Yan Hui: the Revered Sage

Today, we discuss Yan Hui, also known as Yan Zi or Ziyuan, and referred to as Yan Yuan. A native of the State of Lu during the late Spring and Autumn Period, Yan Hui was renowned for his humility, dedication to learning, respect for his teacher, and exceptional virtue. Among Confucius’s seventy disciples, he was regarded as the foremost and honored as the Revered Sage of Confucianism.

Born into a humble family, Yan Hui’s father was an early disciple of Confucius. From a young age, Yan Hui displayed exceptional intelligence and a strong work ethic, earning a reputation for his ability to grasp profound insights quickly, described as “understanding ten from hearing one”. He was known for never repeating mistakes. Spending most of his life learning and living alongside Confucius, Yan Hui profoundly understood and practiced his master's teachings. He not only followed Confucius’s guidance in words and actions but also demonstrated unparalleled devotion by rarely leaving his teacher’s side.

While many of Confucius’s disciples pursued official positions, Yan Hui chose to stay with Confucius, accompanying him on his travels across various states and assisting in promoting Confucian thought. He remained steadfast in his commitment to study and teaching, never seeking an official career. Tragically, Yan Hui passed away at the young age of 31 during the fifth year of Duke Ai’s reign in Lu. Despite his short life, Yan Hui’s ideals of benevolence, virtuous governance, dedication to learning, and moral integrity have profoundly influenced later generations and earned enduring admiration.

Since the reign of Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Yan Hui has been honored with the privilege of being worshipped alongside Confucius. Over time, he was bestowed with titles such as First Teacher, Duke of Yan, Duke of the State of Yan, Revered Sage of Yan, and ultimately Revered Sage.