Katipunan was a secret revolutionary society founded in July 1892 with the goal of Philippine independence from Spanish rule. Emilio Jacinto, an intellectual who played a big role in the country and was called “the brains of the Katipunan,” wrote “Kartilya ng Katipunan” as a guide and code of conduct for the members to serve the country. This promotes love, justice, and equality. Teachings are relevant today also. We can learn many things from these 14 designed rules, which help us live a purposeful and honorable life. If one takes this seriously, it will add much value to one’s life. In This post we have shared all14 Rules of Kartilya ng Katipunan of Emilio Jacinto With English Meanings and Explanation:
14 Rules of Kartilya ng Katipunan
Rule no. 1:
Ang kabuhayang hindi ginugugol sa isang malaki at banal na kadahilanan ay kahoy na walang lilim, kundi damong makamandag.
English Meaning: Life not dedicated to a lofty and reasonable purpose is like a tree without shade, but rather a poisonous weed.
Explanation: This rule shows the importance of living a purpose-driven life. Without a clear and meaningful goal, life becomes directionless, leading to unfavorable and potentially harmful outcomes and facing undesirable situations.
Rule no. 2:
Ang gawang magaling na nagbubuhat sa pagpipita sa sarili, at hindi sa talagang nasang gumawa ng kagalingan, ay di kabaitan.
English Meaning: To do good for personal gain and not for its own sake is not a virtue.
Explanation: Do with pure intentions and kindness with a whole heart not to get praise from other people.
Rule no. 3:
Ang tunay na kabanalan ay ang pagkakawang gawa, ang pagibig sa kapua at ang isukat ang bawat kilos, gawa’t pangungusap sa talagang Katuiran.
English Meaning: It is rational to be charitable and love one’s fellow creature, and to adjust one’s conduct, acts and words to what is in itself reasonable.
Explanation: In this sense, kindness is simply in the act of giving love and service to fellowmen without expecting anything in return.
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Rule no. 4:
Maitim man at maputi ang kulay ng balat, lahat ng tao’y magkakapantay: mangyayaring ang isa’y higtan sa dunong, sa yaman, sa ganda, ngunit di mahihigtan sa pagkatao.
English Meaning: Whether our skin be black or white, we are all born equal: superiority in knowledge, wealth, and beauty are to be understood, but not superiority by nature.
Explanation: Black or white, we are all born equal: we may be superior in knowledge, wealth, or beauty, but not in nature.
Rule no. 5:
Ang may mataas na kalooban inuuna ang puri sa pagpipita sa sarili; ang may hamak na kalooban inuuna ang pagpipita sa sarili sa puri.
English Meaning: The honorable man prefers honor to personal gain; the scoundrel, gain to honor.
Explanation: In order to honor oneself, one must value honor rather than individual interests. True honor means having a high ethical standard of behavior.
Rule no. 6:
Sa taong may hiya, salita’y panunumpa.
English Meaning: To the honorable man, his word is sacred.
Explanation: When we say something, it’s not just about the words. Some people are good at saying they will do something, but they don’t follow through with actions. We should do what we promise and ensure that our words are backed up by deeds.
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Rule no. 7:
Huwag mong sayangin ang panahun: ang yamang nawala’y mangyayaring magbalik; ngunit panahung nagdaan na’y di na muli pang magdadaan.
English Meaning: Do not waste thy time: wealth can be recovered but not time lost.
Explanation: We should value time because it has a big effect on our lives. Each second, minute, and hour holds importance, so we need to use our time fully, wisely, and efficiently. Once time is gone, we can’t get it back. It’s important for people to know the value of time.
Rule no. 8:
Ipagtanggol mo ang inaapi; kabakahin ang umaapi.
English Meaning: Defend the oppressed and fight the oppressor before the law or in the field.
Explanation: We should help those who need help, stand up for what is right, and support those who don’t have power. We shouldn’t let powerful individuals oppress us.
Rule no. 9:
Ang taong matalino’y ang may pagiingat sa bawat sasabihin, at matutong ipaglihim ang dapat ipaglihim.
