On The Image Of Chinese Classical Poetry

In both Ancient Chinese Philosophy and Classical Chinese literature, "Ti"(soma) and "Xiang"(Image) have been the focus of attention in all ages. However, less attention has been paid on merging two concepts into one integrative concept and most of the previous researches tend to concentrate more on the area of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Sports Science.In 2012, an article entitled "Classical Chinese Theory of Ti-xiang" in Dr. Tianyi Zhao’s paper brought forward for the first time the Chinese classical "Theory of Ti-xiang" in the field of philosophy and aesthetics. The article argues that the foundation of "Ti-xiang" is laid upon "Ti", namely soma and mind. The key of "Ti-xiang" is "Xiang", meaning imitating and apperception, and the aim of "Ti-xiang" is attributed to "Sheng", which emphasizes the value of life and the law of nature. Meanwhile, the article also points out that "Consistency of Ti and Xiang" represents "Ti" and "Xiang" serving as mutual foundation to each other and indicates the unification of ego and practice. The "Three elements of Ti Xiang" states the interaction of "Ti", "Xiang" and "Wo"(ego). The "Ti Xiang" has three levels:"Xiao Xiang", "Zhong Xiang" and "Da Xiang", meaning "Imitating objects", "Imitating sages" and "Imitating nature" respectively.On the above basis, this paper discusses the relationship between "Ti-xiang" and the traditional Chinese ideology. From the perspective of Confucianism, "Ti-xiang" is closely related to the origin of<Zhouyi> (the first of "Six Classics") - "looking up and down", "getting inspirations and quoting biological and universal signs from observing human bodies and the universe" and content of "Xian Hexagram". In addition to that, "Li", the core of Confucianism, is also considered as a representation of human being understanding the law of nature. Furthermore, the classical "Theory of Ti-xiang" can be linked closely to Buddhism. Either the origin of Buddhism thoughts, which stems from Sakyamuni’s perception of life and death or the general practice and inheritance of Buddhism, is proceeded from human body. From the perspective of Taoism, Taoism thoughts are based on the Lao-zi’s summary of historical experiences as Taoists originally consist of official historians. That is, Taoism thoughts represent the historical changes of’Ti’ and the ’Xiang’ of the law of nature.Due to the close relation between "Theory of Ti-xiang" and traditional Chinese ideology, the theory’s impact on Ancient Chinese Literature is significant. The Classical Chinese Literature falls under the category of "Soma Literature", which represents ancient people’s understanding and experience of life. On this basis, the paper discusses the origin of Classical Chinese Poetry by referring to Theory of Sorcery, Theory of Religion, Theory of games, Labor Theory and Self-expression Theory in the beginning and attempts to explain the origin of Classical Chinese Poetry by the Theory of Ti-xiang.The "Theory of Ti-xiang" is built on the ego. It imitates the law of nature through observing and following movements in the universe. In Classical Chinese Poetry, the change of poetic forms can be illustrated from the perspective of "Ti-xiang". The evolution from "Poem" to "Ci" and "Qu" dues to not only the changes of poetry but also the impact of the variety of external environment. The "Theory of Ti-xiang" interprets these variances as the conscious developments of poetry conducted by ancient people in order to adapt to external changes.The "Theory of Ti-xiang" has existed since ancient, yet is still evolving. With the guidance of this theory, there is enormous scope to interprets and understand classical poetries. This paper is merely an attempt at developing the new theory.