The Hsiâo King: Chapter X. An Orderly Description of the Acts of Filial Piety

The Master said, 'The service which a filial son does to his parents is as follows:--In his general conduct to them, he manifests the utmost reverence; in his nourishing of them, his endeavour is to give them the utmost pleasure; when they are ill, he feels the greatest anxiety; in mourning for them (dead), he exhibits every demonstration of grief; in sacrificing to them, he displays the utmost solemnity. When a son is complete in these five things (he may be pronounced) able to serve his parents. p. 481 'He who (thus) serves his parents, in a high situation, will be free from pride; in a low situation, will be free from insubordination; and among his equals, will not be quarrelsome. In a high situation pride leads to ruin; in a low situation insubordination leads to punishment; among equals quarrelsomeness leads to the wielding of weapons. 'If those three things be not put away, though a son every day contribute beef, mutton, and pork 1 to nourish his parents, he is not filial.' 481:1 Compare with this the Confucian Analects, II, vii.