Chinese Shih Poetry and Philosophy
Since the beginning of time, man has sought to explain the world around him. This is called philosophy, a Greek word which means "love of wisdom." However, over the millennia it has come to mean much more. The philosophies of the ancient Chinese people, whether they explain nature or present ways to live a just life, became so complex that simple prose could not suitably express their meaning. Yet paradoxically, the simpler, less exact form of poetry does put forth the ideas. Nowhere is this more exemplified than in the literature pertaining to the two major schools of ancient Chinese thought; Taoism and Confucianism. Poets such as Tu Fu and Po Chu-i expressed the ideas of Taoism and Confucianism, respectively, while their fellow poet T'ao Ch'ien expressed both, through their poetry. Confucianism is based on the ideas of Confucius, the man who gave the school of thought its name. The main goal of Confucianists was to return a gentlemanly society to China. The core of Confucianism concerned social structure. Confucius taught that a man should respect and obey those of higher rank than himself, whether they be the father of a family, or the emperor of a nation. But even with absolute obedience, Confucianists believed th
Besides being open minded to the ideas of Confucianism and Buddhism, T'ao Ch'ien was also an ardent Taoist. His Taoist poetry about attaining tranquillity and serenity are at great contrast with the world around him, which was full of chaos and turmoil. In the final section of the poem Substance, Shadow, and Spirit he discusses the Taoist view, which is that one should not worry about death, but should "go where Fate leads - Drift on the Stream of Infinite Flux" and "make as little fuss as you can," when death finally comes. His Poem on Returning to Dwell in the County also shows Taoist ideas on simplicity, and following the way of nature. Passages such as "Long I have loved to stroll among the hills and marshes, / And take my pleasure roaming the woods and fields," demonstrate the Taoist love for nature. at men should practice restraint and benevolence in those inferior to them. At the same time, those in high status were expected to lead virtuous lives, and to set examples for those that followed them. Confucianists believed that the moral code of man was set down by heaven, and if those in positions of authority did not set good examples, then they would deposed by the forces of heaven. Centuries after T'ao Ch'ien wrote his poems on Confucianism, Po Chu-i added his take on the ancient philosophy. Unlike other Chinese poets, Po Chu-i was very realistic, and very direct; writing not about landscapes and mountain peaks, but about the normal experiences of life. For instance, Sick Leave, demonstrates Confucianism in that the speaker shows utter dedication to his position; enough to work himself to illness. The speaker, even after becoming sick from overwork, regrets that he cannot be working.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1160
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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