LESSON 3

CHINA: RED DRAGON OF THE EAST

The moon rounds the red mansion
Stoops to silk-pad doors
Shines upon the sleepless
Bearing no grudge
Why does the moon tend to be full when people are apart?

-Su Tungpo (Song Dynasty)

The People's Republic of China is an East Asian country with the biggest landmass and population in all
of Asia. It covers 22 provinces, 55 independent regions, 4 municipalities (Tianjin, Shanghai, Beijing,
Chongqing), and 2 special administrative regions (Macau and Hong Kong) all make up the 33
administrative units under its central government also has an extremely diverse topography and
complex climate. It houses both the highest and one of the lowest spots on Earth. Its varied landforms
range from steep terrains to massive coastal areas while the climate varies from desert-like conditions to
tropical monsoons.

As the country boasts its economy and resources, Chinese literature is also one of the chief literary
traditions of the world having a history of over 3, 000 years. Much of the literary works utilized the
Classical Chinese which is the formal written language. Even the country's downfalls by non-Han Chinese
ethnic groups went futile in interrupting this literary development. On the contrary, conquerors went
through the process of acculturation. Cultural contacts paved the way to the profound influence of
Chinese literature over countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. These countries implemented the
Chinese script into their written languages. Various writers even embraced the Chinese language in their
writings earlier than the 20th century.

Chinese literature ranges from philosophical and religious writings, fiction, scientific writings, and
poetry, its major genre. Its history was framed by the different dynastic eras which brought various
contributions to its entirety.

In this Lesson, with the aid of representative literary pieces and short exercises, you are expected to:
a. review the characteristics of Chinese literature;
b. compare and contrast Chinese literary tradition to other literatures tackled; and
c. annotate a Chinese poem.

Igniting Interest
Unscramble the letters to form word/s described in each item. Write your answers on the blanks
provided for.
1. It refers to the art of writing Chinese characters, combining visual art and literary interpretation.
NCEESHI GCPRAALILYH__________________________
2. He is a Chinese teacher, philosopher, and political figure also known as K'ung Fu-tzu.
OUNUSICCF___________________________________
3. It is a relational principle in Chinese culture that means there are two complementing and opposing
forces in the universe like sun and moon, good and bad, male and female.
INY NAD NAGY_________________________________
4. It is one of the tourist spots in China composed of warrior statues guarding the tomb of China's first
emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
OARTRTAEC MARY______________________________
5. If translated to English, it means wind and water. Chinese believed that it brings good or bad fortune
and is based on the Taoist principles of nature.
EGNF ISUH____________________________________

Did you get all items correct? If yes, then you probably know some aspects of Chinese culture. Let's learn
more and be immersed in the rich Chinese literary tradition!

Guiding Light
Along the Yellow river during the Shang era, Chinese civilization was born. It was throughout the Shang
Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BC) that historical records were preserved. The very first Chinese inscriptions
were in the form of oracle bones and bronze wares found in a minor territory in northern central China.
Then, the Zhou Dynasty (104S-255 BC) dominated the Shang Dynasty and ruled for about 800 years. This
period was divided into the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), Spring and Autumn Era (770-476
BC), and Warring States Period (475-221 BC).

Taoism, Confucianism, and other influential philosophical and religious belief which later became the
basis of Chinese principles developed in this period. A more powerful and controlling emperor followed
in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). The Qin emperor caused the literary tragedy and the implementation
of Legalism. Literature books were burned leaving only written materials on agriculture and medicine to
survive. Confucian teachers and philosophers were executed. The emperor also ordered the reduction of
One Hundred Schools of Thought into one. The sole philosophy let was Legalism, a belief on maintaining
social control and justifying strong government rule. Nevertheless, this era's contributions to Literature
were Legalism writings and standardization of written classical language.

