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.