American Students' Di Zi Gui (弟子规) appraisal 美国学生的弟子规读后感 #4

Appraisal #4: 弟子规Appraisal
BAA, 9th grader

            Di Zi Gui’s principles can be both practical and impractical depending on their cultural relevance.

            Di Zi Gui has many useful teaching, which all people can learn from. Most of Di Zi Gui’s principals in his chapters called 入则孝 and 出则弟 are applicable to American culture, because both Western and Eastern cultures stress obedience to parents and elders. For example, Confucius’ idea about not being lazy, or “父母呼，应勿缓” is very practical because it stresses the importance of listening to your parents. Furthermore, both American and Chinese parents are proud when they see their child interacting with others in a respectful way. Therefore Confucius’ idea of “兄道友，弟道恭” is widely accepted in both American and Chinese culture. In addition, most routing practices, like how to get dressed and washing hands, are deemed practical

 because both American and Chinese cultures believe hygiene and social etiquette are important. Confucius’ teachings about tieing one’s shoes, “袜与履，俱紧切，” washing your hands after using the bathroom, “便溺回，辄净手,” as well as washing your face in the morning, “晨必盥，兼漱口“ are all useful because they regard personal hygiene and looking presentable in society.

            Di Zi Gui also has impractical teachings because he he takes certain ideas further than American culture would deem necessary. Confucius’ ideas about loving your parents even though they might hit you, “号泣随，挞无怨" or hate you, “ 亲增我 ，孝方贤” would be considered unfathomable in America. Although most American parents teach their children to forgive and move on, striking a child is a punishable crime. Moreover, Confucius does not believe in change as much as most American parents do. Although American parents do not encourage their children to change their careers and living situations often, they would not be opposed to it. However Confucius believes “居有常，业无变” or in other words your career and home should be consistent, otherwise your parents will worry.

            Confucius may have developed so many rules for children because children are the generation which can learn from these principles and change their ways to become better people. Older people may be more opposed to change and unwilling to reform their ways. But if younger children grow up learning Confucian teachings they will set a good example for future generations, thus allowing Confucian ideas to stay relevant in society for decades.

            Confucius’ teachings and American values are generally very similar. Both Confucius and Western parents believe in obedience to parent, respect for elders, looking appropriate in society, being trustworthy and prudent, as well as being accepting of others.  However, Confucius takes his ideas to the nth degree.