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Confucius famously taught “without discrimination,” nurturing a group of loyal disciples. For the next 14 years, Confucius and His followers wandered from state to state. He offered His services as an adviser to various rulers, hoping to find one who would implement His vision of benevolent and ethical governance. One day, Duke Ye, a nobleman of the State of Chu and member of its ruling family, asked the disciple Zilu about Confucius’ character. Zilu remained silent. Later, upon hearing this, Confucius responded, “Why didn’t you just tell him that I am a man who, in his eagerness for study, forgets to eat, in his enjoyment of it, forgets his problems, and who is unaware of old age setting in?” In these brutal times, most rulers were more interested in power and military conquest than moral philosophy. Confucius and His disciples faced hardship, frequently turned away and facing hunger, danger, and humiliation. Despite this, Confucius never lost faith, believing firmly that His philosophy was the key to restoring social harmony. He stated, “If someone were willing to employ me, results would be seen within a month, and within three years, there would be real success.” Ji Huanzi, the powerful minister of the State of Lu who had once clashed with Confucius, eventually came to regret how he had treated the Great Master. As illness overtook him in his final days, he sighed with remorse, acknowledging that Lu had once stood on the brink of greatness, but his rejection of Confucius had held the state back. Realizing the weight of his mistake, Ji Huanzi called his son and successor, Ji Kangzi, to his side. With a sense of urgency, he said, “I am about to die. If you take up the reins of leadership of Lu, you must seek out Zhongni (Confucius).” Despite facing numerous challenges throughout His life, Confucius stated, “I do not blame Heaven or other people. I start with learning humbly and strive for higher understanding. Only Heaven truly knows me!” It is said when Confucius was 73, He dreamed that He was seated between two pillars in a grand hall, receiving veneration. Seven days later, He passed away peacefully. Sima Qian, the author of “Records of the Grand Historian,” deeply admired Confucius. He observed that Confucius, with His humble demeanor, had been revered for more than 10 generations. Scholars have consistently looked up to Him as a model of virtue and wisdom, His teachings as those of the Great Master. During a conference in 2021, our most Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) told us: “Confucius, you have to understand that He is a scholar, a poet. He wrote good poems, good essays, and He is excellent in His spiritual attainment. And all He wanted to do was to help the world to be enlightened, so that they have no more war with each other, they have no more killing of the animal(-people) or humans. (Yes, Master.) And that is His job, His mission at that time.” Eventually, Confucius’ teachings were compiled into the “Analects,” a foundational text capturing His views on ethics, politics, and morality, laying the cornerstone for the enduring study of Confucianism.
