Serving Parents with Care

English translation

Mencius said, “What is most important to serve? One’s parents. What is most important to preserve? One’s own person and integrity. I have heard of someone who preserves his own integrity and can serve his parents; I have never heard of one who forfeits that integrity and can still serve them. Everyone has something to serve; serving one’s parents is the root of service. Everyone has something to safeguard; preserving one’s own person and integrity is the root of safeguarding. When Zengzi cared for Zeng Xi, he always provided wine and meat. Before clearing the dishes, he asked whom the leftovers should be given to; when asked whether any remained, he always said yes. After Zeng Xi died, Zeng Yuan cared for Zengzi and also provided wine and meat, but before clearing the dishes he did not ask where the leftovers should go. When asked whether any remained, he said no, intending to serve them again to his father. This is what is called nourishing the mouth and body. Zengzi, by contrast, may be said to have nourished his father’s intentions. To serve one’s parents as Zengzi did is sufficient.”