Mr. Lin Yutang searched out the story fragments of Su Dongpo's life from the vast classics, connected the small stories into one big story, and left us the book "The Biography of Su Dongpo" for us to see The great life of Su Dongpo.
The life of Su Dongpo described by Mr. Lin Yutang can be described as rough. He was a Jinshi when he was young, and was later relegated to Huangzhou because of Wang Anshi. During the Yuanyou period, he was promoted step by step due to the regency of the Queen Mother. Because the opposition came to power, he was demoted again and again until he was banished to Danzhou, Hainan. He was so poor that the Queen Mother became regent again. She used her unique insight to discover Su Dongpo's talent. During the Huizong period, he was promoted to Changzhou. Because he was already old, Died on the way.
Mr. Yu Qiuyu spoke highly of Mr. Dongpo in "Chinese Culture", saying that Su Dongpo's "literary talent has been valued for thousands of years. He was the chief cultural figure of the Song Dynasty and raised the culture of the Song Dynasty to several levels." Therefore, Su Dongpo can be said to be the backbone of national culture. His spiritual legacy has had a huge and far-reaching impact on general social life, especially on the personality shaping of later generations of intellectuals. It is the flesh and blood of national culture.
As Mr. Zhu Yong wrote in "Looking for Su Dongpo in the Forbidden City", "Almost every Chinese will encounter Su Dongpo in different situations." Su Shi is indeed the kind of thinker who is deeply loved by people. Even during his lifetime, his name has been followed by many beautiful legends. For thousands of years, just such legends have reflected the cultural history in people's hearts. . If every Chinese person seriously examines his own spiritual world, he will find that many very fundamental things come directly or indirectly from Su Shi. Of course, these refer not only to literary concepts, but mainly to worldviews and worldviews. In terms of his outlook on life, it is not an exaggeration to call him the "engineer of the soul" of the Chinese people. In this regard, few in history can compare. Therefore, the enlightenment of Su Dongpo's thoughts on the spiritual life of the Chinese people is not inferior to that of Meng Ke and Zhuang Zhou, but may be far superior to such philosophical giants as Cheng Yi, Zhu Xi, and Wang Yangming. His actual influence on the history of Chinese thought is secondary to the writings of later generations, and more importantly, to the minds of literati. There is an image of Su Dongpo in the minds of Chinese intellectuals after the Song Dynasty. This is the accumulation of history in the national cultural psychology and the history in people's hearts.
So, here comes the question, why has no one told the story of such a soulful figure in a complete and wonderful way after the Song Dynasty? Why did it take until the 20th century for Lin Yutang to extract a complete Su Dongpo from the vast number of classics? I was relieved when I saw such a record in "Su Shi's Critical Biography" written by Wang Shuizhao and Zhu Gang. After the Yuan and Ming dynasties, there were many people who admired Su Shi's spiritual realm, but when it comes to moral life, very few people talk about Su Shi. A relatively authoritative work on the scholarship of the Song Dynasty is the "Song and Yuan Xue An". There are many schools of thought that are different from Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, and they are listed as "Xue An" one by one. However, Su's "Shu Xue An" is preferred. " and Wang Anshi's "New Learning" are also listed in the appendix, which should be regarded as heresy. "New learning" and "Shu learning" could at least be on par with Cheng's "Luo learning", but because the Southern Song Dynasty people blamed Wang Anshi for the demise of the Northern Song Dynasty, they denounced the "new learning" and only used Zhu Xi's respect for Cheng to demote Su. Therefore, the denial of "Sichuan Studies" is undoubtedly out of prejudice.
Next, I will show you how the soul engineer is born.
