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 choice regarding Yan Yuan's funeral reflects deep philosophical and ethical considerations. Yan Yuan was one of Confucius's most beloved disciples, known for his wisdom and virtue.Here are some key ideas surrounding this choice:Confucius emphasized the importance of virtue in life and death. By honoring Yan Yuan's funeral, he demonstrated that a truly virtuous person deserves recognition and respect even after passing. Confucius believed that mourning should be a reflection of the deceased's character. Yan Yuan's exemplary life warranted a profound expression of grief, serving as a lesson to others about the value of integrity and moral conduct.In Confucianism, rituals play a crucial role in society. The way a funeral is conducted reflects not only the respect for the individual but also serves as a model for social behavior. By choosing to honor Yan Yuan appropriately, Confucius reinforced the significance of rituals in fostering social harmony and respect.Yan Yuan's life and teachings were influential, and Confucius's choice to honor him highlighted the importance of mentorship and the transmission of knowledge. This act served as an inspiration for others to strive for moral excellence. On a personal level, Confucius’s choice also illustrates the profound sorrow he felt for the loss of a cherished disciple. It humanizes the philosopher, showing that even great thinkers experience deep emotional connections and loss.In summary, Confucius's decisions regarding Yan Yuan's funeral encapsulate core Confucian values: respect for virtue, the importance of ritual, the influence of personal relationships, and the expression of grief, all contributing to the broader understanding of morality and ethics in society
Confucius' refusal to buy a coffin for Yan Yuan does not indicate a lack of sincerity in his love for his favorite student. In fact, Confucius's refusal was motivated by his firm adherence to propriety, as well as his deep understanding of and respect for Yan Yuan's personality.
First of all, from the point of view of etiquette, Confucius had served as a great scholar in the state of Lu, and although he had stepped down, he was still in the ranks of the great physicians. According to the system of etiquette at that time, a great doctor could not travel on foot, but had to take a car. Therefore, Confucius could not sell his car to buy a coffin for Yan Yuan, otherwise it would be a violation of etiquette. Confucius advocated the idea of "restoring oneself to the rites", and he also practiced it himself, strictly observing the rites. Therefore, his refusal was a firm adherence to the system of etiquette, not a lack of love for Yan Yuan.
Secondly, from the point of view of understanding and respecting Yan Yuan's personality, Yan Yuan was one of Confucius' most favorite disciples, who was modest and quiet, mute and sensitive, prudent and self-disciplined, consistent in his words and deeds, and highly appreciated by Confucius. During his lifetime, Yan Yuan was also a model of strict adherence to propriety and self-restraint. Confucius was well aware of Yan Yuan's personality, and he believed that if Yan Yuan were still alive, he would not have agreed to Confucius' selling his car for himself, which would have been beneath his dignity. Therefore, Confucius' refusal was also a sign of respect and understanding for Yan Yuan's personality.
In addition, Confucius' love for Yan Yuan was deep and sincere. After the death of Yan Yuan, Confucius was extremely grieved and said, "If I do not grieve for this man, for whom else should I grieve?" This fully demonstrates Confucius' deep affection for Yan Yuan. Moreover, Confucius cared for Yan Yuan in his daily life, often discussing his studies with him and caring for his academic progress and intellectual growth.
To summarize, Confucius' refusal to buy a coffin for Yan Yuan does not indicate a lack of sincerity in his love for him. On the contrary, it is a manifestation of Confucius' firm adherence to propriety and his respect and understanding of Yan Yuan's individuality. At the same time, we should also see Confucius' deep affection and caring attitude towards Yan Yuan.
1. Following the ritual system: Confucius attached great importance to the ritual system, and he believed that individual behavior should conform to the norms and order of society. According to Confucius, even for one's favorite students, one should not violate the rules of etiquette because of one's personal feelings.
2. Understanding of "love" : Confucius' love for Yan Hui is more a kind of appreciation and respect for his disciple's morality and knowledge, rather than a simple material help. Through his own words and deeds, Confucius taught his disciples to follow the etiquette system and pay attention to moral cultivation. This spiritual teaching and influence is far more profound than material help.
To sum up, Confucius' refusal to buy a coffin for Yan Hui does not indicate that his love for Yan Hui is insincere, but that he follows the ritual. Confucius' love for Yan Hui was more about spiritual appreciation and instruction than material help.
