TSENG-TZU

born 505 BC died c. 436 BC Pinyin Zengsi, also called (Wade-Giles) Tseng Ts'an Chinese philosopher, disciple of Confucius, believed to be the author of the Ta hseh (Great Learning). In this classic, a part of the Li Chi (Record of Rites) and one of the Four Books, he discussed the great importance of the Confucian virtues chung (loyalty) and shu (reciprocity). Tseng-tzu was highly influential in reaffirming the Confucian emphasis on the virtue of hsiao (filial piety). He enumerated the three degrees of filial piety: honouring father and mother, not disgracing them, and being able to support them.