Murid Khonghucu

Jan Chil(冉求)

Jan Chil was also known as Jan Tsu-yu(子有) or Jan Yu(冉有). He was born in the kingdom of Lu, 29 years after the birth of his teacher, Confucius. He was modest, reserved and talented. Confucius classified him in the group of people who are keen at polities. Once serving as a general of Chi Kang-Tsu, he achieved merit by fighting with the kingdom of Chi(齊).

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board

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Min Sun(閔損)

Min Sun, also called Min Tsu-Chien, was one of Confucius’ students from the kingdom of Lu in the Spring and Autumn Period of the Chou Dynasty. Confucius classified him as virtuous for his obedient nature. In his childhood, Min suffered under the maltreatment of his stepmother. She would line his clothes with weeds in the winter, while she lined her own sons’ clothes with worm cotton. One day, while taking his father out in a carriage, Mi almost succumbed to the cold. When his father learned what had happened, he went back to cast his wife out of the house. However, Tsu-chien said, “If mother leaves, there will be three of your sons who go cold, but if she stays, then only one will suffer.” His mother was touched by his kindness and admitted her error, treating Min afterwards as though he were her own so.

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board

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Chung Yu(仲由)

Chung Yu, Confucius' student, was also known as Tsu Lu(子路) or Chi Lu(季路) . He was born in the kingdom of Lu and was later classified by Confucius, his teacher, in the group of people who were good at politics. Being an obedient son, Tsu Lu often carried rice home from miles away for his parents. When anyone pointed out his faults, he was appreciative and always took their advice. Once he served as an official in the kingdom of Wei.

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board

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CHong Saint, Tseng Tzu(宗聖曾參)

Tseng Tsu-yu is another name for Tseng Sen, the son of Tseng Che and one of Confucius students. He was born into a poor family in Nan Wu Town during the Spring and Autumn Period of the Chou Dynasty and was admired for his obedient nature. He made a living at manual labor. Although he was not a highly talented person, he was able to understand Confucius philosophy. He passed Confucius' doctrines of loyalty and reciprocity down to Tsu Ssu, and wrote "Tseng Tsu", a book of 18 chapters. He is honored as the Tsung Sage.

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board

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Jan Keng(冉耕)

Jan Keng, also known as Jan Po-niu(冉伯牛), was born in the kingdom of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period of the Chou Dynasty. He was classified by Confucius, his teacher, in the group of virtuous people. Some time later, he was taken ill and Confucius came to call on him. Through the window, Confucius took Jan's hand and sighed, "Death is part of our destiny, but why is it that this man suffers from such an illness? Why is it? ''

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board

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Tsai Yu(宰予)

Tsai Yu, also known as Tsai Tsu-wo(子我), was one of Confucius' students. He was born in the kingdom of Lu and was later classified by Confucius in the group of people who were good at speech. Once he asked Confucius. "If somebody informs a benevolent person that a man fell into a well, should the benevolent descend into the well to save him?" Confucius replied, "Not necessarily. Anyone might believe what another says and run to help, but he himself will not be trapped. He may be tricked by someone's logic, but that does not mean he will be fooled into doing something stupid himself.

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board

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Po Shan(卜商)

Po Shan was also called Tsu-chia(子夏), born during the Spring and Autumn Period in the kingdom of Wei, 44 years after the birth of Confucius. He was excellent in literature and loved to study poetry. Confucius classified him in the group of people who specialized in literature. Once he served as an official in Chu Fu of the kingdom Lu. He taught people of humanity. ''Your knowledge must be vast and profound, and your goals, consistent. All aspects of a matter must be made clear through inquiry. Consider first the light and simple aspects, then the more difficult and complicated ones. Then you will find humanity " He later lectured in a place called Hsi Ho. Wei Cheng-tsu, an official of the kingdom of Chin, honored him as his teacher.

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board

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Chuan Sun Shih(顓孫師)

Chuan Sun Shih was also called Chuan Sun Tsuchang(子張). He was born in the kingdom of Chen(陳國) during the Spring and Autumn Period, 48 years after the birth of Confucius. He surpassed the other in appearance, manners, talent, and capability, but he could not reach the ideal of humanity. Once he asked Confucius how to attain humanity. Confucius said, "Anyone who possesses the fine virtues of politeness, tolerance and generosity, honesty, diligence and benevolence can be regarded as a person of humanity. Politeness will save one from the insults of others; tolerance and generosity will evoke the love of others; honesty brings trust from people; diligence foretells success; and benevolence encourages other to follow your instructions.

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board

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You Ruo(有若)

You Ruo, also named You Tsuyu, was born in the kingdom of Lu, 12 years after Confucius. When Confucius died, Tsuyu was treated by some of Confucius students as the greatest sage because of the similarity in appearance. Lord Ai of Lu asked him ''What should be done if there is famine and not enough money in the government?'' You Ruo replied "Why don't you apply the method and impose ten percent taxation?" Lord Ai said, "Twenty percent taxation is hardly enough, how can I apply the method of ten percent?" You Ruo explained, "Cut the taxation and limit your expenses allowing the people raise their standard of living first. Then you will have no worries about shortage. If the people are not rich what can a ruler do to deal with a shortage?"

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board