(1) Be Trustworthy
(2) Love All Equally
(3) Be Close to and Learn from People of Virtue and Compassion
- When I speak, honesty is important. Deceitful words and lies must not be tolerated.
- Rather than talking too much, it is better to speak less and listen more. I will speak only the truth, I will not twist the facts.
- Cunning words, foul language, and philistine habits must be avoided at all costs.
- What I have not seen with my own eyes, I will not readily tell to others. What I do not know for sure, I will not easily pass on to others.
- If I am asked to do something that is inappropriate or bad, I must not agree to it. If I do, I will be doubly wrong.
- I must speak clearly and to the point. I must not talk too fast or mumble.
- Some like to talk about the good points of others, while some like to talk about the faults of others. If it is none of my business, I will not get involved.
- When I see others do good deeds, I must think about following their example. Even though my own achievements are still far behind those of others, I know that each successive good deed makes me a better person.
- When I see others do wrong, I must immediately reflect upon myself. If I have made the same mistake, I will correct it. If not, I will take extra care to not make the same mistake.
- When my morals, conduct, knowledge, and skills seem not as good as those of others, I will encourage myself to be better.
- If the clothes I wear, and the food I eat and drink are not as good as that of others, I should not be concerned because over time my ability to provide more will improve.
- If criticism makes me angry and compliments make me happy, bad company will come my way and good friends will shy away.
- If I am uneasy about compliments and appreciative of criticism, then sincere, understanding, and virtuous people will gradually come close to me.
- If any mistake I make is inadvertent, it is merely a mistake. If it is done on purpose, however, it is an evil act.
- If I correct my mistake and do not repeat it, I no longer own the mistake. If I try to cover it up, I will be doubly wrong.
(2) Love All Equally
- Human beings, regardless of nationality, race, or religion – everyone – should be loved equally. We are all sheltered by the same sky and we all live on the same planet Earth.
- A person of high ideals and morals is highly respected. What people of character value is not based on outside appearance it is my character by which they judge me.
- A person’s outstanding abilities will naturally endow him with a good reputation. Admiration from others does not come from boasting or praising oneself.
- If I am a very capable person, I should use my capabilities for the benefit of others. Other people’s competence should never be slandered.
- I will not flatter the rich, or despise the poor. I will not ignore old friends, only taking delight in new ones.
- When a person is busy, I will not bother him with matters. When a person’s mind is not at ease, I will not bother him with words.
- If a person has a shortcoming, I will not expose it. If a person has a secret, I will not tell others.
- When people are being praised and approved of, they will be encouraged to try even harder.
- Spreading rumors about the wrongdoings of others is a wrongdoing in itself. When the harm done has reached the extreme, misfortunes will surely follow.
- When I encourage another to do good both of our virtues are built up. If I do not tell another of his faults, we are both wrong.
- Whether I take or give, it is better to give more and take less.
- What I ask others to do, I must first ask myself if I would be willing to do. If it is not something I would be willing to do, I will not ask others to do it.
- I must repay the kindness of others and let go of my resentments. I will spend less time holding grudges and more time paying back the kindness of others.
- When I am directing maids and servants, I will act honorably and properly. I will also treat them kindly and generously.
- If I use my influence to make others submissive, their hearts will not be with me. If I can convince` them with sound reasoning, they will have nothing to object to.
(3) Be Close to and Learn from People of Virtue and Compassion
- We are all human, but we are not the same. Most of us are ordinary; only a very few have great virtues and high moral principles.
- A truly virtuous person is greatly respected by others. He will not be afraid to speak the truth and he will not fawn on others.
- If I can be close to and learn from people of great virtue and compassion, I will benefit immensely. My virtues will grow daily and my wrongdoings will lessen day by day.
- If I choose not to be close to and learn from people of great virtue, I will suffer a great loss. People without virtue will get close to me and nothing I attempt will succeed.