Chinese Shih Poetry And Philosophy Essay -- essays research papers

Since the number virtuoso of time, man has sought to explain the world around him. This is called philosophy, a Hellenic word which means "love of wisdom." However, over the millennia it has come to mean practically more. The philosophies of the ancient Chinese people, whether they explain nature or present slip sort to live a just life, became so complex that simple prose could non 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 twain major schools of ancient Chinese thought Taoism and Confucianism. Poets much(prenominal) 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 ground on the ideas of Confucius, the man who gave the school of thought its name. The main goal of Confucianists was to get 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 stick of a family, or the emperor of a nation. But even with haughty obedience, Confucianists believed that men should practice restraint and benevolence in those inferior to them. At the same time, those in high status were expected to lead virgin 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. 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 smoke be taken from this poem. He states, "Let us strive and aim while yet we may / To do some deed that men will praise." This clearly demonstrates the fact that Confucianists do not believe in reincarnation. Also, in his Poem on go to Dwell in the Country, Tao Chien writes, "In the same world men lead different lives / around at the court, some in the marketplace." These lines illustrate that for every man in that respect 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, but should "go where Fate leads mishandle on the Stream of Infinite Flux" and "make as critical 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 subscribe loved to perambulation among the hills and mar shes, / 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 test of time, and have not weathered the slightest. The followers of these schools were gifted affluent to state their beliefs in poetry so vivid that they still educate lovers of wisdom today.