The phenomenon of crows feeding their parents is frequently observed in nature.
As the young crows' wings gradually become strong and powerful, while the old crows, due to their age and declining physical strength, are no longer able to fly freely and find food as before, the young crows will take the initiative to take responsibility and carefully care for their mothers.
This behavior has undoubtedly become a model of filial piety in human society, telling us that when children grow up, they should do their best to take care of their elderly parents.
In contrast, the image of a lamb kneeling to suckle is much more heartwarming.
When lambs suckle their mothers, they often kneel on the ground, as if to express their deep gratitude to their mothers—they know that it is their mothers' milk that gives them the strength to grow vigorously.
Thus, the "lamb kneeling to suckle" naturally evolved into an act full of gratitude, symbolizing a sincere appreciation for the boundless love of a mother.
From the perspective of human ethics and morality, this proverb more clearly highlights the true meaning of children being grateful, respecting and repaying their parents for raising them.
At the same time, this proverb also encourages us to extend this sense of gratitude to all aspects of life, not only to be grateful to family and friends, but also to have reverence for society as a whole, cherish the contributions of others, and strive to give back to society.
In conclusion, the meaning of this statement goes far beyond a simple description of animal behavior; it represents a profound advocacy and promotion of the human concept of filial piety.
It reminds us that, regardless of our cultural environment or historical period, filial piety and gratitude should be regarded as essential moral qualities.
"Even crows feed their parents, and lambs kneel to suckle." This saying comes from an anonymous work from the Ming Dynasty in China called "Zeng Guang Xian Wen".
The original text reads: "Crows have the instinct to feed their parents, lambs kneel to suckle their mothers, and horses have no intention of deceiving their mothers."
This text conveys the following message:
Lambs know to express their gratitude to their mothers by kneeling and suckling, and crows know to feed their old mothers who are unable to find food, in order to repay their nurturing kindness; horses, too, will not deceive the mothers who gave them life.
These phenomena undoubtedly tell the world that children should be well aware of the principles of filial piety and put them into practice.
According to legend, when old crows lose their ability to forage for themselves, young crows will regurgitate the food they have swallowed to feed their elderly parents. This behavior is a vivid portrayal of how animals "repay" their parents after reaching adulthood in nature.
In addition, the saying "crows feed their parents and lambs kneel to suckle" may also originate from the book "The Classic of Filial Piety".
The relevant passages from the *Classic of Filial Piety* are as follows:
Even lambs kneel to suckle, showing filial piety; crows feed their parents, displaying respect. If a person does not know filial piety, they are worse than beasts, truly pitiful. Of all virtues, filial piety is paramount; know that filial piety is the root. Reciting Buddha's name and doing good deeds are also forms of filial piety; filial piety relies on Buddha's power to transcend the nine heavens. How great is filial piety! How great is filial piety! Filial piety is boundless and limitless.
The gist of it is: even lambs kneel to suckle their mothers, showing filial piety; crows, when they grow up, will feed their parents in return, repaying their nurturing kindness. However, if a person doesn't understand filial piety, they are worse than beasts—truly pitiful and lamentable!
Of all behaviors and good deeds, filial piety should be the most important. We should understand that "filial piety" is the foundation of everything.
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