Ti Tzu Kui - Chapter 1 - at Home, Be Dutiful To My Parents

At Home, Be Dutiful To My Parents

When my parents call me, I must answer right away. When they ask me to do something, I must not be lazy to do. When my parents instruct me, I will listen respectfully. When my parents scold me, I must accept and obey them. I will try to ensure my parents are always warm and comfortable. In the morning I will greet my parents and at night I will wish them a good night. Before going out or after returning home, I will tell my parents. I will maintain a disciplined life and strive for good results in all my studies. I must not do as I please, even though it may be just a small matter. If I do so, then I will not have been a dutiful child. I must not keep anything from my parents, even though it might be small. If I do so, I may hurt my parents' feelings. Within reason, I will try my best to please my parents. I will try not to do anything that might offend them. If I get hurt, my parents will be worried. If I behave badly, my parents will feel ashamed. With loving parents, it is not difficult to be dutiful to them. Even if my parents sometimes treat me badly, I must still be dutiful to them. If I feel my parents are wrong, I may advise them to change. I must do this politely. I may try to persuade them until they agree. I must not give up even if they continue to scold me. If my parents pass away, I will mourn them. I will not decorate my home and I will avoid any festivities. I will serve my parents'funerals with deepest sorrow; I will serve my departed parents as if they were still alive.