Sanzi Jing

Let's study the part five of Sanzi Jing-Great reminder to all human beings.
犬守夜 雞司晨 苟不學 曷為人
The dog guards the night; the rooster proclaims the dawn. If, negligently, you do not study, how can you become people?
蠶吐絲 蜂釀蜜 人不學 不如物
The silkworm produces silk, the bee makes honey. If one does not study, what is the use of being human?
幼而學 壯而行 上致君 下澤民
When young, study; when grown up, perform. Influence the sovereign above, benefit the people below.
揚名聲 顯父母 光於前 裕於後
Make a name for yourselves; honor you father and mother. Shine light on your ancestors, bring prosperity to your descendants.
人遺子 金滿嬴 我教子 惟一經
People bequeath to their children chests full gold. I teach children, only one classic.
勤有功 戲無益 戒之哉 宜勉力
Diligence has merit; play has no advantage. Guard against it; exert your strength.
-----------------------------end of part five of Sanzi Jing-------------------------
Wow, the part five of Sanzi Jing reminded us to study well and behave properly in our daily life.

Sanzi Jing

Let's study the part four of Sanzi Jing-show good examples.
讀史書 考實錄 通古今 若親目
Read the history books,examine the records,connect the ancient with the present,
and you'll be as close as an eyewitness.
口而誦 心而惟 朝於斯 夕於斯
Recite them with the mouth,examine them with your heart;do this in the morning;
do this in the evening.
昔仲尼 師項橐 古聖賢 尚勤學
Formerly, Zhong Ni,took Xiang Tuo for his teacher.The ancient sages were virtuous,
yet studied diligently.Zhong Ni was one of Confucius' names. Xiang Tuo was a prodigious seven year old.There is a story told of how he refused Confucius' request to move his play fortress from the middle of the road because, he argued, who had ever heard of moving buildings to make way for carriages?
趙中令 讀魯論 彼既仕 學且勤
Grand Secretary Zhao studied the Analects. He, although already an official,
studied diligently.Song Emperor Taizong asked Zhao Pu why he was reading the Analects, a book commonly taught to kids. Zhao replied: "With half of this book I helped your father gain the empire. With the other half I help you to preserve it."
披蒲編 削竹簡 彼無書 且知勉
Splitting reeds and weaving them,cutting bamboo slips.They had no books,
yet knew how to exert themselves.Lu Wenshu was a too poor to be able to buy books. He braided reeds and copied borrowed books. Gongsun Hong cut bamboo slips to do the same.Both men served under the Han dynasty.
頭懸梁 錐刺股 彼不教 自勤苦
One tied his head to the roof beam;another pricked his thigh with an awl.They were not taught these, but came up on their own to toil hard.Sun Jing tied his hair to the roof beam to prevent from nodding off to sleep. He became a minister under the Qin dynasty. Su Qin set up an awl to prick himself awake if he nodded off. He became a prime minister.
如囊螢 如映雪 家雖貧 學不輟
One put fireflies in a bag.another used the glare from the snow.Although their families were poor,they studied unceasingly.Che Yin used the light from the fireflies while Sun Kang used the glare from the snow because they could not afford candles. Both served under the Qin.
如負薪 如掛角 身雖勞 猶苦卓
One carried firewood,another hanged (books from the) horns.Although they toiled with their bodies,they overcame their hardships.Zhu Maichen carried firewood while Li Mi worked as a cowherd while studying. They became ministers for the Han and Northern Zhou, respectively.
蘇老泉 二十七 始發憤 讀書籍
Su Laoquan at twenty-seven began to show his energy,and study the books.Su Laoquan became the Imperial Librarian for the Song dynasty. His son is the famous poet Su Dongbo.
彼既老 猶悔遲 爾小生 宜早思
When already old,he regretted his delay.Like them, the young should think of this early.
若梁灝 八十二 對大廷 魁多士
There was Liang Hao who at eighty-two replied to the Great Hall,and came out first among many scholars.Liang Hao lived during the reign of Song Emperor Zhenzong.
