I can't truly understand why Confucius did this.Maybe this is the distance between me and the great perosn.
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 refusal to pay for buying a shell for Yan Yuan's coffin does not show a lack of sincerity in his love for his favorite student. Here are the reasons:
Adhering to the rites
In Confucius's time, there were strict hierarchical and ritual systems. Confucius once served as a high-ranking official in the State of Lu and had the status of a大夫. According to the rites,大夫had to travel by carriage and could not walk on foot. If he sold his carriage to buy a shell for Yan Yuan, it would be a violation of the rites.
Treating students equally
Confucius treated his students equally in terms of funeral rites. His own son, Kong Li, also had only a coffin without a shell when he died. Therefore, in line with his principle of equality, he could not provide Yan Yuan with a special treatment独厚.
Considering Yan Yuan's character
Yan Yuan was a person who strictly adhered to Confucius's teachings and advocated self-restraint and the return to rites. Confucius believed that Yan Yuan himself would not want to violate the rites because of the outer coffin after his death. Therefore, from the perspective of respecting Yan Yuan's character and beliefs, Confucius refused this request.
Emphasizing the essence of love
Confucius's love for Yan Yuan was mainly reflected in the inheritance and dissemination of knowledge, as well as in spiritual communication and guidance. His refusal to buy a shell was a choice based on principles and beliefs, which does not mean that he did not love Yan Yuan sincerely. On the contrary, this kind of love is more profound and far-reaching, aiming to guide people to abide by morality and rites and pursue spiritual progress.
Confucius' choice at Yan Yuan's funeral embodied both his deep affection for Yan Yuan and his adherence to the principles of frugality in rites. Despite his sorrow, he did not violate the rituals due to personal feelings, demonstrating his respect and commitment to the established norms.
Confucius's refusal to pay for the shell does not necessarily reflect a lack of sincerity in his affection for Yan Yuan. Instead, it can be seen as a demonstration of his commitment to the principles he advocated, which included propriety (li) and the appropriate conduct in all things, including funerals. Confucius believed in the importance of observing the correct rituals and that these should be carried out in a manner befitting the person's station in life. By refusing to buy the shell, Confucius may have been making a point about the extravagance of the offering and its inappropriateness for Yan Yuan, who was known for his frugality and simplicity.Confucius's love for Yan Yuan was well-documented, and he is known to have praised Yan Yuan highly for his virtues and learning. The refusal to buy the shell, therefore, should not be interpreted as a lack of love but rather as an adherence to the values that Confucius sought to instill in his students. It was an opportunity for Confucius to teach a lesson about the importance of not exceeding the bounds of ritual and the dangers of overindulgence, even in the expression of grief.
Although Confucius was very sad in his heart, he would not be arrogant because of his feelings. According to Zhou Li, the level of the funeral should match the identity of the deceased. Only after the death of the scholar can there be a coffin and a coffin. Yan Yuan is not an official, and he is not a scholar, so he should not be buried politely. On the other hand, Yan Hui had always been poor and happy before his death. According to his usual style, he certainly did not want to be buried after his death. The disciples of Confucius are generous, which is understandable in terms of classmates' feelings, but contrary to etiquette. On the other hand, a series of Confucius's performances after Yan Hui's death, we can see that Confucius has a good sense of moderation in doing things. Although he was extremely sad, he did not lose his mind and refused to exceed etiquette.
Confucius’ refusal to pay for the outer shell of Yan Yuan’s coffin reflects his emphasis on ritual propriety, status, and responsibility, rather than a lack of affection for Yan Yuan. He believed that, as a master, walking on foot to exchange for the coffin shell would violate ritual decorum. He also placed the responsibility for the funeral on the disciples rather than himself. At the same time, he clearly expressed his deep affection for Yan Yuan, emphasizing spiritual recognition over material support. This demonstrates the Confucian adherence to ethics and rules.
Confucius' choice regarding Yan Yuan's funeral reflects his balance between personal feelings and public codes. Confucius had deep affection for Yan Yuan and was extremely grieved when Yan Yuan passed away. However, according to the Rites of Zhou at that time, there were strict regulations on funeral specifications, and Yan Yuan, with a relatively low social status, could not be buried with elaborate funerary arrangements. Eventually, Confucius sought a balance between his feelings and the norms. Instead of fully following his sorrow to give Yan Yuan a grand burial, he adhered to the Rites of Zhou to a certain extent. This shows his respect for rites and his maintenance of social order. This choice was reasonable at that time and also provides an example for later generations when dealing with conflicts between personal feelings and social norms. It also has implications in modern society.
