Confucius on Rituals and Filial Piety: Lessons from Yan Yuan’s Death
After Yan Yuan’s death, Yan Lu (1) asked for the carriage of the Master to be used as a coffin (2) for him. The Master said, “Whether they are talented or not, each of them speaks of their own son. When Li (3) died, he had a coffin but no coffin-cover. I will not travel barefoot to make a coffin for him. I cannot travel barefoot, for I am following the example of the great men of old (4).”
[Notes]
(1) Yan Lu: Yan Wuyang (ｙóｕ), courtesy name Lu, father of Yan Yuan and a student of Confucius, born in 545 BC.
(2) 椁: guǒ, the coffin used by the ancients, with the inner part being the coffin and the outer part being the 椁.
(3) Li: son of Confucius, courtesy name Bolu, died at the age of 50, Confucius was 70.
(4) From the rear of the great men: to follow behind the great men, meaning that he had been a great man. Confucius had served as the Minister of Justice in the state of Lu, which was a great man-level official.
Translation
When Yan Yuan died, (his father) Yan Lu asked Confucius to sell his chariot and buy a coffin for Yan Yuan. Confucius said, “(Although Yan Yuan and Li) one was talented and one was not, they were both his sons. When Kong Li died, he also had a coffin but no casket. I did not sell my own carriage and walk to buy a coffin for him. Because I am still following the doctors, I cannot walk.
Commentary
Yan Yuan was a favorite student of Confucius. Confucius highly praised Yan Yuan many times, believing that he had good character and was eager to learn. When Yan Yuan died, his father Yan Lu asked Confucius to sell his own carriage and buy a coffin for Yan Yuan. Although Confucius was very sad, he was unwilling to sell his carriage. Because he had once served as a high-ranking official, and officials at that level had to have their own carriages, they could not walk, otherwise it would be a violation of the rules of propriety. This chapter reflects Confucius’s rigorous attitude towards propriety.
Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, is known for his profound teachings on ethics, family loyalty, and proper conduct. One of his lesser-known but deeply insightful stories involves the death of his beloved disciple, Yan Yuan, and how it tested the principles of filial piety and ritual propriety.
Yan Yuan, also known as Yan Hui, was Confucius’ favorite student, esteemed for his virtuous character and eagerness to learn. His premature death at a young age left Confucius and his followers in deep sorrow. The narrative surrounding his death provides a compelling lesson on the importance of adhering to societal norms and personal integrity.
When Yan Yuan died, his father, Yan Lu, approached Confucius with a request. He asked Confucius to sell his carriage to buy an outer coffin, or “guo,” for Yan Yuan. In ancient China, it was customary for the more affluent to have both an inner coffin and an outer coffin, the latter being a sign of higher status and respect.
Confucius responded, “Though one might be talented or not, they are still someone’s child. When my son, Bo Yu, died, he had only an inner coffin, not an outer one. I did not sell my carriage and walk on foot to provide him with an outer coffin. This is because, as someone who once held the rank of a high official, it is not appropriate for me to walk on foot.”
This response from Confucius might seem harsh or indifferent at first glance, but it reflects his deep commitment to the principles of propriety and ritual. Confucius had served as a minister in the state of Lu, a position of considerable honor and responsibility. According to the social norms of the time, it was inappropriate for someone of his rank to be seen without a carriage. To sell his carriage, even for the noble cause of honoring his beloved disciple, would have been a violation of these norms.
The story highlights two key Confucian values: filial piety and ritual propriety. Filial piety, or respect for one’s parents and ancestors, is a cornerstone of Confucian ethics. Confucius demonstrated this by treating his own son, Bo Yu, according to the same standards he applied to others, showing that personal loss does not justify breaking societal rules.
Ritual propriety, or “li,” is equally central to Confucian thought. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper conduct and adhering to societal norms. By refusing to sell his carriage, Confucius upheld the rituals and customs that were vital to social harmony and respect for hierarchy.
This narrative also underscores Confucius’ belief in equality and fairness. By treating Yan Yuan and his own son the same, he reinforced the idea that everyone should be treated with equal respect and dignity, regardless of personal affections or relationships.
For modern readers, this story offers valuable insights into Confucian philosophy and the intricate balance between personal feelings and societal obligations. It reminds us that true respect and honor come from adhering to principles, even in the face of personal loss.
In today’s fast-paced world, where individual desires often overshadow collective responsibilities, Confucius’ teachings on ritual and propriety are a powerful reminder of the enduring value of tradition and ethical conduct. By learning from his example, we can better navigate the complexities of our own lives, ensuring that our actions reflect both personal integrity and respect for the larger community.