彼既成 眾稱異 爾小生 宜立志
After he had succeeded,everyone called him exceptional.Like them, the young should think appropriately early.
瑩八歲 能詠詩 泌七歲 能賦棋
Rong at eight years old,could compose poems.Bi, at seven years old,could make a poetic essay on weiqi. Zu Rong accepted the official title of child prodigy and was named civil servant at the age of twelve. Li Bi answered brilliantly a poetic challenge of the Tang emperor. He served four emperors at the highest levels. Weiqi is the Chinese board game better known by its Japanese name of Go.
彼穎悟 人稱奇 爾幼學 當效之
They were clever and people called them special.Like them, young students ought to imitate them.
蔡文姬 能辨琴 謝道韞 能詠吟
Cai Wenji,could judge from [the sound of] a lute. Xie Daoyun,could compose poems. Cai Wenji could tell from the sound which string was broken. She lived a difficult life during the Three Kingdoms era. Xie Daoyun was a celebrated poetess. She lived during the reign of the Eastern Jin dynasty.
彼女子 且聰敏 爾男子 當自警
They were girls,yet they were quick and clever.Like them, boys should alert yourselves.
唐劉晏 方七歲 舉神童 作正字
In the Tang dynasty, Liu Yan when only seven years old,was rated a child prodigy
and appointed Corrector of Texts.Liu Yan served Emperor Minghuang of the Tang dynasty.
彼雖幼 身己仕 爾幼學 勉而致
He, although a child,was already an official.Like them, young students, should exert yourselves and concentrate.
有為者 亦若是
Those who work like them, will succeed as they did.
-------------------------end of part four of Sanzi Jing----------------
There were many examples of how ancient people had performed well in many areas. We all can learn from them like diligence.

Sanzi Jing

let's study part three of Sanzi Jing. This is the first time I ready go through it.
Part three talk about China history.
經子通 讀諸史 考世系 知終始
The classics and the philosophers mastered,read the histories.Examine the connection between the eras,know the ends and the beginnings.
自羲農 至黃帝 號三皇 居上世
From Xi and Nong.to the Yellow Emperor,they are called the Three Sovereigns.
who lived in ancient times. [Fu] Xi ("Animal Domesticator") (2953-2852 BCE)
[Shen] Nong ("Divine Farmer") (2852-2737 BCE)Yellow Emperor (2698-2599 BCE)
唐有虞 號二帝 相揖遜 稱盛世
Tang and Yu, called the Two Emperors,one abdicated after the other and theirs was called the Age of Prosperity.[Tang] Yao (2357-2255 BCE)[Yu] Shun (2255-2205 BCE)
夏有禹 商有湯 周文武 稱三王
The Xia had Yu,the Shang had Tang,the Zhou had Wen and Wu;they are called the Three Kings.The Xia dynasty was founded by Yu the Great, the pacifier of the Great Flood (21st century BCE). Wu founded the Zhou dynasty. Wen was his father, who died during the conquest of the Shang.
夏傳子 家天下 四百載 遷夏社
The Xia handed the throne from father to son,making a family of all under Heaven.
After four hundred years,the Xia ended.Xia Dynasty (2205-1766 BCE) Before the Xia, the throne was not hereditary.
湯伐夏 國號商 六百載 至紂亡 Tang ended the Xia,the dynasty was called Shang.
After six hundred years,it ended with Zhou (Dixin). Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 BCE)
周武王 始誅紂 八百載 最長久
King Wu of the Zhou slew Zhou (Dixin).Eight hundred years long;the longest dynasty ever.Western Zhou Dynasty (1027-771 BCE). The 800 years include the period of the Eastern Zhou, when Zhou rule was only nominal.
周轍東 王綱墮 逞干戈 尚遊說
When the Zhous made tracks eastwards,the feudal bond loosened,shields and spears flaunted,wandering advisers held in high esteem. Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-221 BCE). The court moved east to present day Luoyang.This was also a time of the "Hundred Schools of Thoughts" where teachers, strategists, and philosophers offered their services to the various states.