Confuciuss refusal to sell his carriage to buy an outer coffin for Yan Yuan does not indicate a lack of sincerity towards his beloved student.Instead,it reflects his adherence to propriety and his status as an official.Confucius deeply mourned Yan Yuans death,expressing it as a personal loss akin toheaven taking away from me.His high regard for Yan Yuan as a paragon of learning further demonstrates his affection and respect.Thus,Confuciuss actions were guided by respect for rites rather than a lack of love for Yan Yuan.
This view is completely wrong. Confucius had deep love and high moral principles. In ancient times, there were specific rules and concepts about funerals. His stance was often based on the correct understanding and observance of rites and ethics. His behavior was in line with his values and the traditional moral concepts he advocated, aiming to follow the correct way of doing things and upholding the order of propriety, rather than the misinterpretation you mentioned.
When Confucius dealt with Yan Yuan's funeral, he not only showed respect for the traditional ritual, but also showed the balance between emotion and reason. He insisted that funeral should follow the ritual system, opposed the arrogation and generous burial, and stressed the moral education function of funeral etiquette, which reflected the importance of rites and humanistic care in Confucianism.
Confucius' decision regarding Yan Yuan's funeral reflects his flexible understanding of ritual and his deep compassion. While he strongly advocated for the observance of rites, he acknowledged the poverty of Yan Yuan's family and accepted a modest funeral arrangement. This demonstrates that Confucius prioritized the essence of rituals—humanity and empathy—over rigid adherence, emphasizing the balance between moral propriety and the realities of life.
Confucius not only felt great sorrow for Yan Yuan's death, but when it came to funeral issues, he also acted very rationally, believing that everything should respect "rites" and could not violate the rites. It embodies Confucius' balance and trade-off between personal emotion and social etiquette. Confucius' behavior towards Yan Yuan's funeral shows his adherence to "rites".
Confucius' approach to Yan Yuan's funeral reflects his deep affection and respect for this outstanding disciple within the context of the Confucian value system. On one hand, his initial refusal of Yan Yuan's father's request to sell his carriage to provide a better coffin was based on observing social hierarchy and propriety. In Confucian thought, the carriage was a symbol related to an official's status, and maintaining such norms was part of upholding social order.
On the other hand, Confucius' grief over Yan Yuan's death was profound. He highly praised Yan Yuan's virtues and learning. His emotional turmoil during this event shows the complex interaction between his personal feelings and the social - cultural norms he advocated.
As a scholar and practitioner who was well versed in Zhou ritual, always emphasized the importance of ritual system. In the social background at that time, people who were doctors had to go out by car, which was in line with the provisions of the etiquette system. Confucius, though no longer a doctor, retained this identity and used it to discipline his actions. Therefore, when Yan Lu asked Confucius to sell the carriage to buy the coffin, Confucius refused the request because he believed that doing so would violate the protocol. At the same time, Yan Yuan was born as a civilian, and if the funeral of the literati was adopted, it also did not meet the requirements of the ritual system. Therefore, Confucius made this decision not out of personal emotion, but based on the adherence and maintenance of the ritual system.From the perspective of teacher and student emotion, Confucius' love for Yan Yuan is beyond doubt. As one of Confucius's most proud disciples, Yan Yuan's moral character and knowledge were highly appreciated and affirmed by Confucius. After the death of Yan Yuan, Confucius was deeply grieved and lamented that "Heaven will kill me", which fully showed his deep feelings for Yan Yuan and the pain of losing his beloved disciple. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to interpret Confucius' refusal as a lack of sincerity in his "love" for his so-called "favorite" student. On the contrary, Confucius' decision was based on his deep understanding and respect for Yan Yuan, as well as his firm commitment to the ritual system
Confucius's choice on Yan Yuan's funeral rituals can be seen as a reflection of his deep personal feelings and respect for his student, while also adhering to public codes and social norms. Confucius chose to honor Yan Yuan with a respectful and dignified funeral, which demonstrated his personal affection and admiration for Yan Yuan's character and achievements. It was a balance between his personal feelings and the need to follow public codes. It showcased his ability to navigate between personal emotions and societal expectations, ultimately honoring both Yan Yuan and the community's traditions.
