;This study conducts a comparative analysis of the Concept of relationship in father and son (父子有親), or "affection/kinship," as presented in both Buddhist and Confucian traditions. Textual analysis focuses on two key sources: the Sigālovāda Sūtra (《尸迦羅越六方禮經》) from the Chinese Buddhist canon, which discusses qin within the context of father-son relationships, and Mencius (《孟子》), which articulates the Confucian notion of qin in the phrase “father and son have affection” (父子有親). Methodologically, this research adopts the framework proposed by Professor Li Xianzhong for the study of Chinese philosophy, structured around four guiding questions: What is it? What does it mean? Why is it so? What are its implications? In the Buddhist portion, the study addresses four issues: (1) the forms of father-son relationships recognized in Buddhism, including both blood-related and non-blood-related ties; (2) the responsibilities and obligations between parents and children according to Buddhist teachings; (3) the rationale for emphasizing non-blood kinship in Buddhist communities, particularly in monastic contexts; and (4) the ethical and social implications of Buddhist interpretations of father-son relationships. The Confucian portion, focusing on Mencius, similarly explores four aspects: (1) the scope of qin in Mencius, including its interplay with filial piety and legal principles; (2) the meaning and significance of qin; (3) how the notion of qin and the concept of concealment (隱) reflect the practical application of balancing moral and legal norms (jing-quan 經權); and (4) the consequences of prioritizing relationship over legal obligations. The study concludes that although Buddhism and Confucianism offer differing interpretations of qin, both traditions underscore the ethical significance of familial responsibility and the cultivation of harmonious interpersonal relationships. This comparative inquiry enhances understanding of how Buddhist and Confucian thought shape family ethics and social order, and it contributes to the ongoing dialogue and potential integration between the two traditions.
