Benevolence and filial piety lie at the core of Confucian ethics. Neo-Confucianism elucidated the essence of benevolence and redefined their inner bond， as prominently reflected in interpretations of

The Western Inscription

西铭. Metaphysically， the text revives the ancient ontological parallel of bei

ng begotten by parents and by Heaven. Practically， it leads people to perceive heavenly benevolence through familial filial piety， inheriting the classical ritual spirit of honoring parents and Heaven while remembering one’s origin. Mencius’ distinction of one origin一本 and two origins 二本stems from the same ritual tradition. The idea of one origin underpins Neo-Confucianism’s core cl

aim

2

benevolence and filial piety share a single foundational source. Compared with three contemporary theories， this doctrine shows both inherent merits and modern dilemmas. To make Confucian ethics of benevolence and filial piety intellectually compelling today， it must adapt to modern shifts in metaphysics， moral epistemology and psychology with renewed theoretical reasoning.