Daoism and Its Influence on Literature (Revised Edition)

Author: Li Shenglong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Whether in times of decline or prosperity, Taoism has promoted the development of literature and art. In times of decline, literati used Taoism to heal their wounds, while in prosperous times, they employed it to enhance their boldness. Though both influenced by Taoism, the literature and art produced in times of decline and prosperity appear similar in form but differ in essence. This book comprehensively explores the impact of Taoism on literature from various perspectives.
The "Dao" of Taoism originally meant a path. A path has a starting point, a destination, and a process of connecting one point to another. The "Dao" of Taoism is abstracted and elevated from these meanings of a path. Taoists use the word "Great" to praise it, calling it the "Great Dao." The "Great Dao" is both the origin and the destination of all things in heaven and earth, as well as the process of evolution and the law of development for all things. As one of all things, humans are naturally subject to the dominion of the "Great Dao."
Taoism's interpretation of the "Dao" tends to naturalize culture and de-naturalize nature. However, its ultimate focus remains on human culture, merely emphasizing that human culture should be rooted in nature and should follow its example.
The author has been engaged in Taoist studies for over twenty years. In 1992, he published On the Theory of Wuwei; in 1998, he published Taoism and Its Influence on Literature; and in 2000, he published the novel The Tale of Taoism. When Yue Lu Publishing House reprinted Taoism and Its Influence on Literature, the author made significant revisions to further perfect the work.