What is Filial Piety? The root of the Way of being human lies in the devotion to one’s parents.

Filial Piety (also known as the Filial Piety Way) is a concept in Chinese culture and philosophy, rooted in East Asian philosophy, particularly from the teachings of the philosopher Confucius. This concept represents one of the core values in Confucius’ thought and has greatly influenced Chinese society and culture for thousands of years.

Filial Piety consists of two main components:

Dao (道, dào): This refers to the concept of the correct path or way of life, encompassing ethics and moral principles that one should follow. In the context of Filial Piety, it represents a set of moral guidelines and principles that individuals should adhere to in order to live a righteous and fulfilling life.

Xiao (孝, xiào): Xiao signifies the respect, gratitude, and reverence that children should have towards their parents and elders. It includes caring for them, listening to them, and following their advice. Xiao is considered one of the most important and fundamental virtues in Chinese culture.

Filial Piety emphasizes the maintenance of family, respect for tradition, and gratitude towards those who gave birth to and nurtured us. It also reflects the reverent relationship between the younger and older generations. This principle extends to society and many aspects of daily life, from building family relationships to managing and leading in social and political contexts.

Is Filial Piety only for our parents?

Filial piety is not exclusively for our parents; it also extends to those who teach, nurture, mentor, and support us throughout life. In many East Asian cultures and philosophies, filial piety goes beyond the family, encompassing respect and gratitude towards those who have contributed to your growth and development.

In general, filial piety is a significant moral value in East Asian societies, involving respect and gratitude not only towards parents and grandparents but also towards teachers, mentors, and others who play crucial roles in your life. It is reflected in how you treat them, care for them, and ensure that they are treated with the respect and gratitude they deserve.

Filial piety is not just a concept in Chinese culture; it has also influenced other East Asian cultures such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

The Concept of ‘Filial Piety’ in Great Philosophical Thoughts

Laozi and Filial Piety

In the philosophy of Laozi, filial piety (Đạo Hiếu) is regarded as one of the fundamental roots of being human. He believed that following Đạo Hiếu, which means showing respect and gratitude towards parents and elders, is an essential part of living a righteous and peaceful life.

Laozi considered filial piety and gratitude towards parents and elders as the foundation of personal and social ethics. Respecting and caring for those who gave birth to and nurtured us is not only the right thing to do but also a way to maintain balance and harmony in life.

For Laozi, Đạo Hiếu is not just a moral duty but also a natural part of living without excessive interference in life. It is part of living according to the Dao and maintaining harmonious relationships within the family and society.

In summary, in Laozi’s philosophy, filial piety (Đạo Hiếu) is seen as a crucial root of being human and one of the fundamental principles for maintaining balance and harmony in life.

Confucius and Filial Piety

The idea that filial piety is the core of being human is shared by many in East Asian culture and philosophy, particularly in the philosophy of Confucius.

Confucius placed great importance on respect and gratitude towards parents and elders in his philosophy. He believed that following ethical principles in dealing with parents and elders is fundamental to building a harmonious society and a strong family structure. This lays the foundation for understanding the right way of living and building good social relationships.

This thought has had a significant influence on the culture and thought of many East Asian countries and is considered an essential part of how they shape personal and social ethics. Filial piety is often expressed through caring for and respecting the elderly, honoring family traditions, and fostering strong family bonds.

In summary, the idea that filial piety is the core of being human reflects the importance of respecting and honoring parents and elders in building a proper and harmonious life and society.

The Buddha and Filial Piety

In Buddhism, filial piety (Pali: “mettā,” Sanskrit: “maitrī”) is referred to as “loving-kindness” or “compassionate love.” This is a significant aspect of Buddhist spirituality and plays a crucial role in the path to liberation from suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.

In Buddhism, loving-kindness and filial piety extend beyond the care and affection for family and loved ones, reaching out to all beings and all forms of life. This principle embodies a mindset free from discrimination, bias, and hatred, and is closely connected to the concept of “dukkha” (suffering) in Buddhism.

The role of loving-kindness and filial piety in overcoming suffering and achieving liberation includes:

• Eliminating Ego and Attachment: Loving-kindness helps in dissolving the self and attachment to the “I” (ego). When we love and respect all beings and all forms of life, we free ourselves from self-centeredness and create a connection with everyone.
• Eradicating Hatred: Loving-kindness helps eradicate hatred and resentment. Understanding and practicing filial piety towards all beings lead to forgiveness and inner peace.
• Establishing Tranquility: Loving-kindness fosters a state of tranquility and peace, aiding practitioners in meditation and other concentration methods to deepen understanding and attain liberation.
• Inspiring Virtuous Actions: Loving-kindness inspires virtuous and compassionate actions. Buddhist practitioners often practice loving-kindness by helping and sharing with others to alleviate suffering and contribute to overall happiness.

Ultimately, loving-kindness and filial piety in Buddhism play a vital role in illuminating the mind, eliminating suffering, and achieving liberation and enlightenment (Bodhi).

The Way of Being Human

“The Way of Being Human” is a complex concept in philosophy and thought, often associated with determining how individuals should live and act to achieve a meaningful and ethical life. It refers to the core principles and values that one should adhere to in daily life.

This concept varies across different philosophies and religions, such as Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Western philosophy. However, it is generally related to following moral principles such as kindness, respect, compassion, and justice.

There is a common belief that “Dao” (道) is the root of “Virtue” (德), and “Virtue” is the root of “Blessing” (福). This means that adhering to moral principles (Dao) leads to a happy and healthy life. For example, in Laozi’s Daoism, it is believed that following the Dao, which means adhering to moral principles, will bring blessings and balance in life.

