Read Together
Two lines a day. Ask one question. Find one connection to life.
鸣凤在竹，白驹食场。
A phoenix sings in the bamboo grove; a white colt grazes quietly in the meadow.
This verse paints an image of harmony in nature, where mythical and real creatures live in peace. It suggests a world at ease, free from chaos.
Parent note: Invite children to notice peaceful moments in their own life — reading under a tree, or seeing animals at rest.
化被草木，赖及万方。
The benevolence of good rule spreads so widely that even grasses and trees are touched; its blessings reach every corner of the land.
This line emphasizes how true virtue and kindness ripple outward, affecting all life.
Parent note: Connect to ecology and kindness. Ask: how can our small actions — recycling, kindness, sharing — spread to help many?
盖此身发，四大五常。
Our body and hair come from our parents and should be cherished. Ancient thought spoke of the “four elements” — earth, water, fire, wind — and the “five virtues” that uphold society: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust.
Together they remind us to honor both nature and morality.
Parent note: Create a “virtue list” at home. Pick one each day — kindness, honesty, respect — and practice it in daily life.
恭惟鞠养，岂敢毁伤。
We reflect respectfully on our parents’ care and nurturing. How could we dare to damage the body and life they gave us?
This highlights gratitude and responsibility for our health and safety.
Parent note: Use this to talk about gratitude. Discuss with children why staying safe and healthy is a way to thank parents.
女慕贞洁，男效才良。
Traditionally, girls were urged to admire purity, and boys to pursue talent and virtue.
Today, we can read it more broadly: all children should aim for integrity, learning, kindness, and capability.
Parent note: Use inclusive language. Emphasize that these values apply equally to everyone.
知过必改，得能莫忘。
When we recognize our mistakes, we must correct them. When we gain skills or knowledge, we must remember to use them for good purposes.
This verse stresses humility and self‑improvement.
Parent note: Encourage a growth mindset. Try weekly reflections: one thing done well, one thing to improve.
罔谈彼短，靡恃己长。
Do not speak of others’ shortcomings; do not rely proudly on your own strengths.
The teaching is to avoid gossip and arrogance, and to practice humility and respect.
Parent note: Practice kind speech. Ask children how they can give feedback or help others without being hurtful.
信使可覆，器欲难量。
A trustworthy messenger can be relied upon to deliver words faithfully; the measure of a person’s capacity is hard to estimate.
This reminds us that reliability builds trust, and every person holds hidden potential.
Parent note: Talk about reliability. If someone gives us a task, how can we show we are trustworthy?
Parent Prompts
- What peaceful moment did you see today?
- Which virtue can our family practice this week?
- What is one small mistake you corrected recently?
- How can you show someone they can trust you?