Filial Piety in the Context of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism - Essay Example

One reason that filial piety is known to be a Chinese custom is their strict observance of the concept. It is deeply rooted in their culture, although there are some religions like Buddhism and Daoism that only follow some of the doctrines enclosed in this tradition due to the monastic systems that inhibit them from being filial children. (Webster, 11) Confucianism, on the other hand, believes that it is imperative moral conduct that led China to have it as their central ideology, which provides the foundation to all other attitudes.

(Ruggiero, 31) According to the famous Chinese quote,  translated in English, “If one does not have piety towards their parents, then how can one be towards one’s friends, country or any other?” In Confucian teachings, it states that when your father is alive, observe his intentions because you will model yourself on the memory of his behavior when he dies and within the first 3 years after his death, you will be considered a filial child if you haven’t deviated from his ways.

(Gardner, 54) According to Confucius, the utmost respect for one’s father while he is alive is something that even animals do but in order to be a filial child, this respect should extend even after his death. Confucius further expounds on the amount of respect he pertains to. This includes not offending one’s parents, not talking ill of them, protecting them whenever necessary; which entails being mindful of their age, and not traveling far away from them if not necessary. (Gardner, 73) The family has been a particularly integral substance of China.

Integration of it is a primary starting point in achieving a well-balanced, controlled and peaceful society. Chinese emphasize the relation between children and their parents, specifically underlining the love and respect of one’s parents. In this connection, filial piety is the basis of Chinese families. Thus, it is not a mere foundation of morality but a primary basis of Chinese culture.  Filial Piety in America  In the American scene, filial piety doesn’t seem to be a dominant part of the culture, if not at all.