Question: How do you comment on Confucius’s refusal to pay for buying a shell for Yan Yuan’s coffin? Does it show Confucius's lack of sincerity in his "love" toward his so-called "favorite" student?
Confucius’s actions also reflected his respect for propriety. In Confucian thought, propriety is an important norm for social order and interpersonal relationships. As an advocate and practitioner of propriety, Confucius’s behavior had to conform to its demands. In the context of the society at that time, it was unbecoming of Confucius’s status as an official to sell his carriage and walk. On the other hand, The refusal to pay for the shell may not necessarily indicate a lack of sincerity or love for Yan Yuan, but rather an adherence to the social norms that dictated the roles and responsibilities of individuals within the community.
Confucius' choice of funeral rites for Yan Yuan is a subject that invites reflection on the tension between personal feelings and public norms. Here is a commentary on his choice:
Confucius' decision regarding the funeral rites for Yan Yuan, one of his most beloved disciples, can be seen as a demonstration of his commitment to societal norms and the principles of propriety, even in the face of profound personal grief. The following points can be made in commentary:
**Respect for Tradition and Propriety:**
Confucius chose to adhere to the traditional funeral rites prescribed by the social norms of his time. This choice underscores the importance he placed on maintaining social order and respect for custom. By upholding public norms, Confucius showed that even personal loss should not undermine the established rituals that give structure to society.
**Balancing Emotion and Decorum:**
Confucius' emotional response to Yan Yuan's death was intense, yet he managed to balance his personal feelings with the decorum expected of a teacher and a member of the aristocracy. This balance is a key aspect of Confucian philosophy, which advocates for the regulation of emotions through the practice of rituals.
**Educational Moment:**
Confucius' conduct during the funeral served as an educational moment for his other disciples. It taught them the importance of self-discipline and the proper way to express sorrow within the bounds of social etiquette. His choice became a lesson in how to navigate the complexities of life with grace and propriety.
**Critique of Excessive Mourning:**
Some interpretations suggest that Confucius' choice was also a critique of excessive mourning practices that were prevalent at the time. By not indulging in overly dramatic displays of grief, he may have been making a statement about the appropriateness of moderation in all things, including the expression of sorrow.
**Controversy and Discussion:**
Confucius' choice could be controversial, as it might be seen by some as a restraint on genuine emotional expression. However, the very act of discussing and debating his choice contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of rituals and social norms in personal and public life.
In conclusion, Confucius' choice of funeral rites for Yan Yuan reflects a nuanced approach to dealing with personal emotions within the framework of public norms. It exemplifies the Confucian ideal of achieving harmony between the individual and society, and it continues to be a relevant and thought-provoking topic in discussions about the interplay between personal feelings and social expectations.
Confucius was not refusing to pay the fee, but discussing the appropriateness of the coffin and respect for the deceased. This is not an indication of Confucius's lack of sincerity towards his so-called "favorite" students, but rather a reflection of his values of etiquette and respect for the dead. Confucius's education and behavior were based on morality and benevolence, and his actions and decisions were based on these principles. Thus, the story does not support Confucius's argument for the lack of sincerity on his students, but rather demonstrates his importance for traditional etiquette and respect for the dead.
In Confucian thought, there is a strong emphasis on moral integrity, virtue, and self-cultivation. Confucius believed that showing practical love and care did not necessarily involve material expenditures. His refusal to buy the shell could be interpreted as a manifestation of his commitment to these ideals. He likely viewed his role as a teacher and mentor as more about imparting wisdom and cultivating virtue than about engaging in materialistic acts.Confucius often stressed the importance of moral values over material possessions. His refusal to pay for the shell may also reflect his belief that love should not be expressed through material means. Instead, true love and respect can be demonstrated through education, guidance, and moral support. This perspective could imply that Confucius valued intangible contributions (like teachings and character development) over the tangible actions tied to material wealth.On the surface, one might argue that Confucius’s refusal indicates a lack of sincerity or affection for Yan Yuan. However, a deeper understanding of Confucian philosophy suggests that genuine love sometimes involves tough decisions and the prioritization of moral principles over emotional expressions. Confucius’s actions can be seen as a lesson on self-reliance and humility, emphasizing that the character and deeds of a person are more important than their material desires.
Confucius's actions regarding the shell for Yan Yuan's coffin have been a subject of interpretation and debate among scholars. According to the story, Confucius was asked to contribute a valuable shell (a type of ancient Chinese currency) to cover the expenses for Yan Yuan's (also known as Yan Hui, one of his most esteemed disciples) funeral. Confucius initially refused, stating that he could not afford it.
Confucius believed that Yan Yuan's poor family should not have a thick burial, and even if there were conditions, it could only be under the circumstances permitted by the ritual system.
