Filial piety comes first among all good deeds. "Filial piety" is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation and an essential virtue for parents and elders. The continuation of life is a necessary condition for human beings to move forward. Our life comes from our parents. Our parents raise us and try their best to let us grow as well as possible. In this regard, we should be grateful and give back, so the beginning of human virtue starts with filial piety. Among animals, there are still "crows feeding back" and "lambs kneeling to breastfeed", not to mention us humans?
How to be filial? There are several discussions about "filial piety" in The Analects of Confucius, among which four are the most touching. The first place is where Meng Yizi asked about filial piety. Confucius said: "There is no violation." "In life, things should be done with propriety; in death, burials should be done with propriety, and sacrifices should be sacrificed with propriety." When Confucius discusses a certain thing or principle, he does not follow it consistently, but "depends on what people are doing." "Dish", giving different answers to different objects. In this dialogue, Confucius said that "filial piety" is "no violation" and emphasized "propriety". This is because Meng Yizi belonged to the Three Huans of the Lu State, and the Three Huans lacked etiquette the most for the king of the Lu State, and they basically ignored it. The king is the actual person in power. Therefore, Confucius had this answer. And "no violation" and "propriety" are also desirable in treating parents today. Sometimes, because our parents are family members, we do whatever we want, listen to what they say if we want, turn a deaf ear to them if we don’t want to, or even object harshly. This can't be said to be "filial piety", right? Even if we don't agree with our parents' principles and practices in our hearts, if we can be "no violation" and "proper" on the surface, I believe our parents will be much happier. Making them happy is our filial piety. If death burials and sacrifices can also be carried out according to etiquette, "filial piety" can be continued, and a good family tradition of gratitude and filial piety can be effectively inherited, thereby accumulating family heritage.
The second point is that Meng Wubo asked about filial piety, and the Master said: "My parents only worry about their illness." Meng Wubo was the son of Meng Yizi. There are two interpretations here. One is that parents are worried about their parents' illnesses, and the other is that parents are worried about their children's illnesses. Mr. Yang Boxun adopted the second argument and believed that how to achieve "filial piety" is to not let your parents worry about your health. Personally, I think the second explanation is better. Most people can worry about their parents' illness, but working hard to protect themselves in order to prevent their parents from worrying about their illness is not something everyone can realize. "The body's hair and skin are affected by the parents." The injury is on the child's body, and the pain is on the mother's heart. A little bit of discomfort in a child can cause parents to worry deeply. So, caring for oneself can relieve parents from such worries. Isn't it a manifestation of a deeper level of "filial piety"?
The third place is Ziyou asking for filial piety. Confucius said: "Today's filial piety means being able to raise. As for dogs and horses, they can be raised. How can we be different if we are disrespectful?" Ziyou was the only southern disciple among the seventy-two sage disciples of Confucius. He often asked Confucius for advice and was praised. Known as the "Master of the South". When Confucius persuaded his disciples about "filial piety", he used contrasting examples to explain this issue very vividly and profoundly.
It is the obligation of every child to support their parents. So when parents need money, give them money. When parents need care, take care of three meals a day. If you can do these things, you will basically be praised for your filial piety. However, in Confucius' view, this is not "filial piety". The livestock at home can also be provided for, but what’s the difference? Especially nowadays, the standards of support for pets in many families are very high. Therefore, Confucius said that "filial piety" cannot be judged by "nurturing", but by "respect". So, have we achieved "respect" in treating our parents?
The fourth place is Zixia asking for filial piety. Confucius said: "It's difficult to look at sex. When there is something to do, the disciples have to work hard; when there is wine and food, the elders eat and drink first. Have you ever considered it filial piety?" Confucius believed that when there is something, the young people help; when there is food and wine, the elders eat and drink first. This is very easy to do. Nothing is true filial piety. The "filial piety" that is difficult to achieve is to always have a pleasant look in front of your parents. "Book of Rites" says: "A filial son who loves his parents deeply must be kind, who is kind must have a pleasant look, and whoever has a pleasant look must have a graceful appearance." A filial son who loves his parents deeply must have a good appearance in front of his parents. A meek and gentle appearance.
We treat our parents with pleasure and beauty every day. Have we done that?
Filial piety comes first, and everyone will be "filial piety". So, if everyone tries to be "filial piety" as close as possible, our future should be happier!