始春秋 終戰國 五霸強 七雄出
Began with the Spring and Autumn Period and ended with the Warring States Period.
Five feudal lords ruled, seven feudal states arose. Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE)Warring States Period (475-221 BCE)
嬴秦氏 始兼并 傳二世 楚漢爭
The Qin of the Ying clan, started to unify all the states.The throne passed for two generations and Chu and Han contended. Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE)
高祖興 漢業建 至孝平 王莽篡
Gaozu rose, and the Han dynasty ruled until the reign of Xiaoping, when Wang Mang usurped the throne.Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE-9 AD). It was founded by Liu Bang, who ruled as Han Gaozu.Wang Mang interregnum (9-24)
光武興 為東漢 四百年 終於獻
Guangwu rose,and founded the Eastern Han. Four hundred years,ending with Emperor Xian. Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220)
魏蜀吳 爭漢鼎 號三國 迄兩晉
Wei, Shu and Wu, contended for the Han trophy.Called the Three Kingdoms,
it lasted until two Jin Dynasties.Three Kingdoms:* Wei (220-265)* Shu [-Han] (221-263)* Wu (229-280)Western Jin (265-316)Eastern JIn (317-420)[Sixteen Kingdoms (304-420)]
宋齊繼 梁陳承 為南朝 都金陵
Followed by the Song and the Qi,then the Liang and Chen,they are the Southern dynasties, with the capital at Jinling (Nanjing). Southern Dynasties:* Song (420-478)
* Qi (479-501)* Liang (502-556)* Chen (557-588)
北元魏 分東西 宇文周 興高齊
The Northern Dynasties are the Wei of the Yuan clan,which split into East and West,
the Zhou of Yu Wen clan,with the Qi of the Gao clan. Northern Dynasties:* Northern Wei (386-533)* Eastern Wei (534-549)* Western Wei (535-557)* Northern Qi (550-577)
* Northern Zhou (557-588)
迨至隋 一土宇 不再傳 失統緒
Finally, under the Sui,the empire was united. but not passed on,it lost the succession. Sui Dynasty (581-617)
唐高祖 起義師 除隋亂 創國基
Tang Gaozu raised a righteous army,ended the disorder of the Sui,established the foundation of his dynasty. Tang Dynasty (618-907)
二十傳 三百載 梁滅之 國乃改
Twenty times the throne was transmitted,in a period of 300 years.The Liang destroyed it,and the dynasty changed.
梁唐晉 及漢周 稱五代 皆有由
The Liang, Tang, Qin Han and Zhou, called the Five Dynasties, each exist for a reason.Five Dynasties:* Later Liang (907-923)* Later Tang (923-936)* Later JIn (936-946)* Later Han (947-950)* Later Zhou (951-960)* [Ten Kingdoms (902-979)]
炎宋興 受周禪 十八傳 南北混
The fiery Song arose, and received the resignation of the Zhou.Eighteen times the throne was transmitted,and then the north and the south were reunited.Song Dynasty:
* Northern Song (960-1127)* Southern Song (1127-1279)
遼與金 皆稱帝 賽衾踢 諂備著
Liao and Jin each called a dynasty.The Yuan extinguished the Jin
and finished the Song era Liao (916-1125). Tartar.[Western Xia (1032-1227)]
Jin (1115-1234). Tartar.Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368). Mongol.
太祖興 國大明 號洪武 都金陵
Taizu arose,set up the great Ming,called himself Hong Wu.The capital was at Jinling (Nanjing)Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
迨成祖 遷燕京 十七世 至崇禎
until Cheng Zu moved it to Yanjing (Beijing).Seventeen generations until it ended with Chong Zhen.Chengzu reigned from 1403-1425.
權奄肆 寇如林 李闖叛 神器焚
The power of the eunuchs unchecked;bandits flourished like a forest.Li Chuang revolted,divine artifacts burned. Li Chuang was a rebel leader who sacked Beijing, causing the Ming emperor to hang himself. The defending general, Wu Sangui, invited the Manchu army into the city to help defeat Li Chuang. They did but then they stayed and founded the Qing dynasty.
