This English version was translated from the Chinese original with AI assistance. The Chinese text is authoritative.
Kangxi was diligent and conscientious all his life in cultivating himself, regulating his family, governing the state and bringing peace to the world. The sons and grandsons who came after him were mostly accomplished in both letters and arms. He left posterity the Maxims of Family Instruction (Tingxun Geyan), summing up his methods of teaching his sons, which say everything there is to say about Chinese upbringing.
(1) In reading and in doing things, understanding principle is essential
[Original text]
In reading, understanding principle is essential.
Once principle is understood, the mind has its own judgement, and right and wrong, crooked and upright will be distinguished by themselves.
When meeting a difficult matter, simply act straightforwardly according to principle, and there will be nothing to be ashamed of.
[Simple explanation]
The purpose of reading is mainly to make people understand the principles of things.
Once you understand the principles, you naturally have your own views in your mind.
You also have your own judgement about right and wrong, black and white.
When you meet a matter that is hard to decide, as long as you act according to principle, you have nothing to fear.
[Interpretation]
The Book of Documents says: “Learn from the ancient teachings, and you will gain.”
In all the classics of the sages, every word and every matter contains the highest principle.
When reading, one must pay attention and reflect, summing up the experience and lessons of the ancients:
this matter can be emulated; this matter should serve as a warning.
Over time one will distinguish right from wrong clearly, and will often have a way of dealing with things when they arise.
(2) A heart of reverence must always be kept
[Original text]
Living in the world, whether old or young, one must not for a single moment fail to keep a heart of reverence.
I have often seen that those who live to an old age are all extremely reverent and careful in daily life.
Even in eating and drinking they dare not go to excess.
If they are like this in daily life, one can tell how careful they are when facing matters.
[Simple explanation]
Whether man or woman, old or young, one must keep a heart of reverence in being a person:
toward elders, one’s attitude should be respectful and courteous;
in daily food, drink and living, one must not use things without limit.
If one makes such strict demands of oneself in life, one will also know proper measure and when to advance and retreat when facing matters.
[Interpretation]
Confucius said: “The gentleman stands in awe of three things: the mandate of Heaven, great men, and the words of the sages.”
People must revere the mandate of Heaven, and Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life.
So people must not, for the desires of the mouth and belly, wantonly harm living creatures.
If one can respect one’s elders, one will not make great mistakes, and it benefits the cultivation of body and mind.
A person without reverence is bound to act recklessly.
Only by always keeping a heart of reverence can one know what to do and what not to do.
(3) To know one’s error and be able to correct it: no good is greater
[Original text]
Who among people can be without fault? If one errs and can correct it, that is the opportunity to renew oneself and turn to goodness; therefore people value correcting their faults.
As for those who can correct their faults, whatever the size of the matter in which they erred, they should not be punished for it.
[Simple explanation]
Living in the world, who can avoid making mistakes?
Whether the mistake is big or small, if one knows it and can correct it, one should be given the chance to correct it and make a fresh start.
[Interpretation]
As the saying goes: people are not sages; who can be without fault?
Making a mistake is no big deal.
The Book of Documents says: “Pardon inadvertent faults, however great; punish deliberate crimes, however small.”
Confucius said: “To err and not correct it: that is truly to err.”
Knowingly doing wrong is the greatest fault;
thinking oneself faultless is adding error to error.
Frankly admitting one’s mistakes and never repeating them deserves to be forgiven.
(4) In leisurely talk at home, speak of good deeds and good words
[Original text]
When we are at leisure at home, we should speak only of the good deeds and good words of the ancients.
I always teach you mostly about goodness; when you return home, each of you tell your wives and children, and your wives and children will all be glad to hear it.
What could be more beautiful than this!
[Simple explanation]
When we are with our families, we should follow the example of the ancients:
say more good words and do more good deeds.
I often teach you this way, and when you go home you should treat your wives and children in the same way.
The harmony and beauty of a family is born from this.
[Interpretation]
The plan of a family lies in harmony and beauty.
Let no word but good words leave your mouth, and do no deed but good deeds.
People become unhappy over trivial matters,
or because of a few joking words, end up quarrelling.
All this comes from being unable to swallow a moment’s anger, which leads to great disputes.
Confucius said: Lack of forbearance in small matters upsets great plans.
In the words of the sages lies the highest principle.
(5) Diligent, frugal and not greedy: both fortune and longevity
[Original text]
The clothing, food, wealth and emoluments of a person’s life all have a fixed allotment.
Extravagance and excessive seeking: once they are used up, life ends.
If one is frugal and not greedy, one can nourish one’s fortune and also attain longevity.
As emperor, what is there that I could not use?
Yet in my clothing and food there is no excess expense at all. The reason is that I cherish the limited wealth produced by heaven and earth.
[Simple explanation]
The food, clothing and wealth a person can enjoy in a lifetime are all fixed in amount.
If one is extravagant and greedy, once one’s fortune is exhausted, one’s lifespan will be shortened.
If one is diligent and frugal and restrains greed, one can increase one’s fortune and prolong one’s life.
Exalted as I am as emperor, what treasure could I not take and use?
Yet I never waste in clothing and food, precisely because I cherish the wealth Heaven has bestowed on us.
[Interpretation]
The goods of the world are all grown by heaven and earth to nourish all living beings.
If everyone knew how to use them sparingly, no one would be cold or hungry and everything would be fairly shared.
Zeng Guofan said: “Do not enjoy all your good fortune; do not use up all your power.”
Leave something in reserve, so that descendants for generations to come can enjoy it.
