1. Chinese Literature 1000 B.C.- A.D. 1890
Know contentment
And you will suffer no disgrace;
Know when to stop
And you will meet with no danger.
You can then endure. - the Tao Te Ching

2. Chinese 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 B.C 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.

3. Literary 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.

4. Chinese 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.

5. Cultural Context
Chinese attitudes & beliefs were shaped by 3 religious and philosophical schools:
Taoism
Confucianism
Buddhism

6. Taoism 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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)

12. Karma 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