Filial Duty, Chapter 16: The Influence and Fruit of Filial Piety

Translation

CHAPTER XVI

THE INFLUENCE AND FRUIT OF FILIAL PIETY

The good Emperors of old were not only filial to their parents, but

also to the Supreme Father and Mother—that is, Heaven and the Earth.

When an Emperor can live in harmony with his elders, there will be

harmony throughout his dominion between superiors and inferiors; and

when he is filial to the Supreme Father and Mother, he will be blessed

by them.

Although the Emperor is the highest of all ranks, yet he still has some

one to respect. He has his father and elder brothers.

Why do we offer sacrifices to our ancestors in our family shrine?

Because we ought not to forget them. Why must we cultivate our minds

and be circumspect in our actions? Because we do not wish to bring

disgrace upon the name of our ancestors. If we can show respect to them

when we offer them sacrifices in our family shrine, we shall be blessed

by the Supreme Father and Mother. Filiality to parents and reverence to

elders will be known to the Supreme Being, and will be followed by the

people in every part of the world; no place can remain unaffected by

their influence. In the Shih Ching it is said that “from east to west

and from north to south there is no one who does not submit to rule.”

Practical Reading

A son's daily conduct—bearing, speech, and action—must never bring shame or harm to his parents. This chapter covers the entirety of daily life: how you carry yourself, how you speak, and what you do.

A useful daily check: at the end of the day, review your words and actions. Did anything I said or did today reflect poorly on my family? You need not be perfect—the point is to cultivate a continuing awareness that you represent more than yourself. This awareness, over time, shapes character more than any single grand decision.