Chinese Shih Poetry and Philos Essay

Since the beginning of time, adult male has sought to explain the ground some him. This is called philosophy, a Greek word which means love of wisdom. However, e very(prenominal)place the millennia it has come to mean a great deal more than. The philosophies of the ancient Chinese people, whether they explain genius or show up ways to live a and life, became so complex that simple prose could not suitably express their meaning. Yet paradoxically, the simpler, less(prenominal) 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 intellection Taoism and Confucianism.Poets such as Tu Fu and Po Chu-i expressed the ideas of Taoism and Confucianism, heedively, while their broncobuster poet Tao Chien expressed both, through their poetry. Confucianism is based on the ideas of Confucius, the man who gave the school of estimate its name. The master(prenominal) goal of Confuci anists was to return a gentlemanly society to China. The shopping mall of Confucianism concerned social structure. Confucius taught that a man should respect and obey those of high 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 hands should practice restraint and munificence in those inferior to them. At the same time, those in high view were expected to lead virtuous lives, and to represent examples for those that followed them. Confucianists believed that the moral code of man was set down by heaven, and if those in linear perspectives of authority did not set good examples, then they would deposed by the forces of heaven. One of the first great Chinese poets to lay aside of Confucianism was Tao Chien.Tao Chiens poem Substance, Shadow, and tonicity shows a comparison between Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and the views on life and death of each. A clean example of Confuc ian beliefs force out be taken from this poem. He states, allow us strive and labor while yet we may / To do some deed that men will praise. This clearly confronts the fact that Confucianists do not believe in reincarnation. Also, in his Poem 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 course of instructions dilate that for every man there is a place in an organise Confucian society. Taoism, along with Confucianism, is one of the most ancient ideas in Chinese philosophy. The first known Taoist master was the ancient figure Lao Tzu. Perplexed by Chinese politics in his day, Lao Tzu aforethought(ip) to leave Chinese society for the wilderness of western China. But, before he could do this, he was stopped by a man who asked him to write down all of his ideas and beliefs. The result was the Tao Te Ching, or the Book of the truth of the Way. The book set forth the basic id eas of Taoism that is, following the Tao, or the Way.The main goal of Taoists was to live in harmony with the natural world or so them, and to rid themselves of materialistic desires. The primary concern for Taoists like Lao Tzu was to hear the way of the world, and to use that knowledge for self-preservation. One of the greatest poets in Chinese history to demonstrate Taoism in his poetry was Tu Fu. One example can be found in the poem that he Sent to Li Po as a Gift. At the end of the poem, he closes his depicted object to Li Po this way, Your days pass in emptiness, / Your nature is a sptakeing fire, / It is swift and strenuous./ But what does all this bravery amount to? This shows a Taoist idea that man should not put too much effort into life, and should simply follow where fate leads. Tu Fu is telling his friend that he lives in simplicity, yet he lives in excess of those simple things something that Taoist should not do. Loneliness is another poem where Tu Fu shows his Ta oist beliefs. The eighth line reads, The processes of nature resemble the business of men. This shows that the Way of nature is ever present all through the universe, even in the business of man.This even goes dorsum to Lao Tzu, who felt that one could use Taoism to rule a just and ordered government. Centuries after Tao Chien 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 to the highest degree landscapes and mountain peaks, still about the normal experiences of life. For instance, Sick Leave, demonstrates Confucianism in that the talker 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.Last Poem shows examples of Confucianist relationships. For instance, the speakers grandchildren read him a book a task they do out of respect and love for their gra ndfather. Also, his servants show their respect to their master by heating his soup. Finally, the speaker shows his regard for the relationships with his friends by frantically replying to their letters. Besides being open object to the ideas of Confucianism and Buddhism, Tao Chien was also an ardent Taoist. His Taoist poetry about attaining heartsease 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 merge and make as little fuss as you can, when death at last 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.Poets such as Po Chu-i presented the ideas of in a form that better impacted 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 scent out of calm from reading their poems. These poems have passed the test of time, and have not defy 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.