However, the way different philosophies and religions view the relationship between ‘Dao,’ ‘Virtue,’ and ‘Blessing’ may vary. It is important to note that each individual may have their own perspective on this correlation and how they practice it in their daily life.

“Filial Piety” is the Essence of the “Way”

According to Kabala Philosophy, Filial Piety (Đạo Hiếu) is the essence—the core—of the Way of being human. Kabala does not contradict but fully agrees with the views of the ancient sages.

Filial Piety is the core of the Way of being human (The Circle of Filial Piety – Way, as depicted by Kabastro).

“Peaceful” is the Root of “Filial Piety”

The essence of Filial Piety is not about providing financial support to your parents, nor is it about shouldering the family’s burdens with strength, or achieving great success in the world. Rather, it is about making your parents feel peaceful.

Even if there is some hardship, as long as your parents feel calm and content; even if your social status is not high, as long as your parents feel secure; even if you are not extraordinarily talented, as long as your parents feel peace when they are with you.

The Way of being human always begins with Filial Piety, and the root of Filial Piety is the feeling of “peacefulness” in the hearts of your parents.

To bring peace to your parents, your heart must first be peaceful. To find peace, you must cultivate stillness; to cultivate stillness, you must truly maintain a state of happiness; and to find happiness, you need only to know contentment and let go of your ego.

You Can Start Today

The “Peaceful” Begins with You

Kabala’s perspective on bringing peace to your parents centers on how your soul interacts with happiness and stillness. These are crucial viewpoints in building strong family relationships and finding inner peace. Here are some key points:

1. Peaceful Parents and a Peaceful Soul: First and foremost, to bring peace to your parents, you must have a peaceful soul. Inner peace is the result of maintaining a state of stillness and happiness within your heart.
2. Stillness and Happiness: A calm soul often accompanies happiness. When you embrace contentment and focus on the positive aspects of life, you are more likely to create a state of inner stillness. This helps you maintain calmness and patience when caring for your parents.
3. Letting Go of the Ego: Adopting a non-judgmental mindset and letting go of the ego often lightens your soul. When you set aside pride and stop constantly thinking about yourself, it becomes easier to understand and empathize with your parents and others.
4. Nurturing the Soul: Maintaining inner stillness and happiness is not always easy. It requires nurturing your soul through meditation, exercise, creative activities, and exploring personal development and psychology.

In summary, Kabala’s perspective on a peaceful, still, and happy soul is closely related to the ability to bring peace to your parents and build a harmonious family environment. The balance within your soul can create the stability and positive energy needed to effectively help and care for your parents.

The “Peaceful” for Parents

To help your parents feel secure, at ease, and peaceful, here are some actions you can take:

1. Respect and Listen: Listen to your parents and understand them. This includes showing respect for their viewpoints and opinions, even when they may differ from your own. Show interest in their lives and what they are going through.
2. Care for Their Health: Ensure that your parents maintain a healthy lifestyle and receive proper healthcare. Pay attention to their diet, exercise, and other health-related matters. If possible, help them schedule and attend medical appointments.
3. Spend Quality Time: Dedicate time to your parents, not just for daily tasks, but also to enjoy meaningful moments together. This could involve taking walks, family gatherings, or even just relaxing conversations.
4. Support Daily Activities: If you can, assist your parents with daily activities, especially if they are facing difficulties or need help. This might include household chores, shopping, or driving them to appointments.
5. Express Affection: Don’t hesitate to show your love and affection. When you express your love for your parents, they will feel warmth and a sense of peace.
6. Keep in Touch: If you don’t live with your parents, make sure to stay in regular contact through phone calls, letters, or social media. Knowing that you are always there to support and care for them will give them peace of mind.
7. Create a Happy Family Environment: Strive to create a happy and peaceful family environment. Provide opportunities for family members to gather, share joys and concerns, and build strong relationships with one another.

Remember, the way you help your parents feel secure may vary depending on your specific situation and family dynamics. The most important thing is to create a loving and supportive environment in all circumstances.

Filial Piety and Days of Gratitude

In many religions and beliefs, filial piety is expressed through specific events and holidays. Here are a few examples:

• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day: In many countries around the world, there are specific days to honor and express filial piety towards parents. For instance, Mother’s Day is typically celebrated in May or June (depending on the country), and Father’s Day usually takes place in June or July. On these days, children often give gifts and show appreciation to their parents.
• Ullambana (Vu Lan) Festival in Buddhism: The Ullambana Festival is an important day in Buddhism, celebrated to honor and express filial piety towards those who have passed away, especially parents. On this day, Buddhists often perform rituals at temples and visit graves to pray for their ancestors and offer gifts to demonstrate filial piety.
• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in Christianity: In addition to the secular Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Christianity also has special days to honor parents. Mother’s Day often occurs in the spring, and Father’s Day in the summer. On these days, Christians typically attend church services to show their respect and filial piety.
• Traditional Festivals in East Asian Culture: In many Asian countries, traditional holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán), and others are dedicated to honoring family and ancestors. These days often combine rituals of respect and expressions of filial piety towards parents and ancestors.

It is important to remember that the expression of filial piety can vary across religions and regions. However, all these holidays emphasize the importance of respect and gratitude towards parents and ancestors in human life.

It is also essential to note that filial piety should not be confined to just one or two specific holidays but should be a constant presence in everyday life. Filial piety is the root of the way of being human and should manifest in all aspects of life.

Holidays such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or the Ullambana Festival hold significant meaning in showing respect and gratitude towards parents and ancestors. However, what is more important is practicing filial piety daily, not just through gifts and displays of affection on special days, but in how you treat and care for your parents throughout their lives.

Written by Kabastro