Ancient Wisdom on Prayer: Confucius’ Teachings on Faith and Scepticism

7·35 The Master was ill (1), and Zilu asked him to pray (2). The Master said, “Is there such a thing (3)? Zilu said, ‘Yes. The eulogy (4) says, ’Pray to the gods above and below (5). The Master said, “I have long been praying for you.”

[Notes]

(1)疾病: 疾 refers to illness, and 病 refers to serious illness.

(2)请祷: to pray to the gods and spirits, i.e. to pray.

(3)有诸: 诸, the homophonic of “之于”, means “is there such a thing?”

(4)《诔》：音ｌěｉ，prayer.

(5) God: 祗: 音ｑí, anciently called the gods of heaven as gods, the gods of the earth as 祗.

Translation

Confucius was seriously ill, and Zilu prayed to the gods and spirits. Confucius said, “Is that so?” Zilu said, “Yes. The eulogy says, ‘I pray to the gods of heaven and earth for you.’” Confucius said, “I have been praying for a long time.”

[Analysis]

Confucius was seriously ill, and Zilu prayed for him. Confucius did not object to this, and said that he had been praying for a long time. How should this passage be understood? Some people think that Confucius himself also prayed to the gods, which shows that he was a very superstitious person; others say that he had been praying to the gods for a long time, but his condition had not improved, which shows that he was skeptical about the gods. These two views are for the reader to carefully evaluate.

Confucius, suffering from a severe illness, is approached by his concerned disciple, Zilu. In an act of devotion and desperation, Zilu decides to pray to the gods for his master’s recovery. He tells Confucius of his intention, citing a prayer text, “I pray to the gods above and below.” Confucius responds with a question, “Is there such a thing?” Zilu confirms, referring to ancient texts that advocate for such prayers. In a poignant reply, Confucius says, “I have been praying for a long time.”

Analysis of the Dialogue

This brief exchange opens the door to various interpretations, reflecting the complexities of faith and doubt. On one hand, it can be seen that Confucius himself engages in prayer, suggesting a belief in the power of divine intervention. This aligns with the perspective that Confucius, despite his rationalist leanings, maintained a reverence for the spiritual traditions of his time.

On the other hand, Confucius’ response may indicate a sense of skepticism. His statement, “I have been praying for a long time,” could imply that despite his prayers, there has been no noticeable improvement in his condition. This could be interpreted as a subtle critique of the effectiveness of prayer, pointing towards a belief in personal virtue and ethical living over reliance on supernatural aid.

Cultural Context and Modern Implications

Understanding this dialogue requires a grasp of the cultural and historical context of Confucian thought. In ancient China, prayer and rituals were integral to societal and familial structures. Confucius, while often seen as a proponent of rational thought and social ethics, also acknowledged the importance of these traditions in maintaining societal harmony.

For modern readers, particularly in the West, this episode provides a valuable lesson in the balance between faith and reason. It invites reflection on how ancient wisdom can inform contemporary discussions about spirituality and skepticism. Confucius’ teachings remind us that prayer and ethical living are not mutually exclusive but can coexist as parts of a holistic approach to life’s challenges.