To show profound respect and humility towards one's teacher, often enduring hardship or waiting patiently to receive instruction; exemplary reverence for a mentor.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
The Cheng brothers, Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi, were highly learned scholars during the Song Dynasty. Yang Shi, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the imperial examinations), resolutely gave up his high official position and generous salary to deepen his knowledge. He traveled to Yingchang, Henan, to become a disciple of Cheng Hao, seeking his humble guidance.
Later, after Cheng Hao's death, Yang Shi, though already over forty years old, remained determined to learn and study assiduously. He then went to Luoyang to become a disciple of Cheng Hao's younger brother, Cheng Yi.
One day, he and his friend You Zuo went to the Cheng family to visit Cheng Yi. However, they found the venerable Master Cheng sitting with his eyes closed, resting. At this time, it began to snow outside. The two students, eager to learn from their master, stood respectfully by his side, silent and motionless.
They waited for half a day until Cheng Yi slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Yang Shi and You Zuo still standing before him, he was surprised and exclaimed, 'Ah, ah! Are you two still here?' By then, the snow outside the gate had accumulated to over a foot deep, yet Yang Shi and You Zuo showed no trace of fatigue or impatience.