Unit ThreeWisdom and

Insight

Chinese and Japanese Literature(1000 B.C. to 1890 A.D.

world’s oldest surviving civilization (approx.

3,500 years) Began in Yellow River Basin (Northern China) By 1600 B.C .- developed complex economic

and social system~ Shang Dynasty developed by elite group of kings (Northern China)

ChinaHistorical Background

believed heaven granted rulers right to rule subjects must live in complete obedience in

exchange for good government people had the right to rebel

ChinaHistorical Background

Chou Dynasty (1122-256/255 B.C.) Central Asian people overthrew Shang Dynasty advances in philosophy (Taoism and Confucianism), despite

political turmoil

ChinaHistorical Background

Confucianism Taoism Buddhism

• official state doctrine for over 2,000 years

• founded by Confucius (551-479 B.C.)

• focus on morality• Stresses obedience

to authority figures

• founded by Lao Tzu

• focus on human connection to nature

• humans are seen as equals to all creation

• Stresses simplistic lifestyle

• originated in India• proliferated China

in the 2nd Century• teaches earth

filled with suffering and characterized by illusion

Ch’in Dynasty (221-206 B.C.)• short lived (15 years)• built a system of roads• Great Wall of China (4,500 miles)

Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.)• established trade with Europe and western Asia• introduction of Buddhism

T’ang Dynasty (618-907)• Golden Age of China• rulers created empire that stretched from Pacific Ocean to

borders of Persia and India- world’s most effective system of government

• invention of gun powder and block printing

ChinaHistorical Background

Sung Dynasty (960-1279)• Neo-Confucianism- reaction against Buddhist influence;

blending of morality and meditation to achieve enlightenment

Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368)• overrun by Mongol invaders• dynasty established by Genghis Khan• first foreign rule of China• flourishing trade

~Exp. ) visit from Venetian Marco Polo

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)• avoided foreign influence, due to the former invasion of

Mongols

ChinaHistorical Background

Ch’ing Dynasty (1644-1911/1912)• 2nd foreign dynasty- Manchurian• unrest toppled dynasty and imperial rule

ChinaHistorical Background

little known about original settlers farming through irrigation by 200 B.C. immigration from Korea and other Asian

countries divided into tribal organizations called uji or

clan ~aristocrats ~warriors ~spiritual leaders

Japan Historical Background

Yamato Clan and Chinese Influence 4th Century- Yamato Clan most powerful in

Japan Brought Chinese beliefs to Japan (Buddhism;

Confucianism) Chinese influence also found in architecture,

art, clothing, and language, and political structure (central imperial rule)

Japan Historical Background

The Heian Age 794- new imperial capital built in Heian (now

Kyoto) courtiers- a refined life; devoted to ceremonies

and festivals emperor’s power began to diminish; political

rule fell into hands of powerful aristocrat family- Fujiwara

large aristocratic families set up estates on outskirts in hopes to challenge Fujiwara family

Japan Historical Background

Feudal Japan warrior nobility like Western Europe Samurai or Daimyo- lords/highest class Minamoto Yoritomo became powerful shogun,

chief general trouble unifying Japan led to centuries of

feudal warfare

Japan Historical Background

Japan Shuts Out the World 1600’s- Tokugawa shoguns created a peaceful

society with a central government new capital built in Edo (Tokyo) Tokugawa felt threatened by European traders 1639-closed Japan to world

Japan Historical Background

Perry Opens the Door 1853- United States fleet lead by Perry arrived

in Edo to end Japanese isolation 14 years later, Tokugawa shogunate ended new emperor called reign Meiji (enlightened

rule) Japanese began to study western ways Japan became a modern industrial nation by

1900

Japan Historical Background

Japanese Religious Traditions

Japan Historical Background

Shintoism Buddhism

• nature worship• believed the elements

of nature to be inhabited by spirits called kami

• emphasized life’s impermanence, to overcome the sorrows of earthly existence

• Zen- a form of Buddhism which emphasized attainment of tranquility through mental and physical discipline

• rituals, tea ceremony, samurai

Philosophy Along with poetry, most popular genre The Analects –Confucius Tao Te Ching- Lao Tzu

Chinese Literature

Poetry The Book of Songs- oldest collection of

Chinese literature Forms: shih; tz’u Poets: T’ao Ch’ien; Li Po; Tu Fu T’ang’era- golden age of Chinese poetry

Chinese Literature

Drama and Fiction regarded to be inferior to poetry Yuan dynasty- golden age of Chinese drama Plays: The Romance of the Western Chamber;

Injustices Suffered by Tou-o Novel: Dream of the Red Chamber

Chinese Literature

Poetry Man’yoshu (“Collection of Ten Thousand

Leaves”)- first anthology of Japanese poetry contains more than 1,000 poems Haiku- Matsua Basho, Yosa Buson, Koayashi

Japanese Literature