Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s9.t2.3.5

v1.c7.s9.t2.3.5

In the 14th year of Duke Ai, the State of Lu hunted and captured an animal known as unicorn. But Confucius deemed it as a sign of unlucky omen and hereby lamented that this world had gone to the dogs with declining moral code and prevalent heresy and tyrannical rules, which denied him a chance to fulfill his political dream. And therefore he started his writing of the Spring and Autumn Annals, lamenting that, "Is it only the Spring and Autumn Annals from which you all would understand me and at the same time find fault with me?" The posterities deemed his composition of the annals as king-making enterprises and endeavours of king without crown or government. In April of the 16th year of Duke Ai (479 BCE), Confucius passed away and was buried in the Capital north of the State of Lu. Although his disciples did not wear mourning gowns according to the rituals, yet they, with sad and sorrowful sentiments, resided beside his tomb for three years running to demonstrate their filial piety. Among his disciples, Zigong didn't leave his teacher's tomb for his whole life. Confucius influenced the moral code of the times with his own words, deeds and high