Intergration Makes Unity:The Study On Leisure Culture Of The Han Literati In Qing Dynasty In Xinjiang

Chinese tradition is known all along as advocating leisure culture,and Chinese literati are eager for a carefree life that is instinct with romantic atmosphere.Traditional literati,being engaged in or standing aloof from social affairs,always aspire to experiencing a tranquil and agreeable life of spiritual dimension.The Han literati in Xinjiang of the Qing period,whose ideas of leisure life is similar to the ideas of the Han literati in the hinterland,have shown their peculiarity and novelty in this respect.This dissertation inquires into the ways,intelligence and values of the leisure thoughts of the elite in Xinjiang of the Qing period,and into the far-reaching influence on the harmonious society of contemporary Xinjiang.Accordingly,the dissertation analyzes four topics in order:(1)the basis of leisure culture,(2)the groups of leisure culture,(3)the life style of leisure,and(4)the spiritual levels of leisure life.Natural environment and racial combination in Xinjiang of the Qing period provided the good foundations for leisure culture.In Xinjiang(or the so-called the Western Regions)of the Qing period,there were many beautiful and fertile oases except deserts,on the grounds of which an excellent environment was set,and then,the population and its combinations constructed the framework of leisure culture.Leisure culture of Xinjiang in the Qing period was originated in the political,economic,and thought backgrounds.The government of the Qing Dynasty settled a stable political situation for leisure life of the residents.The economic advancement of Xinjiang,including farming and animal husbandry,handiwork,and successful urbanization etc.,offered a firm and flourishing condition.The thought requirement of appreciating on,aspiring after,and cherishing for leisure life reflected the leisure mentality of the literati,particularly the Han intellects,in the Qing periodAt that time,the literati in Xinjiang consisted of the dispatched government officials,the exiled penal criminals,the military staffs,and the local intellects,whose writings represented the contents in detail of leisure culture.The Han intellects in that area comprised the main community which enjoyed leisure life and enriched leisure culture on the material or mental levels.Commonplace materials,roughly speaking,dissipate poetic intension,and spiritual elevation,on the contrary,is just the essence of culture.However,the literati in Xinjiang of the Qing period added to their daily routine a savour,a poetic quality or flavor that was vividly expressed through their exquisite writings.Their elegant aesthetic taste was exemplified by the various leisure activities in their everyday life.The philosophy of leisure in Chinese tradition emphasizes comprehensive harmony between physical body and spiritual dimension,between human and nature,and between a man and others.Psychology of Chinese literati is restored eventually to the tranquility of one's own mind and the coherence of individual life through leisure activities.At leisure,the literati in Xinjiang of the Qing period cultivated their own self,encountered nature as friend,and enhance cultural values.The philosophical significance of leisure is manifested ultimately in the idea of "the harmonious union," within which everything fits congenially.That idea points out how the literati appreciated,experienced and practiced leisure.The leisure culture of Xinjiang in the Qing period initiated and led to advance total culture and economy,though its delicateness cannot yet compare with those of the capital and Jiangsu-Zhejiang area.The dissertation that investigates it can help in practice to regulate contemporary leisure culture,to develop multi-cultural society and continue to let Han culture guide Xinjiang culture.