弟子规全文英语版(2)

第二章 出则悌

Chapter 2 On Practicing True Brotherhood

Chapter 2 Standards for Brothers At Home or Away from Home

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.

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.

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.

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.

When people are eating or drinking,

Sitting down or taking a walk,

Whether you are drinking, eating,

walking, or sitting,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When an elder person is standing,

The young ones should not take a seat,

When an elder is standing,

I will not sit.

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.

Speak softly in front of your elders,

In a low voice that pleases the ear.

Before an elder,

I will peak softly.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Treat all brothers and sisters

Just like your family at home.

I will treat my cousins

as if they are my own siblings.