清太祖 庸景命 靖四方 克大定
The great ancestor of the Qing received destiny's call; Peace in the four directions,
achieved great stability.Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Manchu.
廿一史 全在茲 載治亂 知興衰
The twenty one histories are complete.They record government disorder;understand prosperity and decline.Republic of China (1911-Present)
People's Republic of China (1949-Present)
-----------------------end of part three of Sanzi Jing---------------------
I think it is good for children to know his country's history.

Sanzi Jing

Let's study Sanzi Jing part two and see what we can learn something good.
凡訓蒙 須講究 詳訓詁 名句讀-Teach kids properly.
When teaching the ignorant,there should be explanation and investigation.Carefully teach the old [texts],clearly identify sentence and paragraphs. Old Chinese text (as recent as those written in the early 1900s) did not bother with any form of punctuation so properly parsing out the sentences and paragraphs was difficult.
為學者 必有初 小學終 至四書-Step by step learning from basic to advanced learning.
Those who would learn, must have a beginning. The basic schooling finished,they go on to the Four Books.
論語者 二十篇 群弟子 記善言-Learning the wise sayings.
There is The Analects,in twenty chapters. In this, the various disciples have recorded the wise sayings [of Confucius]The Analects are a compilation of sayings and teachings of Confucius (551-479 BCE).
孟子者 七篇止 講道德 說仁義-Learn abut virtue.
The works of Mencius,in seven chapters. speak of the road to virtue,talk about benevolence and righteousness. Mencius is a compilation of anecdotes by Mencius (371-289 BCE). He was a fourth-generation Confucian scholar and second only to Confucius in stature in the eyes of Confucianists.
作中庸 乃孔伋 中不偏 庸不易-Learn about the living.
The Doctrine (Way) of the Mean,by the pen of Kong Ji; the mean does not slant to one side, the way does not change.Kong Ji (also called Zi Si) was a grandson of Confucius. Discusses the importance of living according to the Tao.
作大學 乃曾子 自修齊 至平治-Learn about Self development.
He who wrote The Great Learning was the philosopher Zeng, [its teachings] ranging from developing as an individual to governing in peace.
孝經通 四書熟 如六經 始可讀-Learn about filial piety.
The "Classic of Filial Piety" mastered, and the "Four books" done,the "Six Classics",
can be started. Filial piety was the underpinning for Confucian society. Every person was expected to behave according to their position in the family and society. Failure to do so would result in chaos.
詩書易 禮春秋 號六經 當講求-Learn how to analyse.
The Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, the Book of Changes, the Rites of the Zhou, the Book of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn Annals are the Six Classics
which should be explained and analyzed.
有連山 有歸藏 有周易 三易詳-Learn about history.
There is the Lian Shan,there is the Gui Cang there is the Duke of Zhou,such are the three systems which elucidate the Book of Changes.The Book of Changes (or I Ching) is an ancient classic of Mysticism written in the 8-10th century BCE.
有典謨 有訓誥 有誓命 書之奧-Learn about history.
There are standards,there are instructions, mandates,there are oaths, orders,
such are the mysteries explained in the Book of Documents.The Book of Documents (History) records events reaching back to the time of the Yellow Emperor through the Xia and Shang dynasties.
我周公 作周禮 著六官 存治體-Learn about the culture.
Our Duke of Zhou,wrote the Rites of the Zhou,in which he established the six classes of officials thus giving form to the government.The six classes were: Heavenly Ministry (Prime Minister), Earthly Ministry (Public Affairs), Spring Ministry (Rites), Summer Ministry (Military), Autumn Ministry (Penal), Winter Ministry (Public Works).
大小戴 注禮記 述聖言 禮樂備-Learn about rites.
The Elder and the Younger Dai, wrote commentaries on the Book of Rites.
They published the sages' words,and set in order ceremonies and music.
曰國風 曰雅頌 號四詩 當諷詠-Learn poetry.