Beter literary conditions followed as the Qin Empire was overthrown by the Han Dynasty (206-220 AD),
This period brought the restoration of Confucianism and was later blended with Legalism. The
subsequent ideology became the official philosophy of the current dynasty. Historical Records, a book on
China's general history from before Shang Dynasty to Han Dynasty, was written by Sima Qian. Another
contribution of this era is the invention of writing paper by Cai Lun (50-121). Poets Li Bai and Dufu were
great influences of the succeeding period, the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Both are considered as greatest
poets of China. Li Bai (701-762) made no less than a thousand poems expressing various subjects like
politics and nature. Du Fu (712-770 AD) also penned over a thousand poems about unfortunate realities
of warfare, aboriginal rural life, and death of people next to powerful rulers. Though the next dynasty
was frail compared to Tang Dynasty, it still made significant technical and scientific developments. The
Song Dynasty (960-1279) was divided into Northern Song (960-1127) and Southern Song (1127-1279).
During this period, the discovery of movable type paved the way to quicker and cheaper publication of
printed materials. Travel literature was also widespread as authors documented their trips to different
destinations and these pieces can be bought cheaply. The Confucian Classics: the Five Classics (The Book
of Changes, The Record of Rites, The Classic Poetry The Spring and Autumn Annals, and The Classic of
History) and the Four Books (The Analects of Confucius, The Doctrine of the Mean, Mencius, and The
Great Learning) were codified and were utilized as texts needed to pass a test for China's bureaucracy.
Song technicians achieved numerous advancements in mechanical engineering. Scientific articles in
different fields especially their researches were written by Su Song (1020-1101) and Shen Kuo (1031-
1095). Song also penned a paper about botany, zoology, and medicine titled, Bencao Tujing. A poet from
the Southern Song named Lu had written about 10,000 poems while the great poet of Northern Song
was considered as Su Tungpo.
The Mongols with their huge empire, large population and army, and technology established the
prosperous Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) in China. As an entertainment in camps, shadow puppet plays
were held by casting shadows of dolls and puppets on a sheet using a lamp. Vernacular language was
used in these plays especially in wealthy dynastic courts. The puppet drama led to the development of
operatic theater. Finest scripts were written by playwrights like Guan Hanqing (Midsummer Snow) and
Wang Shifu (The Romance of the Western Chamber). Another noteworthy literary piece during this
period was the novel. The Roman of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guan Zhong and Water Margin by Shi
Nai An were two of the best novels in Chinese literary tradition. Scholars debated about the Water
Margins authorship and stated that it was a collaboration between Shi Nai An and Luo Guan Zhong.
Though the Chinese did not rule during the Yuan Empire, the era still contributed outstanding
developments in history and literature. The Zaju style of opera during this period cultivated thrilling
plots, sophisticated actions, dance, and music, and extravagant costumes which the Mongols adored.

The Ming Empire (1368-1644) started when the Chinese fought against the Mongols. Novels flourished
in this era. The Journey to the West book about a monk and his travel to India was penned during this
time of Isolation. Isolationists were Muslims employed by the Ming Empire to explore the Middle East,
Indian Ocean, and Africa. The book utilized the vernacular and associated India with immorality and
gross sin. This period's literary trend was to imitate Tang and Han Dynasties’ literature and write using
the Classical Chinese.

Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the last of Chinese royal dynasties was brought by Manchus who came from
the tribal-ethnic group, Jurchens. Though they were not Han-Chinese, the Manchus maintained the Neo-
Confucian government system from the Song and Ming periods. As the Qing Empire experienced both
internal rebellions and foreign attacks, its people became familiar to foreign literature and the culture of
the West in the 19 th century. The last piece of China's four most prominent classic novels, Dream of the
Red Chamber, was written during the middle of the era. This novel utilized the Mandarin language and
was possibly written by Cao Xueqin. Another writer was to have finished the book and published it in the
late 1700s. At the end of the period, Western culture influenced the educated Chinese to study abroad
and translate and produce foreign literature.

A revolution to end the rule of Chinese dynasties was led by Sun Yat-sen in 1911. The transformation of
government led to the modification in literature. Westernized literature without much use of classical
language flourished. Women were more empowered, foreign literature could be easily accessed, and
education opportunities abroad were offered. In 1923, writers expressed their desire of leading China's
transformation from following the Confucian way of life to becoming westernized through the New
Culture Movement. The Communist victory during the Chinese Civil War in 1945-1949 caused
restrictions and control in literature.

Reading Lamp
Confucius or Kung Fu-Tze is China's most notable philosopher, teacher, and leader whose ideology,
Confucianism, influenced the country. His work, The Analects of Confucius, is a collection of short
passages that present Confucius and s disciples' words and ideals. characterize Confucius as a man, and
narrate some events in Confucius’ life.

Key terms and translations: (Eno, 1-4)

1. Junzi - denotes an ideal moral actor or a ruler
2. Dao - the 'Way' or any fully conceived behavioral path
3. Ren - rendered as humanity or goodness
4. Li - body of religious, political, and common ceremonial forms

The Analects of Confucius (Book 1)

Translated by Robert Eno

1.1. The Master said: To study and at due times practice what one has studied, is this not a pleasure?
When friends come from distant places, is this not joy? To remain unsoured when his talents are
unrecognized, is this not a junzi?

