ABSTRACT

The phenomenon of filial piety is fundamental to our understanding of Chinese culture, and this excellent collection of essays explores its role in various areas of life throughout history. Often regarded as the key to preserving Chinese tradition and identity, its potentially vast impact on government and the development of Chinese culture makes it extremely relevant, and although invariably virtuous in its promotion of social cohesion, its ideas are often controversial. A broad range of topics are discussed chronologically including Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism, making it essential reading for those studying Chinese culture, religion and philosophy. This is a multi-disciplinary survey that combines historical studies with philosophical analysis from an international team of respected contributors.

chapter |11 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|15 pages

Filial piety with a vengeance

The tension between rites and law in the Han

chapter 3|27 pages

Reverent caring

The parent-son relationship in early medieval tales of filial offspring

chapter 4|20 pages

Filial devotion for women

A Buddhist testimony from third-century China

chapter 5|19 pages

Immortal parents and universal kin

Family values in medieval Daoism

chapter 8|13 pages

Emperor Chengzu and imperial filial piety of the Ming dynasty

From the Classic of Filial Piety to the Biographical Accounts of Filial Piety

chapter 9|22 pages

Does xiao come before ren?

chapter 11|14 pages

Filial piety as a virtue

chapter 12|12 pages

Filial piety as respect for tradition

chapter 14|15 pages

Filial daughters-in-law

Questioning Confucian filiality