We speak of the Airs of the States (Guo Feng), we speak of the Minor and Major Odes (Ya) and the Songs. These are the four sections of the Book of Poetry,which should be chanted over and over.The Book of Poetry (Songs, Odes) contains approximately 300 songs and poems.
詩既亡 春秋作 寓褒貶 別善惡-Learn valuable books.
When the age of the Book of Poetry ended,the Spring and Autumn Annals were produced.
These Annals contain praise and blame, and distinguish the good from the bad. The Annals recorded events in the state of Lu, one of several that comprised China as the Zhou dynasty disintegrated.
三傳者 有公羊 有左氏 有彀梁-Learn valuable books.
The Three Commentaries: there is that of Gong Yang,there is that of Zuo
there is that of Gou Liang. Commentaries on the Annals.
經既明 方讀子 撮其要 記其事-Learn something good from the ancient books.
When the classics are clear, read the philosophers.Pick out the essentials,
and remember their facts.
五子者 有荀楊 文中子 及老莊-Learn about famous philosophers.
The five philosophers:there is Xun, Yang,
Wen Zhongzi Lao Zi (Lao Tzu), and Zhuang Zi (Chuang Tzu).Lao Tzu (5th century BCE) wrote the Tao Te Ching.Chuang Tzu (4th century BCE) wrote the Chuang Tzu.
-------end of part two of Sanzi Jing----------------------------------------------
I think if we want to learn about China culture. This Sanzi Jing can provide us lots of tips.
This is the first time I ready go through Sanzi Jing. At least I know something new.
What is your view about the part two of Sanzi Jing.
If you have view, please contribute. If you do not have any view, it dose not matter at all because this is my journey of self study, hee hee hee.
Life is just simply wonderful because I can learn daily.

Sanzi Jing

Sanzi Jing is the three-Character Classic. Although this classic was used many years ago for all Chinese children. Due to rapid social development in recent years, people had neglected the text for about 50 years.
Now, there are many social problems because children were not instilled the good traditional values. This is the good sign that some wise people start to teach Chinese children this classic.
Frankly speaking, I had no chance to learn this classic during my childhood. I only know about this classic recently.
Let's learn this useful classic today.
Part one- the basic belief in the inherent goodness of mankind, the importance of education, filial piety, and family and social relationships.
人之初 性本善 性相近 習相遠
People at birth, are naturally good.Their natures are similar; their habits become different. (Note the fundamental difference between Confucian and Western Christian thought. Confucianists believe that people are born pure while Western Christians believe that people are born sinners.)
Coolingstar9: My friends, we just look at the babies, they are so innocent. But how come when they grow older, just say 16 years old, they are all different. Some behave very good, some behave like the hooligans. Although they are the same, I mean innocence as babies but what they learn from year one decide their behaviour. Their habits good or bad all because of " learning". What is your view about this?
苟不教 性乃遷 教之道 貴以專
If, negligently, not taught, their nature deteriorate. The right way to teach, is with absolute concentration.
昔孟母 擇鄰處 子不學 斷機杼-Great mother taught her son Mencius the right value.
Formerly, the mother of Mencius chose a neighborhood. When her child would not learn,
she broke the shuttle from the loom. Mencius' mother moved her residence three times to avoid bad influence for her son. She remonstrated to her son by ruining a piece a cloth she was weaving to dramatize the effect of lack of diligence on studies.
竇燕山 有義方 教五子 名俱揚-Father Mr.Dou raised his five sons properly.
Dou Yanshan, had the right method. He taught five sons, each of whom raised the family reputation. In the tenth century, Dou (Yujun), raised five sons, all of whom passed the Imperial Examination.
養不教 父之過 教不嚴 師之惰-Great responsibilities as the teachers and parents.
To feed without teaching, is the father's fault. To teach without severity, is the teacher's laziness.
子不學 非所宜 幼不學 老何為-Kids must study well when they are young.
If a child does not study, it is improper. If he does not study while young,
how will he act when old?
玉不琢 不成器 人不學 不知義-Through studies, kids know what are right and wrong.
Jade that has not been polished cannot be used. Person that has not studied cannot know righteousness. This couplet also stands alone as a Chinese proverb.
