On the character of"sincerity"in Zhou Dunyi's poetry and prose
"Sincerity"is an important category in Chinese aesthetic practice and aesthetic ideals.Since the Song Dynasty,Zhou Dunyi integrated Confucianism,Taoism,and Buddhism,completing the ontological theoretical construction of the concept of"sincerity".Zhou Dunyi used the concept of"sincerity"to connect heaven and man,not only establishing both the"heavenly pole"of"sincerity"on the ontology of the universe and the"human pole"of"sincerity"on the ontology of the mind,but also inventing the path of"sincerity",hence laying the foundation for the thousand-year-old Confucianism to"pierce through darkness".He reflected the light of"sincerity"in the universe,society,and life,conveying the spiritual essence of"goodness","clarity","happiness",and"clumsiness"via poetry and prose,confirming the noble and upward character of"broad-mindedness"and"light breeze and clear moon".The implementation of"sincerity"in literature and the proposal of"writing to convey the Dao"showcase the artistic style of"being graceful,gentle,and peaceful"of poetry and prose,and witness the new transformation of the passionate energy of Tang poetry towards the"rational interest"and"elegant style"of Song literature.Zhou Dunyi's ideology of"sincerity"has enlightening significance for the cultivation of a beautiful personality and the construction of an ideal society of peace and harmony.
Zhou Dunyi"sincerity""writing to convey the Dao"being graceful,gentle,and peaceful