    空谷傳聲 虛堂習聽

    An empty valley carries sound; in an empty hall, echoes are heard.

29. 29

    禍因惡 福緣善慶

    Misfortune arises from evil; blessings come through the rewards of goodness.

30. 30

    尺璧非寶 寸陰是

    A jade disc a foot across is no treasure; an inch of time is what matters.

31. 31

    資父事君 曰嚴敬

    Serve your ruler as you serve your father, with reverence and respect.

32. 32

    孝當竭力 忠則盡命

    In filial devotion, exert all your strength; in loyalty, devote your very life.

33. 33

    臨深履薄 夙興溫

    Be as cautious as when approaching deep water or treading on thin ice; rise early to provide warmth.

34. 34

    似蘭斯馨 如松之盛

    Be fragrant like the orchid, flourishing like the pine.

35. 35

    川流不息 淵澄取

    Flow unceasingly like a river; be clear like a deep pool that receives reflections.

36. 36

    容止若思 言辭安定

    Let your bearing be thoughtful and your speech calm and steady.

37. 37

    篤初美 慎終宜令

    Be earnest at the beginning, making it good; be careful at the end, making it worthy.

38. 38

    榮業所基 籍甚無竟

    This is the foundation of an honorable life's work, and of abundant renown without end.

39. 39

    學優登仕 攝職從政

    When your learning excels, enter public service; take up office and engage in government.

40. 40

    存以甘 去而益詠

    While present, leave sweetness; after departing, be praised all the more in song.

41. 41

    樂殊貴賤 禮別尊卑

    Music distinguishes the noble from the lowly; ritual distinguishes the honored from the humble.

42. 42

    上和下睦 夫唱婦随

    Let those above be harmonious and those below be amicable; let the husband lead and the wife follow.

43. 43

    外受傅訓 入奉母儀

    Outside the home, receive your tutor's instruction; within it, honor your mother's example.

44. 44

    諸姑伯叔 猶子比兒

    Paternal aunts and uncles should regard their nephews as their own children.

45. 45

    孔懷兄弟 同氣連枝

    Cherish your brothers deeply: you share the same breath, like branches joined to one tree.

46. 46

    交友投分 切磨箴規

    In friendship, seek kindred dispositions; refine one another through admonition and correction.

47. 47

    仁慈隱惻 造次離

    Be benevolent, compassionate, sympathetic, and tenderhearted, even in moments of haste and separation.

48. 48

    節義廉退 顛沛匪虧

    Let integrity, righteousness, incorruptibility, and humility remain unimpaired even in adversity.

49. 49

    性靜情逸 心動神疲

    When one's nature is still, the feelings are at ease; when the mind is stirred, the spirit grows weary.

50. 50

    守眞志滿 逐物意移

    By preserving what is true, the will finds fulfillment; by pursuing external things, one's purpose is diverted.

51. 51

    堅持雅 好爵自

    Hold firmly to integrity, and high rank will come of itself.

52. 52

    都邑華夏 東西京

    The splendid capitals of China are the eastern and western capitals.

53. 53

    背面洛 浮渭據涇

    With their backs turned and their fronts toward the Luo, they span the Wei and command the Jing.

54. 54

    宮殿盤鬱 樓觀飛驚

    Palaces spread in dense grandeur; towers and terraces soar in startling heights.

55. 55

    圖寫禽獸 畫仙靈

    Birds and beasts are depicted, and immortals and spirits are painted.

56. 56

    丙舍傍啟 甲帳楹

    Side chambers open nearby; splendid curtains hang beside the pillars.

57. 57

    肆筵設席 鼓瑟吹笙

    Banquet mats are spread and seats arranged; zithers are played and reed organs blown.

58. 58

    階納陛 弁轉疑星

    The steps admit those ascending to the throne; their ceremonial caps move like stars.

59. 59

    右通廣內 左達承明

    To the right lies access to the imperial library; to the left, the Chengming Hall.

60. 60

    既集墳典 亦聚羣英

    Ancient records and classics are collected there, and outstanding men are gathered as well.

61. 61

    杜鍾隸 書經

    The calligraphy of Du and Zhong, clerical script, books and classics.