In Confucius's view, even for his favorite students, one should not lose "principles", which is not contrary to his words and deeds.
No,I don't think it shows Confucius's lack of sincerity.Because at that time,Confucius advocated following social etiquette,there are different standards for burial after death,everyone must obide by this standard,so he can't broken the social order for his students.
Confucius held Yan Yuan in high regard. Yan Yuan was one of his most beloved disciples.
Confucius showed great restraint and propriety in matters related to Yan Yuan's funeral. His ideas were in line with the Confucian concepts of propriety (li) and the proper way of treating the dead. Confucius believed in observing the appropriate rites and ceremonies, which not only showed respect for the deceased but also had educational and moral implications for the living. It was about maintaining the balance between emotional expression and following the established norms of the society at that time.
Personal feelings are important, but public codes and social norms also need to be respected. Confucius's choice reflects his emphasis on balance between individual emotions and societal rules. This incident highlights the complexity of making decisions that consider both personal sentiments and broader ethical principles.
Confuciu emphasized equality and impartiality.He treated his disciples equally.He had treated his own son's funeral with simplicity and wanted to do the same for Yan Yuan. He believed that one should not exceed the appropriate ritual norms due to personal emotions or special relationship, reflecting his principles of equality and fairness. He considered Yan Yuan's character Yan Yuan was a person who lived a simple life and was not fond of luxury. Confucius knew him well and believed that Yan Yuan himself would not have wanted an overly elaborate funeral.
This incident serves as an important example of Confucius's teachings on the significance of ritual in society. It shows that for Confucius, ritual was not just a set of formalities but a way of maintaining social order and moral values. His choice regarding Yan Yuan's funeral rituals also highlights the complex relationship between personal emotions and social norms in Confucian thought.
Confucius believed that funerals should be arranged according to a person's status and financial resources, and should not go beyond the scope of ritual. Yan Yuan's family was poor, so Confucius opposed the generous burial, thinking that it violated the thrifty meaning of the ceremony. This reflects Confucius' adherence to the ritual system and maintains the sanctity of the ritual.
Confucius's actions regarding the shell for Yan Yuan's coffin have been a subject of interpretation and debate among scholars. According to the Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian, Confucius refused to contribute a valuable shell as an offering for Yan Yuan's funeral because he believed that the expense was not in line with the principles of ritual and frugality that he advocated.Adherence to Ritual Confucius's teachings emphasized the importance of li (ritual propriety), which dictated that actions should be appropriate to one's social status and the situation at hand. Confucius may have believed that an extravagant funeral for Yan Yuan, despite his affection for the student, would be contrary to the ritual propriety that he taught. By refusing to pay for the shell, Confucius may have been making a point about the importance of adhering to societal norms and not giving in to excessive displays of wealth or emotion.
Confucius's refusal to buy a shell for Yan Yuan's coffin does not signify a lack of love but rather adheres to his principles of propriety and simplicity. His affection was shown through his teachings and mentorship, not material displays.
Confucius's choice regarding Yan Yuan's funeral rituals can be seen as a reflection of his deep respect for Yan Yuan as a disciple and a demonstration of his commitment to propriety and tradition.Despite Yan Yuan's low social status,Confucius chose to conduct the funeral rites with a level of ceremony that was typically reserved for higher-ranking individuals,showing his emphasis on moral character over social standing.This act also underscores Confucius's belief in the importance of personal virtue and the teacher-student relationship,which transcended the rigid class distinctions of the time.
Confucius'choice on Yan Yuan's funeral rituals underscores his unwavering commitment to the rites and his belief in the importance of maintaining social order and propriety.His actions,though guided by personal grief,were ultimately in line with the greater principles of Confucianism,which prioritize the harmony of society and the adherence to established norms.
I don't agree with his aporoach. Even if himself didn't want to bury Yan Yuan with a lavish funeral, it was not necessary to blame his disiciples for doing so.
I don't think Confucius's behavior is cold-blooded, because no rules can not be fangyuan. Confucius hopes that the country is stable and the people can live and work happily. And these needs to regulate behavior. Confucius's affection for Yan Hui is beyond doubt, but it is only in affection, not in courtesy. And moreover, the observance of the ceremony is also a sign of mourning for Yan Hui's death.
Confucius's decision regarding the funeral rituals for Yan Yuan reflects his deep understanding and balance between personal emotions and public codes. On one hand, Confucius was deeply saddened by the loss of Yan Yuan, who was not only a student but also a close friend. This personal connection would naturally lead to an emotional response, which might include wanting to honor Yan Yuan in a way that goes beyond what is traditionally expected.
On the other hand, Confucius was well aware of the social norms and public expectations surrounding funerals during his time. These rituals were not just about individual grief; they were also about maintaining social order and respecting hierarchical relationships within society. By adhering to these public codes, Confucius demonstrated his commitment to upholding societal values and traditions.
