In life, everyone has their own position and responsibility. For example, the men in the family play the role of fathers, and fulfill their responsibility as  good husbands and fathers. For young people, they should know about filial piety, respect for teachers, study, and so on. These are responsibilities as sons, daughters, or students. Therefore, playing our own role is the call of our true nature; playing our own role is a display of politeness and understanding rituals which we have to act upon.

One's external etiquette is performed out of Virtue from the heart; while the image of a society mirrors its people by their attire and physical appearance.

Rites are not only playing our part as human beings, but also beautifying our lives. In fact, one's external etiquette is performed out of Virtue from the heart while the image of a society mirrors its people by their attire and physical appearance. To know the changes in a society, one only needs to observe its people's attire. The most obvious way is through women's attire.

There are all kinds of bizarre clothes. Some wear ultra-short miniskirts while others put on long midi dresses. And even stranger is the fact that there are obviously very rich people who love to dress like beggars, which is definitely peculiar to society. If we hope to have a community that is very sincere, simple and proper, we must start with our personal image and attire. Therefore, personal appearance and etiquette are very important.

If everybody has a respectful heart, and show courtesy and mutual love, think about others before their every action, then society will be harmonious and peaceful.

"Respectful heart" is the core value of Rites. Rites, is expressing one's internal "respect" via external actions and images. It does not matter whether it is respect between husband and wife, father and son, or among human beings, because it is all the same. One should maintain a respectful heart even for our departed relatives.

Just taking care of our parents and keeping them from abject poverty without a heart of respect cannot be regarded as filial. "Respectful" is a sincere act of respect and love from the bottom of our hearts; not to merely accompany them, but also taking proper care of their physical and mental needs.

As a result of respectful heart, one knows how to be courteous. If everyone has a "respectful heart" when interacting with others, one will always self-manage one's attire, appearance and behaviour. Respect oneself is to respect others. With a respectful heart, we will respect others with mutual courtesy and mutual love; with a respectful heart, we will respect our teachers, then education on humanity will be realized. If everyone knows "no disrespect", then everyone will have a respectful heart, show courtesy and mutual love; think about others before their every action, and the society will be harmonious and peaceful.

A clean and clear education depends on a teacher who aspires "to become a dedicated teacher, to guard students' wisdom".

In order for everyone to have a respectful heart and polite behaviour, it would depend on a clean and clear education system. To have a clean and clear education depends on teachers who can see education as a life-long pursuit, not just a profession; as well as aspire "to become a dedicated teacher, to guard students' wisdom".

A good teacher is really important. Today's society is chaotic, but where does the chaos stem from? Youth is not abiding by the norms of society and the education environment, as a whole, is like a chaotic ecological disease. Educators should teach children to be respectful of teachers, friendly to fellow students, as well as teach them about etiquette, righteousness and shamefulness, instead of letting their children act freely in the name of "freedom".

As a teacher, one must have the spirit of "Upgrading and Preach", and to continuously upgrade oneself in order to continue educating students. In the light of social chaos, they should not be scared, but instead forge ahead with enthusiasm to lead the children onto the right path, which is the ultimate purpose of education.

Modern educators need a stout heart, harmony, love, and teamwork. Their hearts have to be strong, and they should have a polite attitude and treat each other with love. Only then can they promote humanity education together with love. If education is done without love, its efficacy will also disappear.

Confucius is known as the great sage and teacher, not only because of his supreme importance, but also because of his belief in the innate goodness. He leads by example, acts without transgression and does not violate the rites. We adhere to reasons and rites for the sake of our next generation. Not just teachers but everyone should set a good example, and exercise etiquette, so that children can always observe and learn from our example.

Parrots can speak, but remain birds. Gorillas can speak, but remain animals. We are human beings because of rites and justice. Rites "are what differentiate us from animals."

What is the difference between people and other living beings? According to "Rites (Li Ji)" , Rites are defined as: "We are human beings because of rites and justice." It further clarified that: "Parrots can speak, but remain birds. Gorillas can speak, but remain animals. If today's human beings live without rites, but can speak, then we are not much different from animals!" Therefore, rites are what "differentiate us from being defined as animal".

"Rites (Li Ji)" also mentioned that: "One who knows rites, is reasonable" and "One, who know rites, will not depart from it easily". Only the real or humane people carry out rites and any action that adheres to this standard.
 
Rites are a unique Chinese traditional culture. They are ethics, rules and devotion, and it is also the best way to cleanse one's heart. Therefore, we have a responsibility to carry forward and promote the beauty of rites.

Exhibiting the beauty and connotation of rites is not merely self-development, but will also enhance the image of individuals in the community.

Tzu Chi's "innovation" is actually "retro", with nothing but a pious heart, resume the purity and goodness of humanity, return to a well-mannered and courteous community.

Rites can control and standardize behaviour, accomplish "see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil and do no evil", thus achieving the ideal state of "Wholehearted Devotion to Rites". Forbiddance has the same function. Forbiddance means the rules of forbid, it can "deter malevolence and stop evil".

Hold on well to the forbiddance, the heart will be calm. A calm heart will not be far from wisdom. Therefore forbiddance is very important. In Tzu Chi world there are the "Tzu Chi Ten Commandments", specially created to cope with modern society. Everyone should refer to and comply with these commandments in order to achieve a better life.

Observation of the Taiwanese society in recent years has found that disorder is a common phenomenon everywhere. This is nurtured through lack of "decency". With the passing of time, the "content" of rites will face an inevitable change, but the "spirit" of rites will remain the same.  Tzu Chi's "innovation" is actually "retro", with nothing more than a pious heart to resume the purity and goodness of humanity, thereby returning to a well-mannered and courteous community.

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For rites, life is beautified; for rites, society is peaceful. "Rites (Li Ji)" can only bring forth "decency from within". To "demonstrate rites externally" with an "ethical" heart will show that the rites are reasonable and natural. Everyone is expected to understand and perform rites so as to be a physically and mentally beautiful person. Everyone should be wholeheartedly devoted to rites in order to achieve an ethical society together.