Confucius advocated and practiced the Rites of Zhou throughout his life. He believed that the rites were an important criterion for maintaining social order and moral norms. In the social context of that time, there were strict hierarchical systems regarding the use of inner and outer coffins. In the matter of Yan Yuan's funeral, his refusal to buy an outer coffin was precisely an embodiment of such adherence. He hoped to express his respect for social order and moral norms by following the rites, which was also an important part of his educational philosophy and ideological system.Therefore, one cannot simply question Confucius's love for Yan Yuan just from the act of refusing to buy an outer coffin.
This view is completely wrong. Confucius' refusal to pay for the shell for Yan Yuan's coffin doesn't imply a lack of sincerity in his love for his student.
In ancient times, especially during the Zhou Dynasty, there were strict funeral rites. Outer coffin shells were only for those of noble status. Yan Yuan, despite being a remarkable disciple, was of commoner origin. Confucius, throughout his life, firmly advocated and adhered to the traditional rites. He couldn't violate these just for an outer shell. When his own son passed away, the same rule applied.
Moreover, Confucius was deeply grieved by Yan Yuan's death. His exclamation of "Alas! Heaven is destroying me!" clearly demonstrated his profound love and respect for Yan Yuan. His decision was based on his unwavering commitment to the principles of the rites, not any form of disregard for his favorite student.
Confucius attached great importance to the etiquette system, and he believed that social order and individual behavior should follow the rules of etiquette. Confucius refused this request, because he believed that as a doctor, he could not travel on foot according to the etiquette, otherwise it would be a violation of the etiquette. In Confucius' view, although Yan Yuan was his most proud disciple, his status was not enough to use the coffin as a burial device. Because Yan Yuan did not make any achievements in his official career, according to the ritual system, scholars could use one coffin, while civilians could only have coffins and not coffins.
No. He believed that if he held a funeral for Yan Yuan because he was one of his disciples, it might cause Yan Yuan to be unrighteous because it would violate the ritual system.
Confucius's decision during Yan Yuan's funeral was an embodiment of his steadfast commitment to the Confucian rituals and a demonstration of his dedication to the moral instruction of his students, rather than an indication of a lack of genuine affection for Yan Yuan. In navigating the tensions between personal sentiments and societal standards, Confucius consistently maintained his principles, ensuring that personal emotions did not lead to the violation of the established social etiquette.
In my opion,Confucius seperates reasons from emotions which signifies his notes about orders in governing a country in the Spring and War time. If he combines reasons and emotions together,the ruling of one country would decaying when judges facing some cases out of reasons in line with emotions.
Yuan as Confucius' best students put his teacher Confucius at an important place,so Yuan may show respect to and approve Confucius' decion.
In a word, Confucius' action shows his emotions to Yuan and supports his ideals.
Confucius's refusal to pay for Yan Yuan's coffin,as recorded in the"Analects,"is often interpreted as an act of respect for his student's modesty.Confucius valued frugality and humility,and by not purchasing an expensive shell,he may have been adhering to these principles while also respecting Yan Yuan's own values.This act does not necessarily indicate a lack of sincerity;rather,it reflects Confucius's complex understanding of love and respect,which included honoring the deceased's wishes and character.Confucius's love for his students was not measured by material gestures but by the imparting of wisdom and the fostering of virtue.
This view is a misunderstanding of Confucius. Confucius' choice regarding Yan Yuan's funeral was based on his adherence to the principles of propriety rather than a lack of sincerity in his "love" for Yan Yuan. Here's an analysis:
1. Reason for refusing to sell the carriage for the outer coffin:
• Adherence to ritual system: In ancient times, there were specific hierarchical regulations regarding funerals. According to the rites, a person of Yan Yuan's status as a disciple was supposed to have a coffin but not necessarily an outer coffin (椁). Confucius himself had once been a大夫 (a high official rank), and he believed that following the proper rites was of great significance.
• Avoiding excessive pursuit of form: Confucius emphasized that one should not overly pursue grand funeral arrangements but should focus on the essence of mourning and respect for the deceased. He believed that Yan Yuan's virtue and learning were what should be remembered and respected, rather than being judged by the extravagance of his funeral.
2. Overall attitude towards Yan Yuan:
• High praise and deep affection: Confucius highly praised Yan Yuan many times, saying that he was a virtuous and diligent disciple, and even regarded him as one of the best students.