1.2. Master You said: It is rare to find a person who is filial to his parents and respectful of his elders, yet
who likes to oppose his ruling superior. And never has there been one who does not like opposing
his ruler who has raised a rebellion. The junzi works on the root – once the root is planted, the dao is
born. Filiality and respect for elders, are these not the roots of ren?

1.3. The Master said: Those of crafty words and ingratiating expression are rarely ren.

1.4. Master Zeng said: Each day I examine myself upon three points. In planning for others, have I been
loyal? In company with friends, have I been trustworthy? And have I practiced what has been passed
on to me?

1.5. The Master said: To guide a state great enough to possess a thousand war chariots: be attentive to
affairs and trustworthy: regulate expenditures and treat persons as valuable; employ the people
according to the proper season.

1.6. The Master said: A young man should be filial within his home and respectful of elders when
outside, should be careful and trustworthy, broadly caring of people at large, and should cleave to
those who are ren. If he has energy left over, he may study the refinements of culture (wen).

1.7. Zixia said: If a person treats worthy people as worthy and so alters his expression, exerts all his effort
when serving his parents, exhausts himself when serving his lord, and is trustworthy in keeping his
word when in the company of friends, though others may say he is not yet others may say he is not
yet learned, I would call him learned.

1.8. The Master said: If a junzi is not serious he will not be held in awe. If you study you will not be crude.
Take loyalty and trustworthiness as the pivot and have no friends who are not like yourself in this. If
you err, do not be afraid to correct yourself.

1.9. Master Zeng said: Devote care to life's end and pursue respect for the distant dead; in this way, the
virtue of the people will return to fullness.

1.10. Ziqin asked Zigong, “When our Master travels to a state, he always learns the affairs of its
government. Does he seek out the information. or do people give it to him of their own accord?"
Zigong said, "Our Master obtains this information by being friendly, straightforward. reverential,
frugal, and modest. The way our Master seeks things is different from the way others do!"

1.11. The Master said: When the father is alive, observe the son's intent. When the father dies,
observe the son's conduct. One who does not alter his late father's dao for three years may be called
filial.
1.12. Master You said: In the practice of li, Harmony is the key. In the Dao of the kings of old, this was
the beauty. In all affairs, great and small, follow this. Yet there is one respect in which one does not.
To act in harmony simply because one understands what is harmonious, but not to regulate one's
conduct according to li: indeed, one cannot act in that way.

1.13. Master You said: Trustworthiness is close to righteousness: one's words are tested true.
Reverence is close to li: it keeps shame and disgrace at a distance. One who can accord with these
and not depart from his father's way - such a one may truly be revered.

1.14. The Master said: A junzi is not concerned that food fill his belly: he does not seek comfort in his
residence. If a person is apt in conduct and cautious in speech, stays near those who keep to the dao
and corrects himself thereby, he may be said to love learning.

1.15. Zigong said, "To be poor but never a flatterer; to be wealthy but never arrogant - what would you
say to that?" The Master said, "That's fine, but not so good as: To be poor but joyful; to be wealthy
and love li.” Zigong said, "In the Poetry it says, As though cut, as though chiseled, As though carved,
as though polished. Is that what. you mean?" The Master said, “Ah, Si! - I can finally begin to talk
about the Poetry with him. I tell him what came before and he understands what is coming next."

1.16. The Master said: Do not be concerned that no one recognizes your merits. Be concerned that
you may not recognize others'.

Illuminating Ideas
1. According to Confucius, how should a young man behave?
_____________________________________
2. Based on the Analects of Confucius, when can you call someone learned?
_________________________
3. When is a man considered to be filial?
_____________________________________________________
4. Explain the message of the short poem in
1.12.______________________________________________
5. What is the central theme of the Analects of Confucius, Book 1?
________________________________

Radiating Relevance
A. Compare and contrast the characteristics of Chinese literature to one literary tradition tackled
(African, Egyptian, Arabic) using the Venn diagram.

Chinese Literature __________________

B. Describe Chinese literature in a short-
paragraph.____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

C. Read and annotate the poem based on your interpretation of the author's
message, symbols, and others.

Verses from the Book of Tao

By Lao-Tse
Translated by Lin Yutang

VII. Living for Others

The universe is everlasting.

The reason the universe is everlasting
Is that it does not live for Self.
Therefore it can long endure.
Therefore the Sage puts himself last,
And finds himself in the foremost place,
Regards his body as accidental,
And his body is thereby preserved.
It is not because he does not live for Self
That his Self achieves perfection?