Filial Duty, Chapter 7: The Three Powers

Translation

CHAPTER VII

THE “THREE POWERS”[4]

On hearing what Confucius said about filial duty, Tsêng Tzŭ remarked:

“How great is the use of filial duty!” Here Confucius continued:

“Filial duty is the constant doctrine of Heaven, the natural

righteousness of Earth, and the practical duty of man. Every member of

the community ought to observe it with the greatest care. We do what

is dictated by Heaven and what is good for the general public in order

to organise the community. On this account our education is widespread,

though it is not compulsory, and our government is sound, though it

is not rigorous. The effect of education upon the minds of the people

was well known to the good Emperors of old. They made every person

love his parents by loving their own parents first. They induced every

person to cultivate his virtue by expounding the advantages of virtue

to him. They behaved themselves respectfully and humbly, so that the

people might not quarrel with one another. They trained the people

with ceremonial observances, and educated them with music so that they

might live in harmony. They told the people what things they liked or

disliked to see done, so that they might understand what they were

forbidden to do.

In the Shih Ching it is thus written: “The dignified statesman is

always the subject of the attention of the people.”

Practical Reading

The younger brother's duty is to respect elders and maintain family harmony. This chapter speaks to sibling relationships, which are among the longest-lasting bonds in most people's lives.

Practical questions: do you treat your siblings with the same patience you extend to friends or colleagues? Family harmony is not automatic—it requires the same intentionality as any important relationship. Small gestures of respect and regular effort at connection compound over time into a supportive family network.

FOOTNOTES:

[4] I.e. Heaven, Earth, and Man.