Zengzi relays Confucius’ view: people rarely pour out their full genuine emotions, except when mourning parents. This innate heartfelt grief rooted in blood ties forms the natural foundation of Confucian filial piety and authentic ritual sentiment.
Ziyou states mourning rituals only need sincere, full grief, no excessive formalities or unbridled sorrow. This embodies Confucian moderation: genuine inner grief matters most, yet emotions must stay restrained by reason to avoid harming oneself.
— Meng Haoran The east and west are joined by boundless water clear; On the endless spring river goes the boat you steer. Where will you moor it at sunset far, far apart? Can I not gaze far, far away with broken heart!
— Wang Bo You’ll leave the town walled far and wide For mist-veiled land by riverside. I feel on parting sad and drear For both of us are strangers here. If you have friends who know your heart, Distance cannot keep you apart. At crossroads where we bid adieu, Do not shed tears as…
Zi Zhang asked about clarity (or discernment). The Master said, “If insidious slander—like water slowly soaking in—and urgent, emotionally charged accusations—like a wound to the skin—cannot take hold with you, you may be called ming. If such slander and complaints find no traction in you, you may also be called farsighted.”