Hsiao Ching THE CLASSIC OF FILIAL PIETY I The Scope and Meaning of the Treatise (Once), when Zhong Ni1 was unoccupied, and his disciple Zeng2 was sitting by in attendance on him, the Master said, "The ancient kings had a perfect virtue and all-embracing rule of conduct, through which they were in accord with all under heaven. By the practice of it the people were brought to live in peace and harmony, and there was no ill will between superiors and inferiors. Do you know what it was?" Zeng rose from his mat and said, "How should I, Shen, who am so devoid of intelligence, be able to know this?" The Master said, "(It was filial piety.) Now filial piety is the root of