The Wei-Jin and Northern and Southern Dynasties represent one of the most tumultuous periods in Chinese history, marked by frequent warfare and social upheaval, leading to a sense of uncertainty regarding the societal status among intellectuals. Particularly during the Eastern Jin period, the stability of the aristocratic class wavered, prompting intellectuals to increasingly rely on their spiritual lives and entrust their destinies to transcendental pursuits. The shift from the original concerns of harmonizing "「名教」name-learning" and "nature" transformed into a pursuit of transcendence through cultivating "moral integrity" (風骨) and "self-awareness" (自覺). This paper primarily investigates how Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist ideologies provided avenues for the aristocratic class to transcend the challenges of their contemporary reality. The focus is on examining the assimilation of philosophical ideas and their impact on the evolution of values and perspectives on life. The central inquiry of this dissertation revolves around the exploration of the Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist spiritual confluence within the ideological framework of the Lanting Poetry. The study focuses on 37 poems collectively known as the Lanting Collection, along with Wang Xizhi's “Preface to the Lanting’s Poems” and Sun Chuo's “Preface to the Lantin’s Poems.” Through a comprehensive analysis of the Lanting Poetry's content, the study aims to reveal the spiritual interconnectedness that exists among Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist ideologies in shaping views on the universe, life, and aesthetics within the poetic realm of the Lanting Collection. This research adopts a methodology combining close textual analysis and historical research to delve into the literary nuances of Lanting Poetry. Through meticulous examination and interpretation of the text, the study analyzes and synthesizes the meanings derived from the text. Employing literary reading and criticism, alongside an exploration of the evolution of dynasties and poetic composition, the research seeks to elucidate the literary expressions within the Lanting Poetry. By closely examining the words, phrases, structure, and rhetoric within the poems, the study aims to comprehend the poet's artistic intentions and emotions, unraveling the esoteric meanings and artistic styles embedded in the poetic works.
This study further interprets the significance of the Wei-Jin Lanting Poetry, this academic discourse delves into the integrated connotations of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist spirits within the poem. Through the elegant gatherings and collective creations facilitated by the interactions between literati, Taoist priests, and monks, the analysis explores the implications and activities associated with the Lanting event. It aims to investigate the roots of subsequent literati groups and poetry societies. Research indicates that the Lanting poetry embodies the convergence of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist ideologies in its thematic content, marking a crucial milestone in the developmental history of Chinese literature. This consolidation establishes a shift in poetic aesthetics from profound discourse to landscape representation, elucidating the influence of Buddhist thought on the Eastern Jin poetry's reverence for nature and promotion of an attitude towards the mind and essence.
This dissertation is divided into six chapters. Chapter One introduces the research questions, objectives, scope, methodology, and outcomes. Chapter Two examines the dissemination of Buddhism in East and Central Asia, elucidating the transformation of imagery in the Lanting’s poems. Chapter Three scrutinizes the collective spirit of the Lanting poets and its impact on the evolution of poetic style. Chapter Four explores the inclusive ideology of Lanting’s poems, transcending and pursuing profound discourse in mystical poetry. Chapter Five consolidates and presents the confluence of Buddhist principles in both the “Lanting’s Poems” and the “Lanting’s Poems Preface." Chapter Six concludes the research findings, providing an overview of the study and outlining future research directions. By examining the historical context of the Lanting poems and the literati community, it is asserted that the Lanting poetry is closely related to the socio-cultural changes during the Wei and Jin periods. Influenced by Daoist and Buddhist philosophies, Confucian thought in this era transformed, leading to the convergence of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist ideologies in the Lanting poetry, thereby establishing a new spiritual realm. The metaphysical studies of the Wei and Jin dynasties profoundly influenced the creative endeavors of literati. Given the backdrop of the transformation faced by Confucianism and the initial introduction of Buddhism to the East, a confluence of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist ideologies emerged during the interactions of these three philosophical traditions, creating a dynamic of mutual influence. Influenced by metaphysical studies, individuals like Shidun aligned themselves with this intellectual movement, employing metaphysical concepts to expound on scriptures and doctrines. In literary creation, some works assimilate Daoist and Buddhist themes. Through poetry that integrates metaphysical concepts with the aesthetic sentiments of Daoism and Buddhism, the analysis explores the approach to the issues of life and death, illustrating the incorporation of metaphysical discourse into Buddhist concepts. This not only deepens and enriches the philosophical implications of Buddhism but also manifests a convergence of thought that intertwines Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist perspectives. This research thus embarks on an exploration of the Lanting’s poems from the Wei and Jin dynasties, interpreting the phenomenon of philosophical convergence rooted in Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist thought.