Setting the Theme and Illuminating Its Meaning 《開宗明義章》1
Setting the Theme and Illuminating Its Meaning 《開宗明義章》1
This chapter presents a brief conversation between Confucius and Master Zeng that sets the theme for the Classic of Family Reverence and extols the virtue of family reverence in both its personal and sociopolitical dimensions. Confucius explains to Master Zeng how the former kings were able to use the model of their consummate excellence (de) and their vital way (dao) to bring the empire into accord (shun), and how the people on this account were able to attain harmony (he) and to live with each other as good neighbors. According to Confucius, it is family reverence (xiao) “that is the root of excellence, and whence education (jiao) itself is born,” and that xiao “begins in service to your parents, continues in service to your lord, and culminates in distinguishing yourself in the world.”
Keywords: xiao, Confucius, Master Zeng, Classic of Family Reverence, family reverence, kings, consummate excellence, harmony, education, parents
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