China: Traditions and Transformations

Self-Realization in the Medieval WorldOctober 5, 2007

The Period of Division (220-589)The Southern Dynasties during the Period of Division (center at Jiankang modern Nanjing)Eastern Jin/Chin317-420(Liu) Song/Sung420-475Southern Qi/Ch'i475-502Liang 502-557Chen/Ch'en557-589(north and south were unified by the Sui dynasty in 589.)

Consequences of the loss of the north for dynasties in the south The predominance of military interestsThe weakness of local governmentThe "clan" as a form of social organizationThe great clansThe migr clans of the South

Four Strands in Aristocratic Culture

1."Learning of mystery" (xuanxue/hsuan-hsueh) and "pure conversation" (qingtan/ch'ing t'an)

Philosophical justifications for non-involvement Guo Xiang The interest in personality -- Xi Kang/Hsi Kang and the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove" Fatalism and individuality

Four Strands in Aristocratic Culture2.DaoismThe Celestial Master cultThe "mingling of qi" (energy-and-matter or material force)Elixir Daoism -- Yang Xi and the Maoshan revelations

Four Strands in Aristocratic Culture2.DaoismThe Celestial Master cultThe "mingling of qi" (energy-and-matter or material force)Elixir Daoism -- Yang Xi and the Maoshan revelations

Four Strands in Aristocratic Culture

3. AlchemyInner and Outer AlchemyTheoretical foundations for alchemyAlchemy as an intellectual pursuit

Four Strands in Aristocratic Culture

3. AlchemyInner and Outer AlchemyTheoretical foundations for alchemyAlchemy as an intellectual pursuit

Four Strands in Aristocratic Culture

4. Literary Art

Literary genres -- occasional and personalThe premise and promise of (literary) artWhy write?