What Lies Beyond Filial Piety

 What does "filial piety" look like from a parent's perspective?


As a parent myself, I understand this: we do not seek repayment from our children. A parent's love for their child is


"unconditional love."


Therefore,


a child's happiness is the greatest act of filial piety.


Now, what does "filial piety" look like from God's perspective?


God does not seek repayment from us. God's love for us is


"unconditional love."


Therefore,


the happiness of all living beings is the greatest act of filial piety toward God.


God does not seek to be loved Himself.


Rather, He asks that we love the people and the lives that He loves.


To love people is to love God; to love life is to love God.


If we do not love people, we have not loved God; if we do not love life, we have not loved God.


That is likely why the teaching goes so far as to say, "Love your enemies." Yet, since that is impossible to do all at once, perhaps that is why "love for one's neighbor" is preached. I have decided not to push myself too hard. I leave the heavy burden of loving enemies to Christ or Amida Buddha for now, and focus instead on loving the person right next to me.


Even if it is impossible now, perhaps someday...


Guided by love and compassion.


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