The Analects – Chapter 125 (6.7). Yan Hui embodied benevolence as second nature

6.7

The Master said, “Hui is capable of occupying his whole mind for three months on end with no thought but that of benevolence. The others can do so, some for a day, some even for a month; but that is all.”

子曰：「回也，其心三月不違仁，其餘則日月至焉而已矣。」

Notes

Hui above refers to Yan Hui (styled Ziyuan), Confucius’ most esteemed disciple renowned for moral excellence. Confucius repeatedly praised him as “fond of learning” and one who “never transferred anger nor repeated faults” — embodying Confucianism’s ideal personality.

In this statement from the Analects, Confucius indicates Yan Hui had reached such moral heights that benevolence had become his second nature, requiring no conscious effort to “practice virtue.” This contrasted sharply with other disciples who only occasionally demonstrated virtuous conduct.