弟子规总叙 (Outline)

弟子规 圣人训 首孝弟 次谨信
Standards for being a good pupil and child was taught by Chinese saints and sages of the ancient past. First it teaches us how to be dutiful to our parents, and how to be respectful and loving to our siblings. Then it teaches us how to be cautious with all people, matters and things in our daily life, and to be a trustworthy person.

泛爱众 而亲仁 有余力 则学文
Furthermore, it teaches us to love all equally, be close to and learn from people of virtue and compassion. When we have accomplished all the above duties, we can further study and learn literature and art to improve the quality of our cultural and spiritual life.