Original Text:
子曰父在观其志父没观其行三年无改于父之道可谓孝矣
Translation:
Other Translations:
The Master said, “When someone’s father is still alive, observe his intentions; after his father has passed away, observe his conduct. If for three years he does not alter the ways of his father, he may be called a filial son.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
The Master said, While his father is alive, observe his intentions. After his father is dead, observe his actions. If after three years he hasn’t changed his father’s way of doing thing, then you can call him filial.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.