First, it's important to understand that Confucius was a strong advocate of frugality and moderation in all aspects of life, including in the conduct of mourning rituals. He believed that excessive spending or lavish displays of mourning could lead to wastefulness and a distortion of the true meaning of respect and grief. Therefore, his refusal to pay for an expensive shell for Yan Yuan's coffin might be seen as a reflection of his commitment to these values.
Second, Confucius's relationship with Yan Yuan was deep and complex. Yan Yuan was indeed a favorite student, but this does not necessarily mean that Confucius's actions towards him should be judged solely through the lens of personal affection. Rather, they should be considered in the context of Confucius's overall teachings and ethical principles.
In terms of whether Confucius's refusal shows a lack of sincerity in his "love" towards Yan Yuan, it's essential to recognize that sincerity and love can be expressed in many ways. Paying for an expensive coffin might be one way to show respect and grief, but it is not the only way. Confucius might have chosen to express his love and respect for Yan Yuan through other means, such as offering meaningful eulogies, engaging in appropriate mourning rituals, or continuing to teach and uphold Yan Yuan's virtues and teachings after his death.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that the refusal to pay for the shell might also have been a practical decision. Given the economic realities of the time, Confucius might have believed that spending money on such an item was not the best use of resources, especially if there were other pressing needs or more pressing ways to honor Yan Yuan's memory.
In conclusion, Confucius's refusal to pay for buying a shell for Yan Yuan's coffin does not necessarily indicate a lack of sincerity in his love towards his favorite student. Rather, it can be seen as a reflection of his commitment to frugality, moderation, and the proper conduct of mourning rituals. His actions should be judged in the context of his overall teachings and ethical principles, rather than through a narrow lens of personal affection.
Confucius emphasized the importance of social order and etiquette. Confucius believed that everyone's behavior should conform to their identity and social status. Even towards those closest to them, one could not disregard societal rules. This demonstrated his high regard for moral norms. Although Confucius appeared very strict on the surface, he was actually deeply saddened by Yan Hui's death. He expressed deep affection for Yan Hui in other contexts, just maintained his principles when handling specific matters.
This view is a misunderstanding.Confucius' stance on the coffin shell for Yan Yuan was based on the principles of propriety. In Confucian thought, there were strict regulations and concepts of rites. Confucius advocated that everything should follow the norms of the rites. He believed that over - exceeding a certain standard for a funeral might lead to extravagance and violation of the essence of the rites.
Confucius' love and respect for Yan Yuan were sincere. His grief over Yan Yuan's death was deep. However, he wanted to handle the funeral in a way that was in line with the correct values and the way of propriety that he had always advocated, aiming to maintain a balance between expressing emotions and following moral principles.
Confucius' choice at Yan Yuan's funeral reflects his emphasis on ritual and mentoring relationship. First, Confucius refused Yan Lu's request not to sell his car to buy an outer coffin for Yan Yuan because, according to the etiquette of the time, as a doctor, Confucius considered it inappropriate to walk, which reflected his respect for the ritual system. Second, when his disciples decided to give Yan Yuan a generous burial, Confucius, although initially opposed, did not stop them in the end, which may indicate his affection for his disciples and respect for Yan Yuan, and may also reflect some flexibility or compromise on his traditional etiquette. In general, Confucius' behavior reflects not only his adherence to the ritual system, but also his appreciation of the feeling of mentoring. This balance between dealing with personal feelings and abiding by social norms is worth thinking about.
Confucius' refusal to sell his carriage to pay for an outer shell for Yan Yuan's coffin does not indicate a lack of sincerity in his "love" for his student. Adherence to Ritual Rules: In ancient China, there were specific funeral customs and hierarchies. High officials were buried in both an inner and an outer coffin as a sign of respect for their high status. Yan Yuan hadn't achieved such a status, and Confucius, as a person who emphasized and adhered to rituals, couldn't go against these established norms. Equal Treatment Principle: Confucius believed in treating everyone equally in terms of principles. He said, "Talented or not, a son is a son." When his own son Li died, he was buried in an inner coffin but there was no outer coffin. Confucius didn't go on foot to get an outer shell for his son, so he couldn't make an exception for Yan Yuan either. This shows his consistency in upholding principles and not favoring one person over another.
