THE FEELING OF FILIAL PIETY MOVED HEAVEN

孝感动天 THE FEELING OF FILIAL PIETY MOVED HEAVEN


虞舜。瞽瞍之子。性至孝。父顽母嚣。弟象傲。舜耕于历山。有象为之耕。有鸟为之耘。其孝感如此。帝尧闻之。事以九男。妻以二女。遂以天下让焉。系诗颂之。诗曰

Emperor Shùn of the Yú dynasty was the son of Gŭshŏu (=Blind Old-Man). His nature was most filial. But his father was obstinate and his mother was boorish. His younger brother Xiàng was proud and overbearing. Shùn ploughed on Mount Lì [in Shāndōng province], where the elephants ploughed for him and the birds weeded for him, for his feelings of filial piety were so great [that even the beasts were moved]. Emperor Yáo [of Táng] heard of this; he sent nine of his sons to wait on him and two of his daughters to be his wives and later abdicated the throne in his favor. Verses praise him saying:



对对耕春象。纷纷耘草禽。嗣尧登帝位。孝感动天下。

Herds of elephants plough in the spring;

Flocks of birds pull the weeds;

He is the heir of Yáo and mounts his throne;

The spirit of filial piety moves the heart of Heaven.