1. The era created the soul engineer
To understand Su Dongpo, you must understand the history of the Song Dynasty, because this is an era that produced cultural giants. The era created Su Dongpo and created Soul Engineer. In the history of Chinese classical culture, the Tang and Song Dynasties were an important watershed. In terms of politics, the Song Dynasty improved, improved, and replaced the clan system and the imperial examination system that were prevalent in the Tang Dynasty; in terms of literature and art, our so-called "Chinese painting" dates from the Song Dynasty, and popular literature began to fully flourish in the Song Dynasty. Even in terms of elegant literature, it goes without saying that the lyrics are "Song poetry". The exchange of dominance between parallel prose and ancient prose was also completed from the middle Tang Dynasty to the Northern Song Dynasty. Poetry has the famous "Differentiation between Tang and Song Poems" and "Zong Tang" The debate with "Chong Song" continues to this day and will not cease in the future. Japanese scholar Naito Honandan once said: "The Tang Dynasty was the end of the Middle Ages, and the Song Dynasty was the beginning of the modern era." Fang Xiaoru of the Ming Dynasty even wrote a poem: "In the early Song Dynasty, articles were paired with two weeks, and in the prosperous Tang Dynasty, there were no couples.
"It is believed that the culture of the Song Dynasty can be compared with the Zhou Dynasty. The maturity of the political system, the development of the economy, the prosperity of Taoism and the prosperity of literature and art in the Song Dynasty are certain inevitabilities of historical development, thus consciously summoning the Confucian restoration movement and the classical prose movement, especially in the The court's ingenious plan of "releasing military power over a glass of wine" lifted the military power of military attachés, improved the imperial examination system, and established the ancestral motto of "not to kill scholar-officials and those who write letters to express their opinions". It also encouraged scholars to participate in political activities and strengthened the culture of "respecting literature" . In such an era of flourishing philosophy and literature, an era of prevailing democratic politics, and an era of promoting rational spirit, cultural giants like Su Shi were awakened in this way.
2. The political personality of the founding emperor
In terms of politics, Su Dongpo was exiled to Huangzhou because of Wang Anshi. During the Yuanyou period, he was promoted step by step due to the regency of the Queen Mother and became a Hanlin bachelor in the court. Later, because of the opposition, he was demoted again and again until he was demoted to Dan in Hainan. He was relegated to Changzhou and was extremely poor. The Queen Mother became regent again and used her unique insight to discover Su Dongpo's talent. During the reign of Huizong, he was promoted to Changzhou, but he died on the way because he was old. In his political career, we can see that. By the time Mr. Dongpo entered a new realm of his political thought in his later years, that is, judging the value of political life based on whether it failed the officials and the people, the value standard seemed to no longer be in the temple, but turned to the people; but as a scholar-official of that era, This kind of turn cannot be complete. He can seek spiritual support from the people and a basis for self-confidence. However, he will not regard the monarch and the people as opposites, but is more willing to treat them together. Just when he is trying his best to "help the people", He would think that this means "honoring the Lord" and "loyalty", and "benefiting the people" means "righteousness", and "loyalty and righteousness" are essentially one. But from his political experience in his life, he is still mainly as a Zhao. The ministers of the Song Dynasty came to establish their political personality. Su Shi regarded the "big festival of establishing a dynasty" as the politician of the day. Let us see that Su Shi neither conforms to the Xifeng New Party nor caters to Sima Guang. Therefore, our Mr. Dongpo, like many people throughout the ages, responds to the "noble" inspiration in his heart and is in harmony with Wang Anshi, who is the minister in power. , Sima Guang's dissent reflected Su Shi's "noble" political personality and his "solitary loyalty" and "the great rule of establishing a dynasty". Therefore, Mr. Dongpo, who is famous for his articles, is also praised for his "loyalty" side:
Huang Tingjian's "Postscript of Dongpo Ink": "The article is wonderful and the world is full of loyalty. "In "True Praise of Mr. Dongpo", it is accurately evaluated that "Dongpo is in the world, just like the rice in Taicang; as for the important festival and cannot be taken away, it is consistent with the heaven and the earth. "
Lu You's "Postscript to Dongpo": "The Duke will not let the misfortunes and blessings of his body change his worry about the country. After thousands of years, he will be angry and awe-inspiring, which is what loyal ministers and martyrs should do. ”
Therefore, Su Dongpo’s personality can be sublimated into a “big” character, “establishing a great festival” and embracing the world!
