Teachings for Enlightening Children (Xun Meng Wen) is one of the Chinese classic texts for educating children on observing etiquette and rules and cultivating benevolence in society. It was originally written by an intellectual named Mr. Li Yuxiu (1662¡V1722) during Emperor Kang Xi's (1654-1722) reign in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). It was then edited by Mr. Jia Cunren in the Qing Dynasty, who changed the title to Student Rules. Arranged in simple three-character verses, it has five parts detailing the rules in a variety of settings. As the second most influential text for children, (the most influential being the Three Character Classic (1)) Teachings for Enlightening Children teaches filial piety, respect, cautiousness, honesty, forbearance, tolerance, etc.

(Continued from Part I)

Whenever saying words
Put honesty first.
Deceit and lies
Are not accepted.
Saying less
Is better than more.
Be sure to be truthful
Avoid embellishments and craftiness.
Elaborate, insincere statements
And dirty words
Are philistine, and
Restrained.
Don't easily say things
You didn't see.
Don't tell of things
You don't know the details of.

Immediately consider upgrading morality
Upon seeing kindness.
Even if he is far behind
He should gradually catch up.
Immediately look within
Upon seeing demonic behaviour.
Make corrections on similar problems, and
Warn himself if he doesn't have them.
Compete and temper oneself
Knowledge, or
Artistic techniques.
Don't feel sad
if one's belongings
Are not as good as others'.

If one is mad when criticised
And happy when praised
Harmful friends will come
And beneficial ones will leave.
If one avoids praises
And is glad when criticised
Upright and honest people will gradually come closer.
An unintentional mistake
Is called a mistake.
An intentional one
Is called evil.

If one can correct mistakes
He will have fewer or not any mistakes.
If one tries to cover up mistakes
One more mistake is already made.

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Published: Friday 3rd November 2006