Confucius' refusal was due to his adherence to rites. In ancient times, there were specific rules for coffin adornments based on social status. Yan Yuan was not eligible according to these rules. Confucius was consistent as he didn't do this even for his own son. His love for Yan Yuan was sincere, and this decision was based on principle, not lack of love.
Confucius's refusal to pay for the shell does not indicate a lack of love for Yan Yuan but rather underscores his unwavering dedication to his principles. His actions illustrate the Confucian belief that true respect and affection are shown through moral integrity and simplicity, not material extravagance. While this may seem harsh or detached from a modern perspective, it aligns with the Confucian ethos of prioritizing ethical conduct over emotional or financial displays.
Confucius' decision not to purchase a decorative shell for his favored disciple Yan Hui's coffin illustrates key aspects of Confucian philosophy, emphasizing practical benevolence, frugality, social responsibility, and the prioritization of values over materialism. Despite deep personal grief, Confucius chose to redirect funds that could aid the needy, showcasing his commitment to societal welfare over ostentatious displays. This act underscores the value of true respect and love manifested through actions benefiting the community and upholding ethical principles, rather than through extravagant expenditures. Thus, far from a sign of insincerity, it highlights Confucius' dedication to living by the teachings he advocated, setting an example of prioritizing meaningful deeds over superficial gestures.
Firstly, Confucius's choice underscores the importance of authenticity in ritual. In his teachings, Confucius emphasizes the sincerity of one's actions and the importance of aligning one's outer behavior with inner feelings. By choosing a modest funeral ceremony for Yan Yuan, Confucius sends a message that true ritual is not about the material richness or the scale of the event, but rather about the genuine emotions and respect for the deceased.
Secondly, this decision reflects Confucius's humility and aversion to excess. As a philosopher who advocates moderation and balance in all aspects of life, Confucius would likely reject the notion of a lavish funeral as being too extravagant and unnecessary. Instead, he opts for a simpler ceremony that aligns with his values of frugality and humility.
Moreover, Confucius's choice may also be seen as a way to promote harmony within society. By setting an example of a humble and sincere funeral ceremony, Confucius encourages others to follow suit and avoid unnecessary competition or waste in such occasions. This, in turn, fosters a culture of respect and reverence for the deceased without resorting to materialism or superficial displays.
Confucius' words at Yan Yuan's funeral deeply reflect his profound emotions for Yan Yuan and his adherence to ritual norms. The following is a detailed analysis of Confucius' words at Yan Yuan's funeral:
Deep Emotions for Yan Yuan,When Yan Yuan passed away, Confucius exclaimed repeatedly, "Ah! Heaven has taken from me! Heaven has taken from me!" This repeated exclamation fully demonstrates Confucius' extreme grief and despair. As Yan Yuan was Confucius' most favored disciple, his death was undoubtedly a huge blow to Confucius.Uncontrollable Mourning: At Yan Yuan's funeral, Confucius cried extremely sorrowfully, to the point that his followers reminded him, "Sir, you are mourning excessively!" However, Confucius countered, "Am I mourning excessively? If not for this person, then for whom should I mourn?" This further reflects Confucius' deep emotions for Yan Yuan. Despite Confucius' deep grief over Yan Yuan's death, he firmly opposed a lavish funeral for Yan Yuan. When his students wanted to bury Yan Yuan with great honor, Confucius explicitly stated, "It is not allowed." He believed that Yan Yuan treated him like a father, but he could not treat Yan Yuan like a son and therefore could not bury him according to the prescribed ritual norms.
Sentiments and Helplessness: Although Confucius clearly opposed a lavish funeral, his students buried Yan Yuan against his wishes. In response, Confucius expressed helplessness and sentiments: "Yan Yuan treated me like a father, but I could not treat him like a son. It is not my fault, but the fault of those students." This sentence not only reflects Confucius' deep emotions for Yan Yuan but also his adherence to ritual norms 。
Confucius' choice at Yan Yuan's funeral reflects his emphasis on "rites". Confucius believed that funeral rites should be determined according to a person's status and financial resources, and should not be exceeded at will. Yan Yuan's family was poor, and according to the ritual system, he could not get a generous burial. Therefore, although Confucius was deeply saddened by Yan Yuan's death, he still insisted on handling the aftermath according to the etiquette . In general, Confucius' choice in Yan Yuan's funeral reflects his adherence to "rites" and his opposition to his disciples' generous burial. Although he was deeply saddened by Yan Yuan's death, he remained rational and observant when it came to funeral etiquette