? ? 3. Be open-minded and romantic throughout your life
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In addition to the historical positioning and political character of the characters, Su Dongpo's life is like a legendary history of "life is like a journey against the odds, and I am also a traveler". He was open-minded and romantic all his life!
When it comes to Song poetry, we can't avoid Su Shi. The misty and misty Song Dynasty left today's people with more beautiful dreams, while people at that time experienced more of the trials of joys and sorrows of the great poet. In such an era, Su Dongpo used his twists and turns to brew a cup of open-minded wine. For sixty-six years, life was like a dream. The wine was filled with sorrow, and the dreams were intertwined, and the poems were flying, just to "sell the eternal sorrow with you." In that restless, turbulent, and brilliant era, he was full of talent and experienced ups and downs; he was in deep pain, and he experienced openness in the bumpy life; he was so talented that he composed gorgeous poetry. It can be said that he was suffering. The Song Dynasty, the beautiful Song Dynasty, failed him and fulfilled him at the same time. Even after thousands of years, he still shines in people's hearts.
The true Su Dongpo left a "hopeful person". "Long time, thousands of miles to reach the beauty of the beauty", the passionate Su Dongpo wrote "The great river goes eastward, the waves are swept away, and the romantic figures of the ages", the talented Su Dongpo thought from a distance, "Looking across the horizon, there are ridges and peaks, with different heights near and far", the infatuated Su Dongpo Su Dongpo lamented that "the ten years of life and death are uncertain, without thinking about it, it is unforgettable", but the true-hearted Su Dongpo sang the eternal saying "a spring night is worth a thousand gold, the flowers have fragrance and the moon has clouds".
Yes, as mentioned before, wherever there are Chinese people, Mr. Dongpo’s figure is everywhere, and his poetry is always present. Any time, whatever happens, whatever happens, whatever happens. Mr. Dongpo is by our side, just like yesterday. In addition to bringing us a leisurely state of mind, he also left the world with infinite longing.
In terms of prose achievements, Su Dongpo, his father Su Xun, his younger brother Su Che, Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan of the Tang Dynasty, and Ouyang Xiu, Wang Anshi, and Zeng Gong of the Song Dynasty are known as the "Eight Great Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties", and are together with Ouyang Xiu. Called "Osu". In terms of poetic attainments, he is known as "Su Huang" together with calligrapher and great poet Huang Tingjian. In terms of lyric writing style, he is called "Su Xin" together with Xin Qiji of the bold school. In terms of calligraphy level, he is also known as "Su Huang Mi Cai" together with Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu and Cai Xiang. In the art of painting, with Wen Tong as his teacher, he had profound attainments in ink and bamboo painting, and proposed the concept of "literati painting", which laid a theoretical foundation for the development of "literati painting" in later generations.
Mr. Dongpo was not only radiant in art, but also had an indissoluble bond with water throughout his life. He fought against floods, droughts, and cleared blockages. He fought against water and against heaven and earth. He presided over the West Lake management project, which benefited from the Qianqiu period and lasted forever: he built the first public hospital in Chinese history; he liked alchemy, brewing, good tea, food, landscapes, making friends, flowers and trees... He loved life All good.
The attitude of being out of the world, the spirit of joining the world. Su Dongpo, the awakened sentient being. It is precisely because of this open-mindedness that he exudes youth and immortality from beginning to end, and is praised by generations of literati.
Lin Yutang once said: "Li Bai, a shooting star in the literary world, burned and disappeared on his own after a spectacular flash of glory, just like Shelley and Byron. Du Fu is exactly like Milton. , was both a pious philosopher and a kind-hearted elder. He was knowledgeable and skilled in writing. He wrote with rich emotions in his simple pen and ink. "
This is the literati in history. The Su Dongpo who is full of praise is the Su Dongpo who has been revered by politicians of all dynasties, the heroic Su Dongpo, the talented Su Dongpo, and the true-tempered Su Dongpo!
