Chinese Shih Poetry And Philosophy Essay -- essays research papers

Since the beginning of time, spell has sought to explain the world around him. This is called philosophy, a Greek word which bastardlys "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 study schools of ancient Chinese thought Taoism and Confucianism. Poets such as Tu Fu and Po Ch-i expressed the ideas of Taoism and Confucianism, respectively, while their fellow poet Tao Chien 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 observe 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 that men should practice restraint and beneficence in those inferior to them. At the said(prenominal) time, those in high status were expected to lead virtuous lives, and to redact 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. One of the first great Chinese poets to write of Confucianism was Tao Chien. Tao Chiens poem Substance, Shadow, and Spirit shows a comparison between Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and the views on life and death of each. A clear example of Confucian beliefs stern be taken from this poem. He states, &q uotLet us strive and labor while yet we may / To do some deed that men leave alone praise." This clearly demonstrates the fact that Confucianists do not believe in reincarnation. Also, in his meter on Returning to Dwell in the Country, Tao Chien writes, "In the same world men lead different lives / Some at the court, some in the marketplace." These lines illustrate that for every man there is a place in an ... ...orld 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, that 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 love to stroll among the hills and marshes, / And take my pleasure roaming the woods and fields," demonstrate the Taoist love for nature.     Poets such as Po Ch-i presented the ideas of in a form that better force the common man, and carried their ideas crystal clear to the intellectuals. His fellow poets, Tao Chien and Tu Fu presented images of nature so intense, that the reader could gain a sense of calm from reading their poems. These poems have passed the shew of time, and have not weathered the slightest. The followers of these schools were gifted enough to state their beliefs in poetry so vivid that they still enlighten lovers of wisdom today.