為人子 方少時 親師友 習禮儀-Kids must learn proper manner when they are young.
Being a human child, there is little time. He should engage teachers and friends;
and practice etiquette.
香九齡 能溫席 孝於親 所當執-Kids must take care parents.
Xiang, at nine, could warm (his parent's) bed. Filial piety towards parents,should be carried out. Huang Xiang, one of the 24 classic examples of the filial piety, would cool down his parents' bed in the summer and warm in the winter. He became a prime minister.
融四歲 能讓梨 弟於長 宜先知-Kids must learn how to respect eiders.
Rong, at four, could yield the (bigger) pears. To behave as a younger brother towards elders, is one of the first things to know. Kong Rong, a descendant of Confucius, would yield the bigger pears to his elder brother.
首孝弟 次見聞 知某數 識某文-Learn how to love parents first.
Begin with filial piety and fraternal love, then see and hear. Learn to count,learn to read.
一而十 十而百 百而千 千而萬-Kids must learn mathematics.
One to ten, ten to a hundred, a hundred to a thousand, a thousand to ten thousand.
三才者 天地人 三光者 日月星-Kids must absorb knowledge.
The three forces: heaven, earth and man. The three lights: sun, moon and stars.
三綱者 君臣義 父子親 夫婦順-Kids must learn human relationship.
The three principles: duty between sovereign and subject, love between father and child, harmony between husband and wife.
曰春夏 曰秋冬 此四時 運不窮-Kids must learn the environment.
We speak of spring and summer, we speak of fall and winter, These four seasons revolve without end.
曰南北 曰西東 此四方 應乎中-Kids must learn the nature.
We speak of north and south, we speak of east and west, These four directions depend on the center.
曰火水 木金土 此五行 本乎數-Kids must learn about the universe.
We speak of water, fire, wood, metal and earth. These five elements have their origin in the numbers. These are the five basic elements in traditional Chinese alchemy. The second sentence probably refers to the association of the basic elements with ying and yang interactions, which are usually represented by numbered trigrams.
曰仁義 禮智信 此五常 不容紊-Kids must have all the good values.
We speak of benevolence, duty, propriety, wisdom, and truth. These five virtues must not be compromised.
稻粱菽 麥黍稷 此六穀 人所食-Kids must learn about foods.
Rice, fine millet, beans, wheat, glutinous millet, and common millet. These six grains are those which people eat.
馬牛羊 雞犬豕 此六畜 人所飼-Kids must learn about human life.
Horse, ox, sheep, chicken, dog, pig. These six animals are those which people raise.
曰喜怒 曰哀懼 愛惡欲 七情具-Kids must know the human emotion.
We speak of joy, anger, we speak of grief, fear, love, hate, desire. These are the seven emotions.
匏土革 木石金 與絲竹 乃八音-Kids must have the knowledge about music.
Gourd, earthenware, skin, wood, stone, metal,silk, bamboo, yield the eight musical sounds.These are the materials used to make musical instruments.
高曾祖 父而身 身而子 子而孫-Kids must know the development of the generation.
Great great grandfather, great grandfather, grandfather, father and self, self and child, child and grandchild,
自子孫 至玄曾 乃九族 人之倫-Kids must know about the family.
from child and grandchild, on to great grandchild and great great grandchild.
These nine generations that make up your family.
父子恩 夫婦從 兄則友 弟則恭-Kids must know how to have harmony in the family.
Kindness between father and child, harmony between husband and wife, friendliness from elder brothers, respect from younger brothers.
長幼序 友與朋 君則敬 臣則忠-Kids must know how to get along with people.
Precedence between elders and youngers, support between friends, Respect from the sovereigns,loyalty from the subjects.
此十義 人所同-Kids must know all obligations.
These ten obligations, are the same for all.
---------------------------End of part one-------------------------------------------
All readers, I find this classic is still very useful nowadays. Especially in this ever confusing age, we ready need to let children have the foundation of how to be the human.
How is your view about this Sanzi Jing part one?