Su Shi's Discussion On Dao And Esthetic Thoughts

Dao is the core category of the Su Shi' s outlook on life, the creation and criticization theory about literature and art. Su Shi' s discussion on Dao based on the original theories of this category in all previous dynasties and the academic thoughts in time of Northern Song Dynasty. The ethical attribute of Dao is denied by Su Shi. He regards the creation of literature and art as a practical way of Dao. Therefore, the connotation of Dao developed by Su Shi here in the traditional proposition that literature and art must express it has much reached the esthetic essence in them. In his sight, Dao is principle of the natural myriad things overall and basis of the comprehensive world. Dao has all kinds of shapes and changes, but its itself is constant, integrated and infinite. This means that it is containing inexhaustible beauties. With consistence to Dao, the disposition that has nothing to do with the good and evil is the source all of human sentiments came from. The conscience is manifested only in each kind of concrete sentiments. The transformation to a esthetic subject lies in becoming aware Dao and saving the natural disposition . If this process once was completed, the esthetic subject will enter into a free and esthetic boundary.