• Respecting Yan Yuan's own will: Although Yan Yuan's classmates wanted to give him a grand funeral, Confucius initially opposed it. This was also in line with his understanding of Yan Yuan. Yan Yuan was a person who lived a simple and frugal life and was dedicated to learning and practicing virtue. Confucius might have thought that a simple and solemn funeral was more in line with Yan Yuan's own character and pursuit.
In conclusion, Confucius' choice in handling Yan Yuan's funeral was a manifestation of his respect for the ritual system and his understanding of Yan Yuan, rather than a lack of sincerity. His actions were in line with his educational concept and moral pursuit, which should be understood and respected from a more profound perspective.
Confucius's decision should not be interpreted as a lack of sincerity or love for Yan Yuan. Instead, it reflects his commitment to deeper moral and ethical principles, which he believed were essential for both individual and societal well-being.Confucius, in the face of Yan Yuan's death, was not overly calm but expressed his inner grief in a deeply emotional way. This aligns with Confucius's concept of ren, which advocates showing sincere emotions in appropriate situations.
By refusing to overstep his role as a teacher, Confucius was actually demonstrating consistency with his teachings about proper social relations. The responsibility for burial arrangements traditionally fell to family members, not teachers.
Rather than showing a lack of love, this incident could be seen as Confucius practicing what he preached - that true care and respect are shown through maintaining proper roles and boundaries, not necessarily through material gestures.
I think what Confucius did was reasonable. Because Confucius paid the most attention to etiquette, and what the etiquette contained is order. It is not in line with etiquette to do these things for Yan Hui, if Confucius did it, it would be against Confucius's own pursuit, so that people in the world will not pursue etiquette
No ,it doesn't show Confucius's lack of sincerity . The sincerity isn't in conflict with the etiquette.although Confucius didn't do these things to Yanhui, from the bottom of his heart,he still loved Yanhui
Confucius was known for his emphasis on ritual and propriety.However,when Yan Yuan died,he was buried by his father,who was of lower status and could not afford a proper burial.Confucius,despite his wealthier status,did not intervene to provide a more lavish funeral,which could be seen as an adherence to the social hierarchy and the propriety of the time.
Confucius’ approach at Yen Yuan’s funeral, though seemingly heartless on the surface, was in fact his adherence to etiquette and social norms. The fundamental reason for opposing an extravagant burial for Yen Yuan was rooted in the essence of ‘li’ (ritual propriety). Confucius believed that “In ritual, it is better to be simple than extravagant; in mourning, it is better to be sincere than to follow empty forms.” In his view, the essence of ‘li’ is to be in harmony with human emotions and to convey feelings. If one is bound by external ceremonial rules, the original spiritual significance is lost. This indicates that Confucius placed greater emphasis on inner emotions and the appropriate expression of ‘li’, rather than on external luxury and extravagance.
Confucius always thought in big-picture terms and was willing to sacrifice some of his personal feelings in order to uphold the "rites" - a quality that is necessary for him to become a saint.
Confucius, as a great thinker and educator, always set a good example by practicing etiquette himself. He not only advocated etiquette in theory, but also practiced it in his daily life. At the funeral of his disciple, Confucius did not break the etiquette rules out of personal emotions, but strictly followed the etiquette regulations and held a funeral ceremony suitable for his disciple's status. This was not only a show of respect for his disciple, but also a demonstration of his commitment to being a promoter of etiquette and his own practice of it.
Because of his reverence for propriety, Yen Yuan's family was poor and would not have had the financial resources for a generous burial, which would have been unseemly; Confucius believed in living within one's means and, as he had been a great doctor, it would have been unseemly for him to sell his carriage and walk on foot; Yen Yuan was himself a thrifty man and did not want his teacher to make a big fuss over him; and Confucius needed to set a good example in order to disseminate the idea of propriety.
Confucius's choice reflects the principles and values he held dear. When Yan Yuan died, his father wanted to sell the outer coffin to buy an inner coffin with a stand, which was considered more luxurious and a sign of respect in those times. However, Confucius advised against this. He believed that such an action would be inappropriate because it would mean taking away something necessary (the outer coffin) to acquire something superfluous (the inner coffin with a stand). Confucius emphasized the importance of propriety (禮, li) and frugality (儉, jian), which are key aspects of his teachings. He thought that the true way to show respect and honor to the deceased was through sincere grief and adherence to the appropriate rituals, rather than through material displays.
In summary, Confucius's choice in this matter reflects his deep concern for maintaining the right balance between tradition, respect, and practicality. It serves as a powerful example of how to live a life guided by ethical principles and a sense of duty.
