Records of the Grand Historian, Volume 47: The Hereditary House of Confucius

The Final Labors and the Omen of the Qilin

Thus, based on the historical records of the State of Lu, he composed the Spring and Autumn Annals original: "春秋" (Chūnqiū). This is the first Chinese chronological history, covering 722 to 481 BCE. In editing it, he applied "praise and blame" original: "褒貶" (bāo biǎn). This refers to a subtle style of writing where specific word choices imply moral judgment on historical figures to provide a moral guide for restoration. The appearance of an auspicious Qilin original: "吉麟" (jí lín). A mythical hooved chimera. Its capture in a hunt was interpreted by Confucius as a sign that his mission was over and his death was near was seen as Heaven's omen announcing the Sage's approaching end.

The Final Illness and the Passing of the Sage

The Former Sage Former Sage: A title of highest respect for Confucius fell ill. He dreamed that he was sitting in the middle of two pillars In the traditions of the Shang dynasty, from which Confucius’s ancestors came, the dead were honored between two pillars.

His disciple Zi Gong Also known as Duanmu Si, one of Confucius's most loyal and wealthy students requested to see him. He found the Master leaning on a staff, wandering leisurely by the gate.

The Master said, "Si, why have you come so late?"

The Former Sage then sighed and sang:

As he finished, his tears fell. He said to Zi Gong, "The world has been without the Way original: "無道" (wú dào). A state of political and moral chaos for a long time; no one is able to honor my teachings as their guide."

Seven days later, he passed away at the age of seventy-three. This occurred in the sixteenth year of Duke Ai of Lu, in the summer, during the fourth month on the day of Jichou. He was buried north of the capital of Lu, near the Si River.

The Devotion of the Disciples

In the twenty-first year of Duke Ai, a temple was established at the Master's former residence. One hundred households were assigned to guard and maintain the tomb and the temple.

His disciples all observed a "mourning of the heart" Mourning of the heart: A period of internal grieving and simple living observed by students for a teacher, reflecting the three-year mourning period usually required for a parent. When the three years were completed, they bid farewell to one another and departed, each weeping with profound grief.

While others left, Zi Gong alone built a hut beside the tomb and remained there for a total of six years before finally taking his leave.

Within the temple, the disciples preserved the Former Sage’s robes, his ceremonial cap, his zither and lute original: "琴瑟" (qín sè). Stringed instruments used in ritual music, his carriage, and his books. Disciples and people of the State of Lu moved to the area around the tomb and built their homes there, forming more than a hundred households. Consequently, the place was named "Confucius Village." In the State of Lu, this tradition was passed down through the generations, and seasonal sacrifices have been offered at the tomb of the Master's descendants...