Analects 2:5

In this particular day I shall interpret a verse from the Analects, namely 2:5. In A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy , Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:

“Meng I Tzu asked about filial piety.   Confucius said: ‘Never disobey.’  [Later,] When Fan Ch’ih was driving him, Confucius told him, ‘Meng-sun asked me about filial piety, and I answered him, ‘Never disobey.’ Fan Ch’ih said, ‘What does that mean?’ Confucius said, ‘When parents are alive, serve them according to the rules of propriety. When they die, bury them according to the rules of propriety and sacrifice to them according to the rules of propriety.” ¹

Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse, which is filial piety.  Filial piety refers to the importance given by an individual to his family.   This is one of the values which can be observed from the Chinese people in the concept of family and respect for parents.  This value can also be related to the Confucian sense of valuing relationships as a way of promoting harmony.

In this second point, the theme shall be applied as the verse is scrutinized.

We shall discuss the elaboration given by Confucius on his answer:

‘When parents are alive, serve them according to the rules of propriety. When they die, bury them according to the rules of propriety and sacrifice to them according to the rules of propriety.’

The sentences only emphasize one thing: obedience to parents. Obedience to parents requires respect to them both when they are still alive and even when they are dead.  This gives the notion that a son or daughter must adhere to the rules established by their family. This is because a gesture of obedience only signifies a child’s eagerness to develop his good nature by discipline.  Discipline, on the other hand, is a manifestation of harmony.    When a child is disciplined, his nature is tamed, and this makes his learning of the moral principles more profound and meaningful.   Should the child be disobedient, disharmony occurs.    The family bond is disturbed.   His nature becomes wild, and because of that he fails to see the Way and strays from the path towards being a noble man.   When the relationships are disturbed, the possibility of establishing harmony becomes remote.   

 According to the rules of propriety, serving one’s parents means obeying them throughout without complaints.  Parents love their children selflessly.  Children should return that love to them in their lifetime. They have the wisdom of love, and they protect the family and its members without conditions.  That is why, as the very instrument for a son or daughter to be born into this world, parents are meant to be served with expressions of gratitude and respect. They deserve the untarnished love of a son or daughter. Whether in good health and old age, a son or daughter must not cease to serve and care for them.

 Moreover, burying them properly is a sign of respect and love.  Whether alive or dead, parents are meant to be remembered. The values that they taught must be cherished and practiced without ceasing.  This is a way of recognizing the values they had inculcated among the members of the family and the family itself.

Another point concerning this verse will be that obedience can also be seen as a form of humility and devotion to parents and the wisdom they left.   Obedience is considered humility in a sense that one accepts the limited knowledge of the world he is in, which points the need for one’s parents to orient him about it.    Obedience is considered respect in a sense that one recognizes the sacrifices that their parents make just to nurture them and give them a good life.  

 Obedience does not imply being inferior to one’s parents or being imprisoned in some form of structured laws.   Obedience, on the contrary, is a form of agreement between a master and a student. An agreement that makes each one grow and learn from each other.    An agreement that makes each one involved in the relationship on equal terms.    This agreement is not a restriction.   Rather, it is an organized method of principles which leads one to his own liberty: his liberty from his own immaturity.

 Obedience and respect to parents through service and sacrifice are the core values of filial piety.  Those who preserved these values in their lives are the worthy children. The unconditional practice of children of these values towards their parents marks their level of discipline and moral uprightness.  Through these, they become truly mature and worthy members of their family and society.

Sources:

1      1. Wing Tsit Chan, “The Humanism of Confucius”, (United States: Princeton University Press, 1963), In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, 25.