62. 62

    府羅將相 路槐卿

    The government offices hold generals and ministers; along the roads stand the locust trees of the high officials.

63. 63

    戶封八縣 家給千兵

    Each household is enfeoffed with eight counties, and each family is supplied with a thousand soldiers.

64. 64

    高冠陪輦 轂振纓

    Wearing tall caps, they accompany the imperial carriage; their carriage wheels turn and their cap ribbons flutter.

65. 65

    世祿侈富 車駕肥輕

    With hereditary stipends, they enjoy lavish wealth, riding in light carriages drawn by well-fed horses.

66. 66

    策功茂實 勒碑刻銘

    Their achievements and abundant accomplishments are recorded, inscribed on steles, and engraved in commemorative texts.

67. 67

    磻伊尹 佐時阿衡

    The sage of Pan and Yi Yin assisted their times as chief ministers.

68. 68

    奄宅曲阜 微旦孰營

    They came to dwell in Qufu; without the Duke of Zhou, Dan, who could have established it?

69. 69

    桓公匡合 濟弱扶傾

    Duke Huan restored order and united the lords, aiding the weak and supporting those near collapse.

70. 70

    綺廻漢惠 感武丁

    The recluse of Mount Qi turned the tide for Emperor Hui of Han; Wu Ding was moved to respond.

71. 71

    俊密勿 多士寔寧

    Able men worked diligently and discreetly; with many worthy men, peace was truly secured.

72. 72

    晉楚更霸 趙魏困橫

    Jin and Chu took turns as overlords; Zhao and Wei were troubled by the alliance serving Qin.

73. 73

    假途滅虢 踐土會盟

    Passage was borrowed to destroy Guo; at Jiantu, the lords assembled to swear an alliance.

74. 74

    何遵約法 韓弊煩

    Xiao He upheld simple laws; Han suffered from burdensome complexity.

75. 75

    起翦頗牧 用軍最精

    Bai Qi, Wang Jian, Lian Po, and Li Mu were supremely skilled in commanding armies.

76. 76

    宣威沙 馳譽丹青

    Their might spread through the sands; their fame was celebrated in paintings.

77. 77

    九州禹跡 百郡秦

    The nine provinces bear the traces of Yu; the hundred commanderies belong to Qin.

78. 78

    嶽宗岱 禪主-{云}-亭

    Among the sacred mountains, Mount Tai is foremost; the earth sacrifices are chiefly offered at Yun and Ting.

79. 79

    雁門紫塞 田赤城

    Yanmen and the purple frontier ramparts; the fields and Chicheng.

80. 80

    池碣石 鉅野洞庭

    The lake and Jieshi; Juye and Dongting.

81. 81

    曠遠緜邈 巖岫杳冥

    Vast and distant, stretching far away; cliffs and peaks, dim and deep.

82. 82

    治本於農 務稼穡

    Government is rooted in agriculture; devote yourself to sowing and reaping.

83. 83

    俶載南畝 藝黍稷

    Begin work in the southern fields; plant millet and grain.

84. 84

    稅熟貢新 勸黜陟

    Tax the ripened harvest and offer the new produce as tribute; encourage, demote, and promote.

85. 85

    孟軻敦素 秉直

    Mencius upheld simplicity and held firmly to uprightness.

86. 86

    庶幾中庸 勞謙謹

    Aspire to the mean and the constant; be diligent, humble, and cautious.

87. 87

    聆音察理 鑑貌色

    Listen to words and discern their principles; examine appearance and expression.

88. 88

    貽厥嘉猷 勉其祗植

    Pass on good counsel to them; encourage them to establish themselves reverently.

89. 89

    省躬譏誡 寵增抗極

    Examine yourself in light of criticism and admonition; increasing favor rises to an extreme.

90. 90

    殆辱近 幸即

    Danger and disgrace draw near; good fortune is at hand.

91. 91

    兩見機 解組誰逼

    The two discerned the moment; who compelled them to untie their seals of office?

92. 92

    索居處 沈默寂

    Live apart in seclusion, silent and still.

93. 93

    古尋論 逍遙

    Seek out ancient discussions and wander at ease.

94. 94

    欣奏累遣 慼謝歡招

    Joy arrives and burdens are dispelled; sorrow departs and happiness is welcomed.

