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Analects · Chapter

XXXIV explained

When Confucius falls seriously ill, Tsze-lû asks permission to pray for his recovery.

What happens

When Confucius falls seriously ill, Tsze-lû asks permission to pray for his recovery. Confucius questions whether such an act is permissible, and Tsze-lû cites the Eulogies, which mention prayers to the spirits of the upper and lower worlds. Confucius responds that his praying has been for a long time, implying that his life of virtue and sincerity has been a continuous form of prayer.

Themes in this chapter

  • Sincerity and Faithfulness

    Confucius implies that his lifelong practice of sincerity and faithfulness is a continuous prayer, making ritual prayer unnecessary.

Characters to notice

  • Confucius

    The Master, gravely ill, responds to Tsze-lû's offer to pray, indicating that his life of virtue has been a long-standing prayer.

  • Tsze-lû

    A devoted disciple who, concerned for his teacher's health, asks permission to pray for him and cites the Eulogies.

Key passages

  • “My praying has been for a long time.”

    I have been praying through my actions and virtuous life for a long time already.

    Confucius suggests that his entire life of virtue is a form of prayer, transcending the need for ritualistic petitions.

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