Confucius and the Sound of Self-Reflection: Understanding the Ancient Lesson

The Master was playing the qin(1) in Wei. A man carrying a bamboo basket(2) passed by the gate of the Kong family and said, “What a heart! He was playing the qin!” Then he said, “How vulgar! He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing the qin so hard that he was unaware of himself. He was playing It is difficult to the end (6).

[Notes] (1) Qìng: a percussion instrument. (2) Hèkuài: to carry a load on one’s shoulder. (3) Kēng: the sound of a qìng. (4) Shenzeli: Wearing clothes to wade across a river. (5) Qianzhejie: Lifting up the hem of one’s clothes to wade across a river. “Shenzeli, Qianzhejie” is a line from the Book of Songs, “The Wind of Wei, The Bitter Leaves of the Gourd.” (6) Mo: None. (7) Nan: To question.

[Translation] Confucius was in the state of Wei. One day, while he was playing the zheng, a man carrying a basket of straw on his back walked past the gate and said, “This person playing the zheng is really thoughtful!” A little later, he said, “The sound is so dull and boring. No one understands himself, and he only thinks about himself. (It’s like wading through water.) If the water is deep, he wades through it wearing his clothes, and if the water is shallow, he wades through it lifting his clothes.” Confucius said, “He speaks so plainly that there is nothing to reproach him for.”

Confucius, one of history’s most revered philosophers, was known not just for his teachings but for the wisdom embedded in his everyday experiences. A fascinating anecdote illustrates this perfectly, showcasing both the depth of Confucian thought and its relevance to self-awareness.

The story begins with Confucius in the state of Wei, engaged in the act of playing the qing, a traditional Chinese percussion instrument. As he performed, a passerby, carrying a basket of grass on his shoulder, remarked, “This person playing the qing is quite thoughtful!” However, the passerby’s opinion quickly shifted as he continued, “The sound is harsh and unappealing. No one understands him; he’s merely pleasing himself. It’s like crossing a stream—deep water requires full immersion, while shallow water only needs to be waded through.”

Confucius, known for his profound insights, responded to the passerby’s comment with an air of acceptance: “What he says is indeed straightforward. There is nothing more to question.”

This brief encounter offers a window into Confucius’s approach to criticism and self-perception. The passerby’s initial praise was soon overshadowed by his criticism, comparing the qing’s sound to the varying depths of water one might wade through. This comparison reflects a broader philosophical perspective on effort and self-expression.

In Confucian thought, this story highlights several key themes:

Self-Reflection: The passerby’s comments suggest that true self-awareness comes from an understanding that one’s actions may not always be recognized or appreciated by others. The qing’s sound, described as “harsh,” symbolizes the reality that not all efforts are universally valued.

Effort and Adaptability: The analogy of wading through water, depending on its depth, emphasizes the need for adaptability in one’s approach to challenges. Just as one adjusts their clothing based on the water’s depth, one must also adjust their methods and expectations based on circumstances.

Acceptance of Criticism: Confucius’s response—acknowledging the criticism without dispute—reflects an important aspect of personal growth. Accepting criticism gracefully, even when it may seem unwarranted, allows for self-improvement and greater understanding.

Simplicity in Wisdom: The directness of the passerby’s comments, as noted by Confucius, underscores the value of straightforward wisdom. Sometimes, the most profound lessons come in the simplest forms.

This story, while brief, encapsulates significant aspects of Confucian philosophy, particularly regarding self-awareness and the nature of true understanding. By embracing both praise and criticism, adapting to life’s varying circumstances, and valuing simplicity in wisdom, we align ourselves with the teachings of one of history’s greatest thinkers.

Through this ancient lesson, we gain insight into the timeless nature of Confucian thought and its applicability to modern life. Understanding and embracing these principles can help us navigate our own journeys with greater wisdom and self-awareness.