How Honoring Ancestors Can Foster Integrity: Lessons from Confucius

1·9 Zengzi said, “Be careful in the end (1) and remember the distant past (2), and the people’s virtue will return to its original state.”

[Annotation]

(1) Be careful in the end: When a person dies, it is the end. Here it refers to the death of one’s parents. The old commentary says: “To be careful at the end is to mourn the death of one’s parents with all one’s heart.”

(2) To remember the distant ancestors: The old commentary says: “To remember the distant ancestors is to worship them with all one’s heart.”

Translation

Zengzi said, “To be careful at the end and to remember the distant ancestors will naturally lead to the people becoming more honest and sincere.”

Commentary

Confucius did not believe in ghosts and gods, as evidenced by his saying, “Respect ghosts and gods, but keep them at a distance.” Although he did not propose the existence of a soul after death, he attached great importance to funeral rites. In Confucius’s view, the concept of sacrifice had been alienated. It was not just a sacrifice to the dead, but a continuation and manifestation of filial piety. Therefore, this chapter continues to deepen the content of the moral concept and moral behavior of “filial piety.”

Confucius valued the virtue of filial piety because it was the foundation of loyalty. A person who is unable to be filial to his parents cannot be loyal to the country. Therefore, loyalty is an extension and externalization of filial piety. The moral concepts of loyalty and filial piety often appear in the Analects, indicating that Confucius attached great importance to the ethical and moral concepts of loyalty and filial piety, hoping to shape people into cultured gentlemen who are both loyal and filial. This is in line with the patriarchal system of the Spring and Autumn Period. As long as loyalty and filial piety are practiced, society and the family can be stabilized.

Understanding Zengzi’s Teaching

Zengzi’s saying highlights two key practices: mourning one’s parents with utmost sincerity and worshiping distant ancestors wholeheartedly. These actions are not mere rituals; they are expressions of deep respect and gratitude towards one’s lineage. Confucius believed that such practices reinforce the moral fabric of society by fostering a sense of loyalty and sincerity among individuals.

The Cultural Significance of Filial Piety

In Confucian philosophy, filial piety (孝, xiào) is considered the root of all virtues. It is the foundation upon which other moral values, such as loyalty (忠, zhōng), are built. Confucius taught that a person who respects and cares for their parents is likely to extend the same loyalty to their community and nation. This interconnectedness of personal and societal virtues is a hallmark of Confucian thought.

Funeral Rites and Ancestor Worship

Confucius did not advocate for the worship of ghosts and gods but placed significant importance on funeral rites and ancestor worship. These practices were seen as a continuation of filial piety beyond the grave. By honoring the deceased, individuals reaffirm their respect for their lineage and the moral values passed down through generations. This reverence for ancestors was believed to instill a sense of continuity and moral duty in the living.

Modern Relevance of Ancient Wisdom

While contemporary society may differ vastly from the Spring and Autumn Period, the essence of Confucius’s teachings remains relevant. In an age where individualism often overshadows communal values, revisiting the principles of filial piety and ancestor worship can provide a counterbalance. These practices remind us of our responsibilities towards our family and community, encouraging a more sincere and honest way of living.

Building Integrity Through Tradition

The practice of honoring one’s parents and ancestors can serve as a foundation for building personal and societal integrity. When individuals internalize these values, they are more likely to act with honesty and sincerity in all aspects of life. This ripple effect can lead to a more cohesive and morally upright society, echoing Confucius’s vision of a stable and harmonious community.