| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 孔鲤, 孔鯉, Kǒng Lǐ |
| Other name | Khổng Lý |
| Courtesy name | 伯鱼, 伯魚, Bóyú, Bo Yu, tự Bác Ngư |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | 532 BC |
| Birth Place | State of Lu (鲁国; nước Lỗ) |
| Died | 483 BC |
| Death Reason | Illness |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Mother | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | State of Lu |
Kong Li (孔鲤, Khổng Lý; 532–483 BC; courtesy name Boyu 伯鱼), was the only son of the Great Sage Confucius (孔子) and Lady Qiguan, and the father of Zisi (Kong Ji), author of the Confucian classic *The Doctrine of the Mean* (中庸).
Born in Qufu in 532 BC, Duke Zhao of Lu celebrated his birth by presenting Confucius with a prized freshwater carp (li 鲤), leading Confucius to name him Kong Li. Renowned in Confucian literature for the classic episode of ‘Instruction in the Courtyard’ (庭训 — Ting Xun): twice as Kong Li hurried through the family courtyard, Confucius called out: ‘Have you studied the Book of Songs (Shijing)? If you do not learn the Odes, you will have no words to speak!’ and ‘Have you studied the Rites (Liji)? If you do not learn the Rites, you will have no place to stand!’ Kong Li bowed, retired, and mastered both. Predeceasing his father at age fifty, he was posthumously ennobled as Marquis of Sishui by Song Dynasty emperors.
Role in Confucian Classics (Analects of Confucius)
Analects of Confucius (Lunyu, Ji Shi XVI): Chen Gang asked Boyu: ‘Have you received special secret teachings from the Master?’ Boyu replied: ‘None; once as I hurried through the hall, my father asked: “Have you learned the Odes? If not, you have nothing to speak.” Another day he asked: “Have you learned the Rites? If not, you have no place to stand.” These two alone have I heard.’ Chen Gang rejoiced: ‘I asked one thing and gained three: I learned of the Odes, the Rites, and that a noble sage shows no private favoritism to his own son!’
Kong Li — Historical & Literary Timeline
532 BC
Birth in Qufu
Duke Zhao of Lu presents carp to Confucius; named Kong Li.
c. 510s BC
The Courtyard Instruction
Receives the legendary instruction on the Odes and Rites from Confucius.
483 BC
Passing in Qufu
Passes away at age fifty, mourned by Confucius with deep paternal sorrow.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Confucius (孔子, Khổng Tử – Great Sage): Supreme teacher who gave him the famous Courtyard Instruction.
- Mother Lady Qiguan (亓官氏 – Empress Bingling): Virtuous wife of Confucius.
- Son Zisi (Kong Ji / 子思): Grandson of Confucius, author of *The Doctrine of the Mean*.
Friends
- Confucian Disciples Yan Hui (Yan Hui), Zigong, Zilu: Comrades in the Confucian academy of Qufu.
Enemies
- Mortality & Early Death Illness in middle age: Predeceased his immortal father.
Other
- Duke of Lu Duke Zhao of Lu (鲁昭公): Sent carp to celebrate his birth.
In The Analects
The Courtyard Instruction
"Without the Odes, you have no words; without the Rites, you have no ground to stand upon. Learn them well, and walk upright under Heaven."
Cultural Significance
'Ting Xun' (Instruction in the Courtyard) became the quintessential Chinese idiom for rigorous, noble parental education and filial dedication across two millennia.
COMMENTS (0)