【Explanation】
Originally, this idiom referred to a student respectfully receiving instruction; today it signifies respect for teachers and elders. It is used as a metaphor for eagerness in seeking knowledge and deep reverence towards learned seniors.
【Source】
From the "History of Song: Biography of Yang Shi": "Yang met Cheng Yi in Luoyang; at that time, Yang was about forty years old. One day when he came to see Cheng Yi, Cheng happened to be sitting with his eyes closed in meditation. Yang and You Zuo stood quietly waiting outside. When Cheng Yi awoke, the snow outside the door had already piled up more than a foot deep."
Explanation: Yang Shi and You Zuo went to pay their respects to their teacher Cheng Yi, only to find him dozing off. Fearing they might disturb him, they waited patiently outside until Cheng Yi woke up. By then, the snow outside the door had accumulated to over a foot in depth. Later generations used the idiom "Cheng's Gate in the Snow" to express students' respect for their teachers and their sincere, steadfast determination to learn.
【The Story Behind the Idiom】
During the Song Dynasty, there were two brothers named Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi. Both were well-read and highly knowledgeable scholars whose reputations attracted countless admirers and students from afar every day.
At that time, there was a man named Yang Shi who was exceptionally intelligent and studious from childhood. He began studying at age four, could write poetry and paint by seven, and compose lyrics and essays by eight. Known as a child prodigy, he was famous far and wide.
At fifteen, Yang Shi began intensive study of the classics and history. In the ninth year of the Xining era (1076 AD), he passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi (a high-ranking scholar-official). From then on, he devoted his life to writing and teaching, traveling across the country. Wherever he went, he lectured and taught, earning great admiration from local scholars.
When he arrived at Hanyun Temple and Guishan Academy, he found the area blessed with beautiful mountains, clear waters, and talented people. Deciding to settle there long-term, he dedicated himself to studying Neo-Confucianism and wrote the book "Commentary on Liezi."
One year, while en route to take up his post as magistrate of Liuyang County, Yang Shi—long an admirer of Cheng Yi’s scholarly talents—decided not to mind the long journey. He made a detour through Luoyang specifically to study under Cheng Yi and deepen his learning.
One day, Yang Shi and his fellow student You Zuo disagreed on a certain issue. Eager to find the correct answer, they decided to visit Cheng Yi’s home together to seek guidance.
It was the depth of winter—bitterly cold, with no one else on the roads. Halfway there, fierce north winds howled and snowflakes fell heavily, icy gusts mercilessly rushing down their collars. They wrapped their clothes tightly and hurried forward. Upon reaching Cheng Yi’s doorstep, they found the master sitting by the stove, meditating with his eyes closed.
Unwilling to disturb their teacher, Yang Shi and You Zuo respectfully stood waiting outside the door. The distant mountains sparkled like jade, the trees were dressed in silver, and the houses wore pure white cloaks. One of Yang Shi’s feet froze stiff, causing him to shiver with cold, yet he continued to stand reverently.
After a long while, Cheng Yi awoke from his meditation. Looking out the window, he spotted Yang Shi standing in the snowstorm. Seeing that Yang was completely covered in snow and that the snow beneath his feet had piled over a foot deep, Cheng Yi quickly rose and rushed out to welcome them inside.
Later, Yang Shi fully grasped the profound meaning behind "Cheng's Gate in the Snow." Scholars in southeastern China regarded Yang Shi as the authentic heir to Cheng’s teachings and honored him as "Master Guishan." Throughout his life, Yang Shi deeply studied Neo-Confucianism. Particularly through his efforts promoting the Dao in the southeast, he played a pioneering role in the rise of Fujian Neo-Confucianism and was later revered as the "Founder of Min Learning."
Yang authored numerous works, most of which are collected in the "Collected Writings of Master Yang Guishan." His philosophical thought inherited the system of the Cheng brothers and was hailed by later generations as the "orthodox Cheng school."
Since then, the story of "Cheng's Gate in the Snow" has become a timeless tale exemplifying respect for teachers and the pursuit of learning.