The Master said, “Those who followed me during my hardships in Chen and Cai are now no longer at my gate.”
Note
On the surface, this statement from the Analects of Confucius is a nostalgic recollection, but it carries profound emotional depth and pedagogical concern. Historical records (e.g., Records of the Grand Historian) recount that Confucius and his disciples were once besieged between the states of Chen and Cai, cut off from supplies for seven days, suffering hunger and illness – yet his followers remained steadfast. This ordeal became a symbol of unwavering loyalty and shared commitment to the Way (Dao).
In his later years, Confucius’s lament – “they are no longer at my gate” – expresses deep sorrow for disciples like Yan Hui and Zilu, many of whom had died young or dispersed. It also subtly conveys anxiety about the future of his teachings: who will carry on the tradition if those most attuned to the Dao and most willing to uphold it are gone?
Though brief, this remark reflects core Confucian values: the teacher-student bond as akin to kinship, the reverence for companions in moral pursuit, and the poignant solitude of a sage whose vision remains unfulfilled. It reminds us that true education is not merely the transmission of knowledge, but a shared life of mutual encouragement and steadfast adherence to principle, especially in adversity.
Further Reading
When Yan Yuan died, the Master cried, “Alas! Heaven has forsaken me! Heaven has forsaken me!” Analects 11.8 (Xian Jin)
Both express grief over the loss of devoted disciples; Yan Hui was among those who endured Chen and Cai, making his death especially devastating to Confucius.
The Master said, “If the Way is not practiced, I will drift away on a raft upon the sea. If anyone follows me, it would be You (Zilu)!” Analects 5.7 (Gong Ye Chang)
Highlights Zilu’s loyalty – a key figure in the Chen-Cai ordeal – and reflects Confucius’s sense of isolation when idealistic companions are gone.
子曰：「從我於陳、蔡者，皆不及門也。」
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