The traditional text
Conduct worthy of the art.
The Chen Family Code of Ethics joins personal character with martial practice. Its requirements and prohibitions are preserved here as a single, uninterrupted document.
I
Requirements of Character
端
Duan
Propriety, dignity of bearing (duan)
公
Gong
Fairness, impartiality
仁
Ren
Kindness, benevolence
浩
Hao
Nobility, broad mindedness
忠
Zhong
Loyalty, faithfulness
诚
Cheng
Honesty, sincerety
敬
Jing
Respect, esteem for one's teachers and elders
正
Zheng
Integrity, decency
义
Yi
Righteousness, what is right
勇
Yong
Bravery, ready to fight for a just cause
信
Xin
Trustworthyness, good faith
德
De
Morality, ethical conduct
II
The Twenty Prohibitions
- 不倚权欺人Do not rely on a position of authority to bully others.
- 不畏强凌弱Do not defer to the strong out of fear or insult the weak.
- 不惧险救危Do not fear for oneself, come to the aid of others in danger.
- 不为非作歹Do not commit crimes.
- 不仗技采花Do not rely on your gongfu skills to fight with others.
- 不借势狂妄Do not take advantage of a superior position to become arrogant.
- 不走街卖艺Do not sell your art on the street.
- 不串乡结党Do not travel here and there to set up a clique.
- 不奢逸流浪Do not wallow in luxury, or live a pauper's existence.
- 不自傲自满Do not be prideful or self-satisfied.
- 不与狂徒较量Do not get into arguments with a crazy or violent person.
- 不同无知争强Do not contend with the ignorant.
- 不可骄谄贫富Do not be proud toward the poor or fawn on the rich.
- 不贪无义横财Do not hanker after ill-gotten gains.
- 不与酒色处事Do not have anything to do with drinking or prostitution.
- 不抗公私之债Do not refuse to pay any public or private obligations.
- 不得损公碍私Do not use public office for personal ends.
- 不图显官厚禄Do not pursue the trappings of high office or a handsome salary.
- 不当叛国臭徒Do not betray your country or be a rotter.
- 不应蹉懈习拳Do not slack off and waste your time by not practicing.