"Recitation of Filial Piety"

Author: Wen Jing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The Classic of Filial Piety primarily elaborates on the concept of "filial piety," covering aspects such as respecting and supporting parents, being loyal to the ruler, educating the people, advising parents and rulers on their faults, mourning deceased parents, observing rites for ancestors, and maintaining harmony among siblings. The Classic of Filial Piety emphasizes that gratitude toward one's parents, who bestowed one with life, and fulfilling filial duties to the utmost are the foundation of human virtue. It also particularly highlights the social utility of filial piety, advocating that practicing filial piety can contribute to governing a state. Thus, filial piety not only becomes the root of all morality, a standard for personal conduct and family management, but also a fundamental guiding principle for political governance. The Classic of Filial Piety has had a profound influence on Chinese history. Although it excessively emphasized the reverence for the commands of parents and rulers, the ethical concept of respecting the elderly and caring for the young, as well as the tradition of providing for the elderly, fostered by the promotion of filial piety, remain positive aspects of its legacy. These continue to retain a vibrant vitality to this day.