Confucius and the Unwavering Faith of the Yi Feng Official
3·24 The official of Yifeng(1) asked to see Confucius and said, “I have never failed to see a gentleman come here.” His attendant saw him (2). He said, “Why are you worried about losing your position (3)? The world has been in chaos for a long time, and heaven will use you as a wooden bell (4).”
[Notes]
(1) Yifeng: Yifeng is a place name, in the territory of present-day Henan Province. Fengren was an official who guarded the border.
(2) From the attendant: the attendant saw him.
(3) Loss: to lose, here refers to losing one’s official position.
(4) Wood bell: a wooden tongue copper bell. The ancient emperor issued decrees when he shook it to gather an audience.
Translation
The official of the place of Yi requested to see Confucius, saying, “I have never failed to see any gentleman who comes here.” Confucius’s attendant students led him to see Confucius. After he came out, he said to the students, “Why are you worried about not having an official position? The world has been in chaos for a long time, and heaven will use Confucius as a sage to command the world.”
Commentary
Confucius was already a very influential person in his time, especially in terms of etiquette. Many people were convinced by Confucius, and the official from Yifeng was one of them. After meeting Confucius, he believed that heaven would use Confucius as a sage to command the world, showing that he admired Confucius greatly.
The story begins with an official from Yi Feng, a region in what is now Henan Province. This official had come to see Confucius, making a noteworthy statement: “I have never failed to see any gentleman who comes here.” His visit was significant, for it was an indication of his admiration for Confucius and his teachings.
As the official was ushered in to meet Confucius by the sage’s attendants, he expressed a deeper concern that went beyond mere social niceties. After the meeting, he confided to Confucius’s students, “Why are you worried about losing your official position? The world has been in chaos for a long time, and heaven will use Confucius as a sage to command the world.”
This statement reveals several layers of meaning:
Reassurance in Chaos: The official’s words are a reassurance to Confucius’s students. In times of political and social upheaval, where the stability of one’s position could seem precarious, the official suggested that such worries were inconsequential. The real significance lay in the role Confucius was destined to play.
Divine Endorsement: The reference to heaven using Confucius as a “sage to command the world” illustrates a belief in the divine endorsement of Confucius’s wisdom. In ancient Chinese thought, a sage was more than just a learned individual; he was a person chosen by heaven to bring order and virtue to society. The official’s belief that Confucius would fulfill this role underscores the high regard in which he held the philosopher.
Admiration and Influence: The official’s faith in Confucius as a guiding force for the world reflects the widespread influence of Confucianism. It was not just about Confucius’s immediate impact but about his enduring legacy. The official saw Confucius as a pivotal figure whose wisdom would ultimately shape the course of history.
This episode highlights the deep respect that Confucius commanded and the broader cultural belief in the transformative power of his teachings. Even in times of uncertainty, Confucius’s principles provided a guiding light, reassuring those around him that virtue and wisdom would prevail.
In understanding this story, we gain insight into how Confucian values were perceived and revered. The admiration of the Yi Feng official serves as a testament to the timeless nature of Confucius’s wisdom—a wisdom that continues to resonate across centuries and cultures, offering lessons on leadership, virtue, and the enduring quest for harmony.