An Analysis and Discussion of Liu Zong-Yuan’s “Story of He-Jian”: Also on Liu’s Reflections and Writings on Human Desires
Resource
臺大中文學報, 49, 129-178
Journal
臺大中文學報
Journal Issue
49
Pages
129-178
Date Issued
2015-06
Date
2015-06
Author(s)
Abstract
Both Liu Zong-Yuan and Han Yu promote ancient-style prose and advocate that literature is to clarify the Dao, but in the “Story of He-Jian,” Liu breaks the taboo against writing about a licentious woman in a daring and audacious style. This is why Liu has long been denounced and it has long been doubted that the work is a fake. This paper examines the full text, investigates the story’s background and meaning, and finds that Liu’s intention is to force readers to face human desires directly and to know the importance of self-examination and self-restraint. Out of the same purpose, he writes the “Story of Li Chi,” the “Story of Fu-Ban,” etc. Rather than give lessons calmly, he chooses to describe scandalous behaviors in detail. This kind of writing style seems vulgar and obscene, but it actually helps to cultivate one’s moral character and clarify the Dao. Some scholars of modern times say that Han Yu pays more attention to mind than Liu Zong-yuan, but this paper reveals that Liu also thinks highly of cultivating oneself through meditation.
Subjects
河間傳、淫穢、人欲、道、心(“Story of He-Jian,” obscene, human desires, the Dao(Confucian philosophical and moral principles), mind）
Type
journal article
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