YANZI - CONTINUATOR OF THE SAGE

Yanzi (521 BC–481 BC), named Hui, styled Ziyuan, was a native of Lu in the late Spring and Autumn period. As Confucius' most favourite disciple, he is known for his virtue and self- cultivation. He exerted a great influence on later generation of scholars, and ranked first of the ten chief disciples of Confucius, who fell into four classes. After Confucius passed away, the Confucianists were divided into eight schools of teaching, one of which was the Yan school.

Yanzi was brilliant, fond of learning and diligent in thinking and upheld Confucius’ teaching. He spread Confucian teachings by conducting public lectures and accepting disciples; and also helped Confucius in compiling the Classics, which included the Books of Poetry, History, Recorded Rites and Changes, which evolved into Yan-ist Confucianism.