smile because now you know, my every thought, motive, dream, and much more... all nine-hundred-thirteen lies, truth, and the unknown.
October 30, 2003
"Yen Hui, also named Yen Tsu-yuan Yen Yuan, was one of Confucius students,
He was born in the kingdom of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period of Chou Dynasty. Being a bright and earnest person, he learned much from studying only one thing. Yen Hui was renown because he did not take his anger out at other nor did he ever commit the same mistake twice. Confucius placed him at the top of those who were honored for the virtuous personalities. Yen's life was austere and simple. He lived in narrow, dirty alleys and always was lacking in food and drink. Others would distress under such pressure, but he remained steadfast, satisfied to lead a simple and virtuous life. His hair turned gray at the age of twenty-nine from overwork and malnutrition. It is said he died at thirty-two, but he was always remembered by following generations as the Fu Sage.
The favorite student of Confucius appears to have been Yen Hui, for he often singled him out as excelling in learning and virtue. "Incomparable indeed was Hui! A handful of rice to eat, a gourd full of water to drink, living in a mean street---others would have found it unendurably depressing, but to Hui's cheerfulness it made no difference at all. Incomparable indeed was Hui!" 4 Hui was humble and usually quiet, but Confucius felt that he far surpassed all the others in that most important quality of goodness. "About Hui, for three months there would be nothing in his mind contrary to goodness. The others could attain to this for a day or a month at the most." 5 Actually Yen Hui was so quiet and obedient that some must have thought he was stupid. However, Confucius defends him from this charge, valuing good deeds more than clever words. "I can talk to Yen Hui a whole day without his ever differing from me. One would think he was stupid. However, if I inquire into his private conduct when he is not with me I find that it fully demonstrates what I have taught him. No, Hui is by no means stupid."6
Confucius catalogued the abilities of some of his major disciples this way: "Those who worked by virtue were Yen Hui, Min Tzu-ch'ien, Jan Keng, and Jan Yung. Those who spoke well were Tsai Yu and Tzu-kung. Those who surpassed in handling public business were Jan Ch'iu and Tzu-lu; in culture and learning, Tzu-yu and Tzu-hsia"
For some reason I think my sister embodies my ancestor's best quality. How would he have conducted himself in this society at this age in time? It would be fascinating to see, I believe.
He was born in the kingdom of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period of Chou Dynasty. Being a bright and earnest person, he learned much from studying only one thing. Yen Hui was renown because he did not take his anger out at other nor did he ever commit the same mistake twice. Confucius placed him at the top of those who were honored for the virtuous personalities. Yen's life was austere and simple. He lived in narrow, dirty alleys and always was lacking in food and drink. Others would distress under such pressure, but he remained steadfast, satisfied to lead a simple and virtuous life. His hair turned gray at the age of twenty-nine from overwork and malnutrition. It is said he died at thirty-two, but he was always remembered by following generations as the Fu Sage.
The favorite student of Confucius appears to have been Yen Hui, for he often singled him out as excelling in learning and virtue. "Incomparable indeed was Hui! A handful of rice to eat, a gourd full of water to drink, living in a mean street---others would have found it unendurably depressing, but to Hui's cheerfulness it made no difference at all. Incomparable indeed was Hui!" 4 Hui was humble and usually quiet, but Confucius felt that he far surpassed all the others in that most important quality of goodness. "About Hui, for three months there would be nothing in his mind contrary to goodness. The others could attain to this for a day or a month at the most." 5 Actually Yen Hui was so quiet and obedient that some must have thought he was stupid. However, Confucius defends him from this charge, valuing good deeds more than clever words. "I can talk to Yen Hui a whole day without his ever differing from me. One would think he was stupid. However, if I inquire into his private conduct when he is not with me I find that it fully demonstrates what I have taught him. No, Hui is by no means stupid."6
Confucius catalogued the abilities of some of his major disciples this way: "Those who worked by virtue were Yen Hui, Min Tzu-ch'ien, Jan Keng, and Jan Yung. Those who spoke well were Tsai Yu and Tzu-kung. Those who surpassed in handling public business were Jan Ch'iu and Tzu-lu; in culture and learning, Tzu-yu and Tzu-hsia"
For some reason I think my sister embodies my ancestor's best quality. How would he have conducted himself in this society at this age in time? It would be fascinating to see, I believe.
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