Listen to this articleKǒnɡ Yán zhī lè 孔颜之乐
The Happiness of Confucius and Yanhui
孔子（前551—前479）、颜回（前521—前490）的自得之乐。“孔颜之乐”是儒家尤其是宋明理学家所推崇的一种精神境界。常人往往不堪忍受贫困的生活，但孔子、颜回却能不受简陋的物质条件的困扰，而保持一种快乐的精神境界。”孔颜之乐”体现着对物质欲求的超越，是在对天理、人伦的深刻体认与追求中所获得的一种内在的快乐与幸福。
This term means the happiness and contentment of Confucius (551-479 BC) and Yanhui (a disciple of Confucius, 521-490 BCa disciple of Confucius). The happiness of Confucius and Yanhui is a mental outlook admired and advocated by Confucian scholars, especially by Song and Ming Neo-Confucianists. Most people do not want to put up with poverty, but poor material conditions could not keep Confucius and Yanhui from maintaining a happy state of mind. The expression “Happiness of Confucius and Yanhui” embodies an inner joy and happiness obtained from the transcending of material desires and from the profound understanding and quest for principles of heaven and ethical principles.
引例 Citations：
◎子曰：“饭疏食，饮水，曲肱而枕之，乐亦在其中矣。不义而富且贵，于我如浮云。”（《论语·述而》）
（孔子说：“吃粗粮，喝生水，弯着手臂做枕头，也能感受到其中的快乐。靠不正当的做法获得富贵，在我看来就像浮云一样。”）
Confucius said: “If I have coarse grain to eat, cold water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow, there is joy to be found in these things. Riches and honors acquired by unrighteous means are like floating clouds to me.” (The Analects)
◎子曰：“贤哉，回也！一箪食，一瓢饮，在陋巷，人不堪其忧，回也不改其乐。贤哉回也！”（《论语·雍也》）
（孔子说：“颜回真是有贤德啊！一筐饭食，一瓢饮水，居住在简陋的巷子里，别人都忍受不了这种忧苦，颜回却不改变自有的快乐。颜回真是有贤德啊！”）
Confucius said: “Virtuous indeed is Yanhui! He has simple meals, just drinks cold water, and lives in a humble lane. While others would find such living unbearable, Yanhui remains cheerful. What a virtuous man!” (The Analects)