English Meaning: The prudent man is sparing in words and faithful in keeping secrets.
Explanation: It shows the value of trust. A good person knows how to keep a secret to maintain the trust given by others.
Rule no. 10:
Sa daang matinik ng kabuhayan, lalaki ay siyang patugot ng asawa’t mga anak: kung ang umaakay ay tungo sa sama, ang pagtutunguhan ng inaakay ay kasamaan din.
English Meaning: On the thorny path of life, man is the guide of woman and the children, and if the guide leads to the precipice, those whom he guides will also go there.
Explanation: It’s really important to be a good example for others because people will watch and follow their leader. I think a great leader knows how to guide their people in the right way.
Rule no. 11:
Ang babai ay huwag mong tignang isang bagay na libangan lamang, kun di isang katuang at karamay sa mga kahirapan nitong kabuhayan; gamitan mo nag boong pagpipitagan ang kaniyang kahinaan, at alalahanin ang inang pinagbuhatan at nagiwi sa iyong kasanggulan.
English Meaning: Thou must not look upon woman as a mere plaything, but as a faithful companion who will share with thee the penalties of life; her (physical) weakness will increase thy interest in her and she will remind thee of the mother who bore thee and reared thee.
Explanation: Women should be treated fairly, and every woman deserves respect. We must love and care for them. A man should not make women feel small or take advantage of their weaknesses.
Rule no. 12:
Ang di mo ibig na gawin sa asawa mo, anak at kapatid, ay huag mong gagawin sa asawa, anak at kapatid ng iba.
English Meaning: What thou dost not desire done unto thy wife, children, brothers and sisters, that do not unto the wife, children, brothers and sisters of thy neighbor.
Explanation: A man should take responsibility for his actions and remember that every action has consequences. Following the golden rule, which says, “do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you,” reminds us not to harm others. We should avoid doing bad things to people.
Rule no. 13:
Ang kamahalan ng tao’y wala sa pagkahari, wala sa tangus ng ilong at puti ng mukha, wala sa pagkaparing kahalili ng Dios wala sa mataas na kalagayan sa balat ng lupa; wagas at tunay na mahal na tao, kahit laking gubat at walang nababatid kundi ang sariling wika, yaong may magandang asal, may isang pangungusap, may dangal at puri; yaong di napaaapi’t di nakikiapi; yaong marunong magdamdam at marunong lumingap sa bayang tinubuan.
English Meaning: Man is not worth more because he is a king, because his nose is aquiline, and his color white, not because he is a *priest, a servant of God, nor because of the high prerogative that he enjoys upon earth, but he is worth most who is a man of proven and real value, who does good, keeps his words, is worthy and honest; he who does not oppress nor consent to being oppressed, he who loves and cherishes his fatherland, though he be born in the wilderness and know no tongue but his own.
Explanation: It talks about being good and having good qualities. A good man isn’t judged by his job or position but by his character and love for his country.
Rule no. 14:
Paglagalap ng mga aral na itoat maningning na sumikat ang araw ng mahal na Kalayaan dito sa kaabaabang Sangkapuluan, at sabugan ng matamis niyang liwanag ang nangagkaisang magkakalahi’t magkakapatid na ligayang walang katapusan, ang mga ginugol na buhay, pagud, at mga tiniis na kahirapa’y labis nang natumbasan.
English Meaning: When these rules of conduct shall be known to all, the longed-for sun of Liberty shall rise brilliant over this most unhappy portion of the globe and its rays shall diffuse everlasting joy among the confederated brethren of the same rays, the lives of those who have gone before, the fatigues and the well-paid sufferings will remain. If he who desires to enter (the Katipunan) has informed himself of all this and believes he will be able to perform what will be his duties, he may fill out the application for admission.
Explanation: The last code of conduct shows the desire of Emilio Aguinaldo.
Conclusion:
These 14 rules are specifically designed for members about their duties and inspire them to work wholeheartedly for the country. One can apply it will really beneficial today also.
If You Want a PDF here it is: 14 Rules of Kartilya ng katipunan PDF