Han Wangxi

TODAY, let’s hear a story of respecting teachers.

Zigong was an outstanding student of Confucius. Once, Ziqin asked Zigong, “When Confucius traveled to different states, did he actively seek information about their politics and customs, or did others voluntarily inform him?” Zigong replied: “The teacher is gentle, kind, respectful, moderate and humble. People respect these virtues and willingly share information about their states with him. Confucius’ charisma is unparalleled.”

Duke Jing of Qi asked Zigong about Confucius’ talents. Zigong promptly replied, “The master can be called a sage; it’s not just about his talents.” When a prominent figure in the State of Lu, Sun Wu, wanted to slander Confucius, Zigong sternly told him: “You’re just asking for trouble; you can’t slander the master. Others’ virtues are like hills that can be overcome, but the master’s virtues are like the sun and moon, impossible to surpass. Even if someone isolates themselves from the sun and moon, does it harm the sun and moon? It just shows their own inability.”

Confucius is indeed a venerable teacher. When Zilu first met Confucius, he was dressed extravagantly, carrying a sword, and rebellious. Confucius taught him that those who boast are flashy but lack substance, those who claim bravery are self-conceited, and those who flaunt their intelligence are morally deficient. Zilu, repentant, quickly said: “Thank you for your guidance. I have been ignorant and vulgar in the past. Please instruct me strictly in the future.”

Seeing Zilu’s humility, Confucius pondered for a moment and said: “In life, one should be eager to learn in youth, courageous in adulthood, virtuous in old age, and able to yield. Stability in the world comes from such virtues.” Zilu said, “Eager to learn in youth and courageous in adulthood are easy, but having both virtue and the ability to yield is challenging.”

Confucius replied: “It depends on your cultivation. In the past, Duke of Zhou held great power over the world. To select talents, he would have them eat three meals and then test them with questions. This is the conduct of a nobleman.”

Zilu asked, “Why should knowledge and virtue be combined?” Confucius said: “If a ruler lacks upright ministers who can offer sincere advice, he will lose his position. If a student lacks honest friends, he will not hear beneficial advice. No matter how good a horse is, without reins, it cannot be controlled to pull a carriage. Trees, without the carpenter’s measuring line, cannot be used as pillars. With virtue and knowledge, one can accomplish great things. Disdain for learning and indulgence in one’s desires lead to decline and even violations of the law. Therefore, one should combine knowledge and virtue.”

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Shenzhen Daily)