3.24
The guardian of the frontier-mound at Yi asked to be presented to the Master, saying, “No gentleman arriving at this frontier has ever yet failed to accord me an interview.”
The Master’s followers presented him. On going out the man said, “Sirs, you must not be disheartened by his failure. It is now a very long while since the Dao prevailed in the world. I feel sure that Heaven intends to use your Master as a wooden bell.”
儀封人請見。曰：「君子之至於斯也，吾未嘗不得見也。」從者見之。出曰：「二三子，何患於喪乎？天下之無道也久矣，天將以夫子為木鐸。」
Notes
The Warden of Yi requested an audience with Confucius. The disciples arranged the meeting. Afterward, emerging from the meeting, the frontier officer declared: “Why should you, disciples, grieve over your Master’s loss of office? The world has long been without the Way (Dao). Heaven will use your Master as a Wooden Bell to awaken the age.”
This story from the Analects, through the words of a minor border official, expresses a profound understanding and high tribute to Confucius’ mission.
It references Confucius’ circumstance at the time: having lost his position in Lu, traveling among states without being entrusted with authority, appearing as though “the Way would not prevail.” Yet this frontier officer, with exceptional discernment, recognized Confucius as a “divine messenger” sent by Heaven to awaken a chaotic world.
A minor border official, without advanced education, recognized Confucius’ extraordinary mission at a glance. In contrast, those in power (like the rulers of states) gravely underestimated him.
In dark times, those who uphold their convictions become light itself.
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