Yen Hûi

Book II: Wei Chang

Praised by Confucius for his ability to illustrate teachings despite appearing slow.

Chapter IX

Disciple who appears stupid but proves to be able to illustrate the teachings.

Book V: Kung-Ye Ch’ǎng

Praised by Confucius as superior to Tsze-kung in understanding, as he grasps all from one point.

Chapter VII: The Master's Comparison of Tsze-kung and Yen Hûi

Yen Hûi is praised for his ability to understand a subject fully from a single point.

XXV

Yen Yüan expresses his wish not to boast of his excellence nor to make a display of his meritorious deeds, reflecting humility and self-cultivation.

Book VI: Yung Yey

Praised for his love of learning, his ability to not transfer anger or repeat faults, and his unwavering virtue despite poverty.

II

Praised by Confucius as the only disciple who loved to learn, noted for not transferring anger and not repeating faults.

V

Hûi is highlighted as the exemplar of sustained perfect virtue.

Chapter IX

Praised for his virtue and joy despite poverty.

Book VII: Shû R

Mentioned as one who, like Confucius, can retire from office when not called, showing his alignment with Confucius's ideals.

X

Praised by Confucius for attaining the same ideal of serving and retiring.

Book IX: Tsze Han

Praised for his constant advance and admiration of the Master's doctrines.

X

Expresses deep admiration for the Master's doctrines and his own struggle to fully comprehend them.

XIX

Praised by Confucius for never flagging in his response to instruction.

XX

Praised by Confucius for his constant advance and unceasing progress.

Book XI: Hsien Tsin

Praised for his love of learning and near-perfect virtue; his death deeply mourned by Confucius.

II

Distinguished for virtuous principles and practice.

III

Hûi is noted as delighting in all of Confucius's words, offering no assistance or pushback.

VI

Identified by Confucius as the disciple who loved to learn, but who died young.

VIII

His death is the occasion for Confucius's lament.

Chapter IX

The deceased disciple whose death causes Confucius to mourn bitterly.

X

His death prompts the chapter's central conflict over funeral rites.

Chapter XVIII

Praised for nearly attaining perfect virtue despite being often in want.

XXII

Falls behind in K'wang and reassures Confucius of his loyalty, vowing not to die while his master lives.

Book XII: Yen Yüan

Asks about perfect virtue and receives the teaching on subduing self and returning to propriety.

I

Asks Confucius about perfect virtue and vows to practice the lesson.

Book XV: Wei Ling Kung

Mentioned as Yen Yüan, asking about government, though not directly quoted.

X

Asks Confucius about the administration of a country.