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The *Classic* (Huangdi Neijing) states: From the Son of Heaven to the common people, if one does not maintain filial piety from beginning to end, yet worries that misfortune will befall them, such a case has never existed. As children, with a pure heart of filial piety and striving one's utmost to serve parents, there is no reason for failing to maintain consistency. The only difference lies in whether the support is abundant or meager, determined by the limits of wealth or poverty. If a person lives in riches and honor but is generous to oneself and stingy to parents, they are not accepted by people nor tolerated by Heaven; although living in riches, they are essentially poor and lowly. Conversely, if a person lives in poverty and lowliness but can restrain themselves to provide abundantly for parents, they are admired by people and assisted by Heaven; although living in poverty, they are essentially rich and honorable. Doing good brings down all kinds of auspiciousness; doing evil brings down all kinds of calamities. Among good deeds, none is greater than filial piety. Filial piety moves Heaven, so Heaven bestows blessings upon them; thus, even in poverty, they become rich. Among sins, none is greater than unfilial conduct. Unfilial conduct moves Heaven, so Heaven inflicts disaster upon them; thus, even in riches, they become poor. The retribution of good and evil is as certain as shadows following forms and echoes responding to sounds. Can children fail to believe this?

The way to serve parents does not depend on having beef, mutton, and pork in daily life, but rather on accommodating the parents' expressions and desires, exhausting one's filial heart, and providing according to what is available. This conforms to the principle of Heaven. Those in wealthy households must not neglect the elderly. They should strictly follow methods for caring for the aged and strive to practice them. In poor and lacking households, although there may be the intention to support parents but not the means, one should act according to the family's abundance or frugality, exerting utmost effort for parents, observing propriety in preparing utensils, so that the elderly know their children have done their utmost. It will be seen that filial piety resonates with the spiritual realm, and invisible spirits silently bless, just as Jiang Shi produced leaping carp and Meng Zao wept forth bamboo shoots. All these are results of filial piety. These are the validations of filial conduct!

Considering that filial sons and grandsons may face difficulties preventing them from fully implementing these methods, leading to inner dissatisfaction, I have established this discourse on fortune and misfortune regarding wealth and poverty to balance their minds.

Humans are but one among all things, unable to escape the numbers decreed by Heaven and Earth. When the natural lifespan reaches its limit, essence and blood are exhausted, spirit and qi become floating and weak, reverting to a state like that of infants, relying entirely on nursing and care to assist in the declining years.

If encountering disasters of water and fire, banditry, or unexpected frights, one must first support the elderly to a safe place to avoid danger, without making noise or causing commotion. Elderly persons, once subjected to great fright, may become confused and develop residual illnesses. Regarding funerals and tragedies, do not allow them to attend mourning ceremonies; when ill and critical, do not startle them; regarding sorrow and grief, do not inform them in advance; regarding foul, rotten, or smelly food, do not let them eat it; regarding sticky, hard, or toxic substances, do not let them consume them; regarding dilapidated, leaky, low-lying, or damp dwellings, do not let them reside there; against sudden storms and severe cold, do not expose them; against oppressive heat and summer heat, do not let them suffer; regarding physical exertion and walking, do not fatigue them; at night, do not let them eat until full; during foggy and dark weather, do not let them go hungry; regarding borrowed saddles and horses, do not let them ride; regarding eccentric or unverified medicines, do not let them take them; regarding abandoned houses, do not let them enter; regarding desolate graveyards, do not let them tour; regarding dangerous places, do not let them walk; across deep ravines and abysses, do not let them cross; in dimly lit rooms, do not leave them alone; regarding distant reports of misfortune, do not let them know; regarding frivolous maids and servants, do not let them associate closely; regarding household chores and busy affairs, do not let them manage.

There are many such matters that cannot be exhaustively listed. As long as children think deeply and cautiously, taking excessive precautions, any matter that might inconvenience the elderly should be avoided to preserve longevity. One should often allow the elderly to rest in beautiful gardens and promote Buddhist practices, so that their consciousness and aspirations consistently return to the path of goodness. This is an extraordinary method for caring for the aged.