95. 95

    渠的歷 園莽抽條

    The canal gleams brightly; the garden vegetation sends forth shoots.

96. 96

    晚翠 梧桐

    Green late in the year; the parasol trees.

97. 97

    陳根委翳 落葉飄

    Old roots lie covered in shade; fallen leaves drift.

98. 98

    游鵾獨運 凌摩絳霄

    The wandering kun bird flies alone, soaring up to brush the crimson sky.

99. 99

    耽讀市 寓目囊箱

    Absorbed in reading in the marketplace, he casts his eyes upon bags and chests.

100. 100

     易輶攸畏 屬耳垣

     Even the easy and slight are to be feared; ears are pressed against the wall.

101. 101

     具膳飯 適口充腸

     Prepare the dishes and rice, pleasing the palate and filling the belly.

102. 102

     飽飫宰 飢厭糟糠

     When full, one is sated with slaughtered meat; when hungry, one is satisfied with lees and husks.

103. 103

     親戚故舊 老少異

     Relatives and old friends, the old and the young, are treated differently.

104. 104

     妾-{御}-績紡 侍巾帷房

     Concubines spin and weave, and attend with towels in the inner chambers.

105. 105

     紈扇潔 銀燭煌

     The white silk fan is spotless; the silver candles shine brightly.

106. 106

     晝眠夕寐 籃象

     Sleep by day and rest at night, with woven bamboo and ivory.

107. 107

     歌酒讌 接杯舉觴

     Sing and feast with wine, receiving cups and raising goblets.

108. 108

     矯手頓足 悅豫且康

     Raise the hands and stamp the feet, joyful, contented, and at ease.

109. 109

     嫡後嗣續 祭祀嘗

     The legitimate descendants continue the lineage and offer the ancestral sacrifices.

110. 110

     稽顙再拜 悚懼恐惶

     Touch the forehead to the ground and bow twice, trembling with fear and awe.

111. 111

     牒簡要 顧答審詳

     Documents should be concise and essential; replies should be considered carefully and thoroughly.

112. 112

     骸垢想 執熱願涼

     When the body is dirty, thoughts arise; when suffering heat, one longs for coolness.

113. 113

     驢騾犢特 駭躍超驤

     Donkeys, mules, calves, and bulls start in fright, leap, and gallop.

114. 114

     誅斬賊盜 捕獲叛亡

     Execute robbers and thieves; capture rebels and fugitives.

115. 115

     布射遼丸 嵇琴阮嘯

     Lü Bu was skilled in archery, Xiong Yiliao in juggling balls, Ji Kang at the qin, and Ruan Ji at whistling.

116. 116

     恬筆倫紙 鈞巧任釣

     Meng Tian made brushes, Cai Lun made paper, Ma Jun was ingenious, and Prince Ren was skilled at fishing.

117. 117

     釋紛利俗 並皆佳妙

     In resolving difficulties and benefiting the people, all were excellent and remarkable.

118. 118

     毛施淑姿 工笑

     Mao Qiang and Xi Shi had beautiful forms and were skilled at smiling.

119. 119

     年矢每催 暉朗

     The arrow of the years constantly hastens onward; the light shines brightly.

120. 120

     璣懸斡 晦魄環照

     The celestial mechanism hangs above and turns; the darkened moon circles and shines.

121. 121

     指薪脩祜 永綏吉劭

     As fire passes from one piece of fuel to another, cultivate blessings, and remain forever in auspicious peace and goodness.

122. 122

     矩步引領 俯仰廊廟

     Walk with measured steps and lift your head, bowing and looking up in the halls of state.

123. 123

     束帶矜莊 徘徊瞻眺

     Fasten your sash and maintain a dignified bearing; walk to and fro, gazing about.

124. 124

     孤陋寡聞 愚蒙等誚

     Isolated, uncultivated, and little informed, foolish and ignorant, one is equally subject to reproach.

125. 125

     謂語助者 焉哉乎也

     As for the particles that assist speech, they are yan, zai, hu, and ye.

Text: Disciples' Rules (Di Zi Gui), Chinese text; Thousand Character Classic, Chinese text. Copied word for word from the edition named here

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