# Tsǎng Shǎn — Analects character guide > Tsǎng Shǎn in Analects by Confucius. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Tsǎng, IX The philosopher Tsǎng, The philosopher Tsǎng, Tsǎng Hsî, Tsǎng Wǎn, Tsǎng Wû - chung **First appearance:** 0000-book-i-hsio-r ## Snapshot The disciple who each day examined himself on three points, and who answered the Master's cryptic 'one thread' with a doctrine of loyalty and reciprocity. ## Who they are Tsǎng Shǎn is the earnest, slow-spoken student whose filial piety and daily self-scrutiny make him the conscience of the school. When Confucius tosses out a single phrase about an all-pervading unity and walks away, it is Tsǎng who must explain the Master to the baffled others — a burden of interpretation he carries with characteristic caution. His illness scene, where he uncovers his hands and feet to show he has kept his body whole, gives the Analects one of its rare glimpses of a disciple facing death with the same care he brought to living. ## In the story ### [Book I: Hsio R](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/book-i-hsio-r) Describes his daily self-examination on three points: faithfulness in business, sincerity in friendship, and mastery of the teacher's instructions. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/iv) The philosopher Tsǎng shares his practice of daily self-examination on three points. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/ix) The philosopher Tsǎng speaks on the importance of funeral rites and sacrifices for parents. ### [Book IV: Le Jin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/book-iv-le-jin) Receives Confucius's doctrine of all-pervading unity and explains it to other disciples. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/xv) Affirms understanding and later explains the doctrine to fellow disciples. ### [Book V: Kung-Ye Ch’ǎng](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/book-v-kung-ye-ch-ng) Mentioned as an example of a firm and unbending man, though Confucius doubts his firmness due to his passions. ### [Book VIII: T’âi-Po](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/book-viii-t-i-po) On his deathbed, instructs his disciples and Mǎng Chǎng on the importance of care, sincerity, and the duties of the man of high rank. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/iii) The philosopher Tsǎng, ill, addresses his disciples and reflects on his careful conduct. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/iv) The philosopher Tsǎng, ill and near death, delivers his final counsel on the three important principles of conduct for the man of high rank. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/v) The philosopher Tsǎng shares a reflection on the ideal conduct of a friend, highlighting humility and self-effacement. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/vi) The philosopher Tsǎng articulates the criteria for identifying a superior man, emphasizing trustworthiness and steadfastness in principle. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/vii) The philosopher Tsǎng delivers a discourse on the qualities required of an officer. ### [Book XI: Hsien Tsin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/book-xi-hsien-tsin) Described as dull, but also associated with the philosophical dialogue on the Master's approval of Tien's wishes. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/xvii) Described as dull. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/xxv) Describes a peaceful spring scene of bathing, enjoying breezes, and singing, which Confucius approves, highlighting his appreciation for simplicity and harmony. ### [Book XII: Yen Yüan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/book-xii-yen-y-an) States that the superior man meets with friends through culture and helps virtue through friendship. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/xxiv) Speaker of the passage, emphasizing the role of culture and friendship in moral development. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/xxviii) The philosopher Tsǎng delivers a concise teaching on the superior man's mental discipline. ### [Book XVI: Ke She](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/book-xvi-ke-she) Not directly mentioned in this chapter, but his presence is implied through the context of Confucius's teachings. ### [Book XIX: Tsze-Chang](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/book-xix-tsze-chang) Quotes the Master on mourning and filial piety, and advises on the role of a judge. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/xvi) The philosopher Tsǎng comments on Chang's imposing manner. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/xvii) Recalls a teaching from the Master about mourning for parents. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/xviii) Quotes Confucius on the filial piety of Mǎng Chwang. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/chapters/xix) The philosopher Tsǎng advises Yang Fû on the proper attitude for a judge, emphasizing compassion over pride. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/characters/tsang-shen - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/analects_se/characters