Shi Pin Ji Jie, Xu Shi Pin Zhu

Author: (Tang) Sikongtu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: These two collections of poetic critiques, though distinguished in their purpose, differ in nature and content. One can be understood intuitively yet is not easily explained, while the other is straightforward and clear, requiring little interpretation. Therefore, I have adopted different approaches to annotating them. For one, I have selected ancient interpretations, as they resonate closely and are often clearer than verbose explanations. For the other, I have followed Yuan’s annotations, including Yuan’s "Poetry Talks from the Garden," to highlight the essence. Why does Sikongtu emphasize the "sublime realm" in his poetic critiques? In fact, one can trace some origins of this concept in the poetic principles of Tang Dynasty poets. The ancients often compared Li Bai and Du Fu to rice and wheat, respectively. Du Fu’s poetry was practical, making him the "sage of poetry"; Li Bai’s was expansive, likening him to the "immortal of poetry." Wang Yuyang then paired Wang Wei with Du Fu, as Du Fu’s poetry was rich in subtle beauty beyond mere meaning, existing in a realm of "not immediate yet not distant," thus elevating him to the status of the "Buddha of poetry." Why does Sikongtu emphasize the "sublime realm" in his poetic critiques? In fact, one can trace some origins of this concept in the poetic principles of Tang Dynasty poets. The ancients often compared Li Bai and Du Fu to rice and wheat, respectively. Du Fu’s poetry was practical, making him the "sage of poetry"; Li Bai’s was expansive, likening him to the "immortal of poetry." Wang Yuyang then paired Wang Wei with Du Fu, as Du Fu’s poetry was rich in subtle beauty beyond mere meaning, existing in a realm of "not immediate yet not distant," thus elevating him to the status of the "Buddha of poetry."