This view is a misunderstanding of Confucius. Confucius' refusal to sell his carriage to buy an outer shell for Yan Yuan's coffin does not show a lack of sincerity in his "love" for his student. On the contrary, it reflects his respect for the rites and his principles.In ancient Chinese funeral customs during the Zhou Dynasty, only important nobles were qualified to have an outer shell for their coffins after death. The son of heaven could have four layers of outer shells, a duke could have three layers, a prince could have two layers, and a senior official could have one layer. Yan Yuan, although an excellent disciple of Confucius, was a civilian and did not meet the status requirement for having an outer shell for his coffin. Confucius, as a person who emphasized and adhered to the rites, couldn't go against these established rules even for his beloved disciple. He said, "When my son Li died, he had a coffin but no outer shell. I wouldn't go on foot to get him one because it wasn't proper for me as a former minister to go on foot". This shows that Confucius was bound by his identity as a former minister and the requirements of the rites, and he couldn't make an exception easily.
No, I don't think it embodies Confucius's lack of sincerity in his "love" toward Yan Yuan. Because Confucius advocates Li (rituals) and what he has done is the strict adherence to the rites all his life. Confucius believed that everyone should follow the rules and conventions, and he himself had to set an example. He said that when his own son died, he also had a coffin but no outer shell, and he would not walk on foot to get an outer shell for his son because it was not proper for him as a former minister to do so.
In the context of Confucian thought, Confucius adhered to certain principles and propriety. His actions were often guided by the broader moral and ethical framework of his teachings. Just because he refused to pay for this particular item does not mean he didn't love Yan Yuan deeply. His relationship with his students was based on teaching, guiding, and mutual respect within the bounds of the moral and ethical norms he advocated. Each of his actions was likely to be in line with his overall philosophy of propriety, righteousness, and moral integrity.So, the answer is no.
Confucius advocated for Yan Yuan's funeral to be conducted according to the rules of "ritual" and opposed lavish burials.
Confucius believed that funerals should be based on mourning and sincerity, rather than excessive pursuit of formality. Yan Yuan came from a poor family, and Confucius advocated that funerals should be carried out within one's means and should not violate the frugality of etiquette. Confucius opposed any behavior that goes beyond propriety and firmly upheld the sanctity of propriety.
After Yan Yuan's death, Confucius' students wanted a lavish burial for him, but Confucius believed that it was not in line with the ritual system and therefore opposed it. Despite Confucius' insistence on his own beliefs, the students ultimately buried Yan Yuan with great care. Confucius expressed his sorrow over this and said, "Yan Hui, you treat me as a father, but I cannot treat you as a son. This is not because I want to bury you generously, it is because of your classmates' mischief
In addition, Confucius once said after Yan Yuan's death, "Oh! Heaven mourns you! Heaven mourns you!" expressing extreme grief over Yan Yuan's death and helplessness towards the act of lavish burial.
The practice of Confucius embodies the Confucian thought of self-denial and restoration. Although Yan Hui was his favorite student, Confucius would not break the rules for him. I think this just reflects Confucius's distinction between affection and courtesy.
I do not believe that Confucius' behavior should be interpreted as a lack of sincerity or love for his favorite student. Instead, I believe that Confucius' behavior was based on respect for the social etiquette and norms of the time, as well as deep sorrow and respect for Yan Yuan. Confucius' behavior reflects his deep affection for his disciples and his adherence to traditional etiquette.If people who are truly loved can abide by the “li", then others will understand the importance of "li"and will practice them.
These actions of Confucius showed his love for Yan Yuan. He wanted Yan Yuan's funeral to be ceremonious. It also highlights his commitment to principle.
I think this behavior shows Confucius' attention to balance and harmony in life.It could be interpreted as a way to channel his emotions in a constructive manner,rather than allowing them to overwhelm him.
Inaccurate. For Confucius, traveling by carriage was a status symbol and part of the maintenance of etiquette. Confucius had a rigorous attitude towards etiquette, which he believed was the basis of social norms and codes of conduct. If he violates etiquette for the sake of Yan Yuan, then it will destroy the order and stability of the entire society.
I think what Confucius did is understandable. He was more likely to lead by example. If Confucius, as a teacher, could not abide by the principles he taught, it is impossible to expect others to do so. I think if Yan Yuan Quanxia knew, he would also approve of his teacher's practice.
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