The Analects – Chapter 85 (4.20). Spiritual heritage of a family

4.20

The Master said, “If for the whole three years of mourning a son manages to carry on the household exactly as in his father’s day, then he is a good son indeed.”

子曰：「三年無改於父之道，可謂孝矣。」

Notes

This statement from the Analects tells that after parents’ passing, children immersed in grief maintain spiritual connection by continuing their father’s principles and practices(spiritual heritage).

Parents’ household management and livelihood frameworks represent long-established foundations of order. Abrupt changes risk causing instability. Children should be given time to observe, learn, and adapt – avoiding impulsive decisions that disrupt family or livelihood continuity.

Refraining from altering parents’ ways is both an act of filial devotion and a demonstration of familial responsibility.

The ‘three years’ refers to the traditional mourning period, serving not as a rigid time frame but as a symbolic period for ethical transition.

Confucius also said elsewhere:

“While a father is alive, observe his son’s aspirations; when the father passes away, observe the son’s conduct. If for three years he does not alter the ways of his father, he may be called a filial son.” (The Analects 1.11)