Zeng Ji, a prominent figure of the Song Dynasty, played a crucial role in the development of Neo-Confucianism, a philosophical and intellectual movement that profoundly influenced Chinese thought and culture. His contributions to the Three What Path, which includes the concepts of "What is the Way?" (tong zhi), "What is the Mind?" (tong xin), and "What is Learning?" (tong xue), are particularly significant. Zeng Ji's teachings emphasized the importance of self-cultivation and moral rectitude, advocating for a direct experience of the Way through introspection and ethical living.

The influence of Zeng Ji's philosophy can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, his teachings provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between the individual and the cosmos, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things. This holistic view resonated with many during a time of political instability and social upheaval, offering a sense of order and purpose. According to a study by Kuhn (2002), Zeng Ji's emphasis on moral cultivation and self-improvement contributed to the rise of Neo-Confucianism as a dominant intellectual and cultural force in China.

Secondly, Zeng Ji's interpretation of Confucian classics, particularly the "Analects," provided a new perspective on the teachings of Confucius. He emphasized the importance of the heart-mind (xin) as the central organ of moral perception and action, which was a departure from the more ritualistic and textual approaches of earlier Confucian scholars. This focus on the heart-mind led to a more introspective and personal approach to understanding and practicing Confucian ethics. As noted by Huang (2008), Zeng Ji's emphasis on the heart-mind was instrumental in shaping the Neo-Confucian understanding of moral self-cultivation.

Furthermore, Zeng Ji's teachings were instrumental in the development of the concept of "li" (rhythm or order), which became a central tenet of Neo-Confucianism. He argued that the Way was not only a moral principle but also a cosmic order that could be experienced through proper self-cultivation. This understanding of "li" as both moral and cosmic order provided a sense of purpose and direction for individuals and society as a whole. According to a study by Ho (2000), Zeng Ji's integration of moral and cosmic order in the concept of "li" was a pivotal development in the history of Chinese thought.

In conclusion, Zeng Ji's contributions to the Three What Path in Neo-Confucianism were significant due to their emphasis on self-cultivation, moral rectitude, and the interconnectedness of all things. His teachings provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between the individual and the cosmos, offering a sense of order and purpose during a time of political and social upheaval. The influence of Zeng Ji's philosophy can be seen in the rise of Neo-Confucianism as a dominant intellectual and cultural force in China, as well as in the development of key concepts such as the heart-mind and the cosmic order of "li.