Chinese LiteratureChinese Literature1000 B.C.- A.D. 18901000 B.C.- A.D. 1890

Know contentmentAnd you will suffer no disgrace;

Know when to stopAnd you will meet with no danger.

You can then endure.- the Tao Te Ching

Chinese LiteratureChinese Literature China is the world’s oldest surviving

civilization, lasting well over 3500 years. Chinese history is generally divided into

dynasties, family or group of people who reigned. Shang 1766 B.C.- 1122 B.C. Chou 1122 B.C.- 221B.C. Ch’in 221 B.C.-206 A.D.

Within each dynasty were many small states; however, they were united into one large empire.

Literary ContextLiterary Context Poetry is a part of everyday life throughout the history

of China.

Poets have been among the most highly regarded members of Chinese society.

2nd – 12th centuries A.D. the main Chinese poetic form was the shih (she) Even number of lines, each of which has the same number of

words. Often expressed personal emotions. Many have brooding or troubled tone, but can express elation

or contentment.

Chinese PhilosophyChinese Philosophy Contrast between Chinese and Western

modes of philosophic thinking Western philosophers seek out the being of

things, the essential reality lying behind appearances Chinese principal the establishment and

cultivation of harmonious relationships within their social structures

Chinese thinking is far more concrete, this-worldly and, above all, practical.

Cultural ContextCultural Context

Chinese attitudes & beliefs were shaped by 3 religious and philosophical schools:

• Taoism • Confucianism• Buddhism

TaoismTaoism• Tao- path or the way• Stresses freedom, simplicity & the mystical

contemplation of nature (“Tao”).• Force that controlled the universe.• Beyond the scope of human concerns, but can see its

workings by observing nature.• Avoid human desires • Not educating• Not honoring men of worth or encourage cleaver to

act• Cause jealousy and greed• Opposite of Confucianism

Confucianism Confucianism

• How people act- moral behavior• Social relations based on subordination: family ruled by

authoritarian father, state ruled by authoritarian king.• Respect & obey those with superior status.• However, governed by the concept ren- with a loving

attitude towards others.

Confucianism Confucianism

• Tried to teach students to become true gentlemen- morally & spiritually

• Must conduct oneself in a virtuous manner; those in power serve as models.

• Heaven is the supreme moral authority, which dictates how one must live.

Buddhism Buddhism

To lead a moral life To be mindful and aware of thoughts and

actions To develop wisdom and understanding

Life is sorrow and sorrow is caused by desires Rid self of desires

Does not claim to be God

• Attain enlightenment through meditation

• Solutions to our problems are within ourselves

• Beliefs are incorporated into poetry through symbols, imagery and language of Chinese Literature.

• Quietude and calmness is a central notion in Buddhist thought.

5 Precepts 5 Precepts

Not to take the life of anything living Not to take anything not freely given To abstain from sexual misconduct and sexual

overindulgences Refrain from untrue speech Avoid intoxication (losing mindfulness)

KarmaKarma

The law that everything has a cause and effect Our actions have results

Why handicapped, why gifted People responsible for their past and present

actions