Chinese Shih Poetry And Philosophy Essay -- essays research papers

Since the beginning of time, human race has sought to explain the human beings almost him. This is called philosophy, a Greek word which means "love of wisdom." However, oer the millennia it has come to mean much much. The philosophies of the ancient Chinese people, whether they explain spirit 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(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 sentiwork forcet Taoism and Confucianism. Poets such as Tu Fu and Po Ch-i expressed the ideas of Taoism and Confucianism, respectively, while their checkmate poet Tao Chien expressed both, through their poetry.     Confucianism is based on the ideas of Confucius, the man who gave the school of notion its name. The main goal of Confucianists w as to return a gentlemanly society to China. The centre of Confucianism concerned social structure. Confucius taught that a man should respect and obey those of higher(prenominal) 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 benignity in those inferior to them. At the same time, those in high consideration were expected to lead virtuous lives, and to tick off 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 inwardness shows a comparison between Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and the views on life and death of each. A lighten up example of Confucian be liefs can 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 endorses the fact that Confucianists do not believe in reincarnation. Also, in his Poem on returning(a) 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 gild 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, nevertheless should "go where Fate leads Drift on the Stream of Infinite hang" and "make as little fuss as you can," when death lastly 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 Ch-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 maven of calm from reading their poems. These poems have passed the test of time, and have not withstand 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.