In this context, Confucius's choice can be seen as a reflection of his philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of balancing personal emotions with social responsibilities. He believed that true virtue lies in finding harmony between one's inner feelings and external actions.
Confucius's handling of Yan Yuen's funeral rituals is a testament to his commitment to the core Confucian values of integrity, respect, and propriety. It exemplifies how one should conduct oneself in times of mourning and reflects the belief that true honor and remembrance are rooted in the character of the individual, not in the manner of their funeral.
Although Confucius opposed the thick burial of Yan Yuan on the grounds of rituals, it did not mean that he had no deep affection for Yan Yuan. On the contrary, Yan Yuan was his most proud disciple, and his early death was a great blow to Confucius. However, Confucius still chose to abide by the rituals, which shows that he could separate personal emotions from social rituals and make decisions based on principles.
Confucius's choice also had educational implications for his disciples. He hoped that his disciples could understand and abide by the importance of rituals and not act impulsively because of personal emotions. Through this incident, he taught his disciples to respect traditions and norms and to practice self-restraint and moderation.
Confucius firmly believed in and strictly adhered to the "rituals" of the Zhou Dynasty. He thought that the funeral should be carried out in accordance with the status and financial situation of the deceased. Yan Yuan was a civilian, and his family was poor, so he did not have the corresponding qualifications for a grand burial. Confucius' refusal to allow a thick burial for Yan Yuan was to maintain the norms and order of the ritual system.
2.Separation of Emotion and Rite
Although Confucius had deep affection for Yan Yuan, he still separated personal emotions from social rites. He believed that rites were the foundation of social stability and personal behavior, and should not be violated because of personal emotions. Even if he was extremely sad about Yan Yuan's death, he still did not agree to exceed the standard of the funeral.
3.Consideration for Yan Yuan's Character
Yan Yuan lived a poor and simple life and always followed the rites. Confucius knew that Yan Yuan himself would not want to be buried extravagantly after his death. Therefore, from the perspective of respecting Yan Yuan's character and beliefs, he did not support the thick burial proposed by his disciples.
4.Educational Significance
Confucius' choice also had educational significance for his disciples. He hoped that through his own actions, his disciples could understand the importance of rites and learn to control their emotions and behaviors in accordance with rites. Although the disciples finally buried Yan Yuan thickly, Confucius' attitude and words still left a deep impression on them, guiding them to think about the relationship between rites and emotions.
5.Reflection of the Times
In Confucius' time, the ritual system was gradually being destroyed. Confucius' emphasis on adhering to the funeral rituals of Yan Yuan was also his persistence and appeal to the traditional ritual culture in that troubled times. He hoped to use this to correct the social atmosphere at that time and restore the respect and implementation of the ritual system.
Confucius's choice on Yan Yuan's funeral rituals demonstrates a delicate balance between personal attachment and the observance of social rites. His actions reflect the core Confucian values of propriety and the importance of maintaining social order, even in the face of personal grief. Yan Yuan's life of happiness and poverty, not too much pursuit of material life. Confucius knew Yan Yuan's character well, and believed that a generous burial was not what Yan Yuan hoped for, but against his will. Therefore, from the understanding of Yan Yuan, Confucius did not approve of a generous burial.
Confucius's attitude towards Yan Hui's funeral reflects his emphasis on propriety and rites.Yan Hui was Confucius's favorite disciple,and Confucius was deeply grieved by his death.Despite Yan Hui's poor family circumstances,Confucius insisted on conducting the funeral with appropriate rites,showing his respect for the disciple and adherence to traditional rituals.His actions also reflect his deep affection for his disciple and his commitment to the teachings of propriety.
Confucius's attitude towards Yan Hui's funeral reflects his emphasis on propriety and rites.Yan Hui was Confucius's favorite disciple,and Confucius was deeply grieved by his death.Despite Yan Hui's poor family circumstances,Confucius insisted on conducting the funeral with appropriate rites,showing his respect for the disciple and adherence to traditional rituals.His actions also reflect his deep affection for his disciple and his commitment to the teachings of propriety.
Confucius' choice of funeral rites for Yan Yuan is a subject that invites reflection on the tension between personal feelings and public norms. Here is a commentary on his choice:
Confucius' decision regarding the funeral rites for Yan Yuan, one of his most beloved disciples, can be seen as a demonstration of his commitment to societal norms and the principles of propriety, even in the face of profound personal grief. The following points can be made in commentary:
Confucius's refusal to buy coffin may reflect his consideration of the current economic situation, rather than a lack of care and love for Yan Hui. Confucius's appreciation and guidance towards Yan Hui showed his deep affection for him, and his behaviour was more likely duo to his understanding and respect for the economic situation of Yan Hui's family.