Dizi Gui (弟子规) (Standards for Being a Good Student and Child) is an ancient Chinese text for children that teaches moral values and etiquette. It was written during the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (康熙帝) (1661-1722) by Li Yuxiu.
Beneath the conservative, “old-school” verbose of this ancient classic, one can still find gems of wisdom that remain surprisingly relevant to our modern society. A new lesson is covered in each issue.
Even if a person has made a mistake, he will still have a bright future if he truly changes for the better and follows good advice.
Self-reflection is an important part of improving oneself—by doing so diligently every day, one’s character will gradually improve to great heights.
Reflection doesn’t have to be on our own thoughts and actions; we can also learn by observing others around us. Think about your role models or bad examples—how can we learn from them?
Dizi Gui contains a wise saying about reflection: “Upon seeing others being good, think of becoming equally good. Even when far below them, gradually get better. Upon seeing others being bad, reflect on yourself. If you are like them then correct it; if not then be vigilant.”
Even the worst of people can become the best with diligent reflection and self-improvement. “Zhou Chu (周处) Gets Rid of Three Evils”, a famous story from China’s Jin Dynasty, illustrates precisely this point.
Zhou Chu Gets Rid of Three Evils
As a child, Zhou Chu was poorly disciplined by his father, and he grew up to become a fiery-tempered, wayward ruffian. He was strong as an ox and loved to fight, often bullying and intimidating the other villagers to get his own way. As such, the people despised and feared him.
One day, Zhou Chu noticed how unhappy the villagers looked. Puzzled, he asked them why.
An elderly villager replied, “We have three evils in this area. How can we be happy?”
“Which three?” Zhou asked.
“The first evil is a tiger in the South Mountains which harms many lives. The second evil is a violent dragon in the river, which kills people and cattle. The third evil, I am afraid, is you!”
This was the first time anyone had told Zhou so bluntly what people thought of him. Zhou was silent as he digested this unpleasant revelation. After a long while, he said, “I will get rid of the three evils!”
Zhou first went to the mountain armed with a knife. After a fierce fight, he killed the tiger. Then he jumped into the river to look for the dragon. The dragon fought him for three days without any signs of slowing down, but Zhou was even more energetic. After three days, he finally killed the dragon.
When the villagers noticed Zhou had not come back after three days, they thought he was dead. In joy, they celebrated the elimination of the three evils.
Just then, Zhou returned and saw the villagers celebrating. He realised just how much the people hated him and felt terribly ashamed. But this strengthened his resolve to reform himself.
Zhou decided to consult two wise men, Lu Ji (陆机) and Lu Yun (陆云) (grandsons of General Lu Xun (陆逊). Lu Ji and Lu Yun were revered far and wide for their intelligence, kindness, and altruism. They were considered role models of moral character.
Zhou travelled to their home and met with Lu Yun. After telling Lu Yun his story, he asked, “I really want to change, but I am not young anymore. Do I still have time?”
Lu Yun encouraged him by saying, “There is an ancient saying that ‘if you realise a mistake in the morning, you can correct it by the evening.’ You have a long future ahead of you. You should worry about not having a clear goal; why worry about your current reputation?”
Lu’s advice greatly encouraged Zhou, and he began to study hard and pay attention to his own conduct.
Within a year, his reputation had completely turned around. Many county and city level officials recommended that he become an official. For the next thirty years, Zhou held many positions and was a diligent and accomplished official. He later became a general and died while serving his country in battle.
Despite having such an awful reputation to start, Zhou Chu had the courage to change himself. By following the advice and example of others, he went from being a bad young man to a loyal, uncorruptible official and general.
Even if a person has made a mistake, he will still have a bright future if he truly changes for the better and follows good advice. Where there is a will, there is a way, as long as the person is determined and starts to do the right thing.
