The Application of Book of Changes in Tao Yuanming's Poetry
Tao Yuanming's use of Book of Changes in his poetry extends beyond the aspects that previous scholars have noted,such as his incorporation of Book of Changes philosophy,hexagram names,hexagram and line statements,and Book of Changes commentaries.A closer examination reveals that Tao Yuanming also employs certain ways of thinking related to Book of Changes hexagram meaning and the interplay between"hexagram manifestations"and"manifestations of hexagram meanings."Analyzing these applications from a poetics perspective shows that Tao Yuanming was not only deeply influenced by the philosophical concept of"grasping the essence and forgetting the form"of that time but also by the traditional poetic theory of"poetry expresses the will".Additionally,there may be an application of the"object-number changes"in Tao Yuanming's poem Stopping Clouds.When considered alongside Tao Yuanming's other uses of Book of Changes,this demonstrates in general his"broad and inclusive approach to learning",and embodies the top achievements of his era.
Tao YuanmingTao Yuanming's PoetryBook of ChangesQuitting DrinkingStopping Clouds