? ? 4. Postscript: When Li Qingzhao met Su Dongpo
On the weekends, I accompanied my children in self-study and homework in the library, while coding and writing my thoughts on "The Biography of Su Dongpo". When I checked the information I read a book "When Li Qingzhao Met Su Dongpo". Of course, in history, Su Dongpo and Li Qingzhao still "lived" for some years. After all, when Su Dongpo died in July 1101, Li Qingzhao was already 17 years old. Heron", also "you know, you know, it should be green, fat, red and thin." The following is the general preface of the book:
When appreciating Song poetry, you can see countless figures, some are chic, some are bleak, some are indulgent, some are haggard. In any case, you can't miss Li Qingzhao who is thinner than a yellow flower, nor can you miss Su Dongpo who looks at the wind and clouds with a smile.
In Li Qingzhao's writing, there is no way to eliminate this feeling, so he frowns but takes it to heart. In Su Dongpo's writings, the great river flows eastwards, its waves are exhausted, and the romantic figures become famous throughout the ages.
In terms of elegance, no one can match Li Qingzhao; in terms of boldness, no one can match Su Dongpo. Li Qingzhao is delicate, sentimental, gentle and lonely; Su Dongpo is majestic, bold and broad-minded.
One is a miserable little girl, and the other is a great writer who lives his whole life in the misty rain. They live different lives and embody different life temperaments. But they all used their rich brushstrokes to describe the pure beauty of the world and life in the wandering world.
There are inherent shortcomings in life, but when written with a bit of alcoholism, these shortcomings will appear graceful. Whenever Li Qingzhao mentioned Su Dongpo, he always called him "Su Gong" or "Po Weng". Obviously, she admired Su Dongpo's character and magnanimity very much. It's a pity that Su Dongpo didn't know that after him, there was a woman named Li Qingzhao, who was as talented as the man, and with a pianist's heart, she sketched out the joys and sorrows in detail.
Li Qingzhao's elegance is vaguely bold. She once wrote in her poem: "The wind of ninety thousand miles is rising, the wind stops, and the lotus boat blows to the three mountains."; Su Dongpo's heroism There is also elegance in it, and he also has such words: "Spring scenery is divided into three parts, two parts are dust, and one part is running water. Looking closely, it is not the poplar dots but the tears of separation."
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The words are like this, and so is life. Although Li Qingzhao is sentimental, he is soft yet strong, and can occasionally be majestic. Although Su Dongpo is heroic, he is not lacking in tenderness, and sometimes he is sad. Graceful And boldness, lamentation and calmness are not incompatible, just like the alternation of the sun and the moon, just like the reincarnation of spring and autumn.
They were both deeply affectionate people in the past, and they were alone in the future. It is recorded in the pen. However, for Li Qingzhao, it was a drizzle on the phoenix tree at dusk, and he was incomprehensible; for Su Dongpo, it was a bright moonlit night, and he was heartbroken.
In fact, their lives are not satisfactory in the world. There are not many wishful things. The moon waxes and wanes, and the tides rise and fall. The so-called wishful thinking is just cutting up sadness and helplessness to piece together incomplete joy. > Li Qingzhao once gambled on books and spilled tea, and her life was as beautiful as poetry. However, later, Zhao Mingcheng died of illness, and she had to spend the rest of her life in the cold months; Su Dongpo could be said to be a young man who was ambitious, and became famous all over the world, but he could not escape the ups and downs of officialdom. , trudging through the turmoil of politics, despite this, they all lived out the attitude that life should have. In the end, they may not even need to drink, they just need a cup of tea to soak in silence and peace. .
To love this world, you must love its prosperity and beauty, but also its desolation and wind and rain. It should be noted that peace of mind is the destination, whether it is graceful or bold. , they will eventually fall into silence. After a thousand years of dreaming, they will still be the same as before.