Confucius’ Last Wish: The Symbolism of the Phoenix and the River Map

[Original text]

9·9 The Master said, “The phoenix does not come, and the Yellow River does not produce its diagram. I have had enough!”

[Annotation]

(1) The phoenix: a mythical bird in ancient legend. It is said that the phoenix appeared in the times of Shun and King Wen of Zhou, and its appearance symbolized that a “sage king” was about to be born. Its appearance also symbolized that a “holy king” would be born.

Translation:

Confucius said, “The phoenix bird is not coming, and the eight trigrams are not appearing in the Yellow River. My life is over!”

Commentary:

Confucius worked hard all his life to restore the rites. In his later years, he saw that the restoration of Zhou rites seemed to have become a bubble, so he issued the above lament. From these few words, it can be seen that in his

later years, Confucius’ religious superstition was even more serious than before.

Confucius, the great philosopher and educator, is known for his wisdom and profound thoughts on morality, society, and governance. One of his poignant reflections, found in ancient texts, reveals his deep sense of disappointment and resignation in the face of a crumbling ideal. In this reflection, Confucius laments the disappearance of two powerful symbols from ancient Chinese mythology: the Phoenix and the River Map.

In the context of his time, Confucius expressed a sense of foreboding and resignation with the words, “The Phoenix does not come, and the River does not produce the Map. My life is coming to an end.” These symbols—the Phoenix and the River Map—carry significant meaning in Chinese culture and history.

The Phoenix, or “Fengniao,” is a mythical bird in ancient Chinese lore. It is said to appear only during the reign of a virtuous ruler, a “Sage King,” heralding a golden age of peace and prosperity. This legendary bird was believed to have graced the reigns of illustrious leaders such as Shun and King Wen of Zhou. The Phoenix’s arrival was seen as a divine sign of hope and renewal.

The River Map, or “He Tu,” refers to a legendary image that was said to have emerged from the Yellow River during the time of the ancient sage Fuxi. This map, inscribed on the back of a dragon horse, was believed to contain the secrets of the cosmos and the principles of harmonious governance. Its appearance was another divine sign that a wise ruler was to come.

Confucius’ lament about these symbols reflects his deep disappointment with the state of his world. Despite his lifelong efforts to restore the rituals and values of the past, he saw that his vision for a society guided by virtue and respect was faltering. The absence of the Phoenix and the River Map symbolized a decline in moral and political integrity, suggesting that the ideal ruler—a figure who would restore order and righteousness—was not forthcoming.

This moment of resignation from Confucius highlights his disillusionment with the waning influence of traditional values and the difficulties in achieving his reformist goals. His reflective words capture a sense of hopelessness about the future of his ideals.

Confucius’ reflections offer a window into the challenges he faced and the weight of his aspirations for a better society. They remind us of the rich tapestry of Chinese cultural symbols and the deep significance they held for the thinkers of ancient times. By understanding these symbols and their historical context, we gain insight into the philosophical and cultural heritage that continues to influence Chinese thought and values today.

Confucius’ lament over the missing Phoenix and River Map underscores his profound connection to the ideals of the past and his sorrow over their perceived disappearance in his lifetime. This reflection serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of traditional symbols and the timeless quest for a just and virtuous society.