Lin Xiyuan’s Study Of Confucian Classics And Literature

Lin Xiyuan(1481-1565),styled Maozhen,also known by his literary name Ciya,was a native of Tongan,Fujian province.He was mainly active during the Zhengde and Jiajing periods.In politics,he was honest and accomplished a lot.In the study of classics,he dabbles in the four books and five classics,especially the Book of Changes.In literature,distinctive features,quite achievements.This paper focuses on Lin Xiyuan’s study of Confucian classics and literature,and mainly discusses his thoughts on Confucian classics,the characteristics of his poetic creation and the integration between Confucian classics and literature.The thesis is mainly divided into the following four parts:Firstly,Brief introduction of Lin Xiyuan’s life,writings and the background of his time.After entering the civil service,Lin Xiyuan’s commitment to Confucianism and righteousness led him to be relegated several times,but he never wavered in his ambition for his family and country.In addition,as the Ming dynasty entered its middle period,the political situation became increasingly sickly,and the mentality of the Ming scholars changed from positive and aggressive to angry and sad.In academic trend of thought,both classics and literature trend of thought show diversified characteristics.Secondly,Lin Xiyuan’s study of Confucian Classics.Influenced by the historical and geographical environment,Lin Xiyuan’s thoughts on Confucian classics is far from Zhu Xi and close to Cai Qing.His achievements in Confucian classics are mainly reflected in the fields of Yi and the Four Books.On the concept and practice of Yi-ology,mainly through the use of predecessors ’ biography to understand the classical theory,and then achieve the purpose of practical.On the other hand,the study of the Four Books shows its own characteristics in the interpretation of the classics: annotating the four Books by means of reasoning,at the same time,it can arouse doubts in the commentaries,and express its own opinions in the debate;He does not bound by one family’s thought,and can compromise several viewpoints.When annotating,he added the criticism of Yangming’s psychology,with a clear position.Thirdly,Research on Lin Xiyuan’s poetry creation.Lin Xiyuan’s poetry style is influenced by genres,showing a wide range of characteristics: to worry about the current politics as the main play of Shuwen,delicate and clear,slips,prefaces,sacrifices,etc.,involving the theory of friendship,integrity;poems of pouring blocks in the chest,the heroic quality.Fourthly,The integration of Lin Xiyuan’s classics and literature.It is mainly manifested in a large number of quotations from classics in literary works.Lin Xiyuan’s literary view of “ conveying Tao by writing ” and “ valuing the application of literature ”and his personality of pursuing “ three immortals ” are all deeply marked by Confucian classics.