Han Wangxi MENCIUS said that there are three things in life that bring the greatest happiness. The first is that our parents and siblings are fine; the second is having a pure and open heart so as not to feel ashamed before Heaven and people; the third is to have the opportunity to teach talented people. What matters to him the most is to honor and respect parents. During the annual Spring Festival travel rush, no matter if it’s windy or rainy, we all cram onto trains and buses to return to our hometowns. Why do we do this? It’s just to see our parents, hometowns and siblings. A few days later, we pack our bags and leave our hometowns again. Why do we do this year after year? It’s because we can’t let go. Chinese culture, to put it simply, revolves around the importance of settling our hearts. In ancient times, there was such a custom that due to food shortages, some elderly people were abandoned by their children in the deep mountains. There is a story about a son who was carrying his mother on his back to the mountains. Along the way, the mother kept breaking pine branches and throwing them on the ground. The son felt very confused and asked, “Mom, what are you doing?” The mother said, “My son, I’m afraid you won’t find your way home.” Hearing this, the son was struck with guilt and sorrow. Thinking to himself, “My mom raised me with hardship, and now that she is old, sick and hungry; I can’t bear to abandon her in the mountains.” So, tears in eyes, he carried his mother back home. There is a Chinese saying: “Don’t harm the spring birds in the nests, for they are waiting for their mothers to return.” Truly, a mother and her children are closely tied throughout the lifespan. During the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), there was a man named Jiang Ge who lost his father at a young age and lived with his mother. During a time of war, he brought his mother with him as they fled. One day, he left his mother in a cave while he begged for food on the streets, but unfortunately he encountered a band of robbers who tried to kill him. Tearfully, he said, “I don’t mind dying, but please give me just one day to bring this food to my mother. Let her eat before you come back to kill me.” The robbers were moved and let him go. The next day, after he settled his mother safely, he returned to see the robbers. They were amazed at his filial piety and again let him go. Confucius stressed filial piety from a broad perspective. In “The Analects,” there is a disciple of Confucius named Ziyou who said, “A gentleman focuses on the fundamentals; once he establishes the foundation in everything, the way will emerge.” He also asked, “Are filial piety and brotherly respect not the root of benevolence?” When Confucius preached filial piety, he was not just talking about a small issue, but rather focused on the development of human nature and character. Starting from cultivating a sincere mind and from the parent-child love, he expounded on the love for all in the world. If one cannot cultivate his or her body and mind, respect Heaven, love others and honor parents, how can he or she govern the country and bring peace to the world? (The author is a cultural scholar.) (Translated by Cao Zhen) | 