TERMBASES
This term means the
happiness and contentment of Confucius(551-479 BC) and Yan Hui(a disciple of Confucius, 521-481 BC). The happiness of Confucius
and Yan Hui is a mental outlook admired and advocated by Confucian scholars, especially
by Song and Ming Neo-Confucianists. Most people do not want to put up with poverty,
but poor material conditions could not keep Confucius and Yan Hui from maintaining a happy state of mind. The expression “Happiness of Confucius and Yan Hui” embodies
an inner joy and happiness obtained from the transcending of material desires
and from the profound understanding and quest for principles of heaven and ethical
principles.
Confucius said: “If I have coarse grain to eat, cold water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow, there is joy to be found in these things. Riches and honors acquired by unrighteous means are like floating clouds to me.”
Confucius said: “Virtuous indeed is Yan Hui! He has simple meals, just drinks cold water, and lives in a humble lane. While others would find such living unbearable, Yan Hui remains cheerful. What a virtuous man!”
The term means to lessendesires for external things. Humans are prone to pursue excessive desire, whichcan be harmful to themselves, cause problems with others and lead to socialdisorder. This is why b…
This term was first used to mean to lead a quiet, peaceful life with few worldly desires. Daoism advocates blandness, believing that lack of flavor is the best possible flavor. It was highly influentia…
When leading a poor life,one should still stick to moral principles. Confucius (551-479 BC) and Confucian scholarsbelieve that it is not for fame and wealth that one should observe moralprinciples. Rat…
Even under pressure, a manof virtue maintains his moral values. Junzi or man of virtue originally referred to a ruler or a man of the aristocracy.Later, it came to mean any educated, upright person. Gu…
This saying, with the attitude to fame and fortune at its core, refers to a way in which people in ancient China sought to practice self-cultivation. People should not be greedy for fame and fortune an…