Text of Confucianism Part 01

SR No.: 007675
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: James Legge
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1879
Total Pages: 2829
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 50 MB

Page 1855

BK, XXII.
K THUNG.
237
his service of his parents. In the supernal sphere there is a compliance with (what is due to the repose and expansion of the energies of nature !; in the external sphere, a compliance with (what is due) to rulers and elders; in the internal sphere, the filial service of parents ;--all this constitutes what is called perfection.
It is only the able and virtuous man who can attain to this perfection; and can sacrifice when he has attained to it. Hence in the sacrifices of such a man he brings into exercise all sincerity and good faith, with all right-heartedness and reverence; he offers the (proper) things; accompanies them with the (proper) rites; employs the soothing of music; does everything suitably to the season. Thus intelligently does he offer his sacrifices, without seeking for anything to be gained by them :-such is the heart and mind of a filial son.
3. It is by sacrifice that the nourishment of parents is followed up and filial duty to them perpetuated. The filial heart is a storehouse (of all filial duties). Compliance with everything that can mark his course, and be no violation of the relation (between parent and child):—the keeping of this is why we call it a storehouse. Therefore in three ways is a filial son's service of his parents shown :—while they are alive, by nourishing them; when they are dead, by
Callery gives for these :— Conformité avec les Esprits et les Dieux.' Zottoli :-Ordo erga Genios Spiritusque.' Medhurst :- Being obedient to the Kwei Shins. If they had observed the 'three spheres' of the writer, I think they would have translated differently. I believe the idea is— Compliance with the will of Heaven or God, as seen in the course of Nature and Providence.'
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