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Chapter 2 – Standards for a Younger Brother When Away from Home
If I am the older sibling, I will befriend the younger ones. If I am the younger sibling, I will respect and love the older ones. Only when I can maintain harmonious relationships with my siblings am I being dutiful to my parents.(11)
When I value my familial ties more than property and belongings, no resentment will come between me and my siblings. When I am careful with words and hold back hurtful comments, my feelings of anger naturally die out.
Whether I am drinking, eating, walking, or sitting, I will let the elders go first; the younger ones should follow.
When an elder is asking for someone, I will get that person for him right away. If I cannot find that person, I will immediately report back, and put myself at the elder’s service instead.
When I address an elder, I should not call him by his given name. This is in accord with ancient Chinese etiquette. In front of an elder, I will never show off.
If I meet an elder I know on the street, I will promptly clasp my hands and greet him with a bow. If he does not speak to me, I will step back and respectfully stand aside.
Should I be riding a horse and spot an elder I know walking, I will dismount and pay respect to the elder. If I am riding in a carriage, I will stop, get out of the carriage, and ask if I can give the elder a ride. If I meet an elder passing by. I will stand aside and wait respectfully. I will not leave until the elder disappears from my sight.
When an elder is standing, I will not sit. After an elder sits down, I sit only when I am told to do so.
Before an elder, I will speak softly. But if my voice is too low and hard to hear, it is not appropriate.
When meeting an elder, I will walk briskly towards him; when leaving, I will not exit in haste. When answering a question, I will look at the person who is asking me the question.
I will serve my uncles as if I am serving my parents. I will treat my cousins as if they are my own siblings.
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