Zongyuan left more than 600 poems in his life, and his achievements were greater than poems. There are nearly a hundred parallel prose, and ancient prose can be roughly divided into six categories. Including philosophy, political theory and other papers focused on discussion. Sharp pen, accurate argument. Tian Shuo is a masterpiece of philosophical papers, while feudalism and trial is a masterpiece of medium and long political papers.
There are simple materialistic elements in his philosophy. His political thought is mainly embodied in the progressive social historical view and Confucian people-oriented thought. But also influenced by Buddhism, especially when they are frustrated politically, they often seek spiritual liberation from Buddhism.
Characteristics of Liu Zongyuan's poems;
Liu Zongyuan's poems were among the few in the Tang Dynasty, but many of them were handed down from generation to generation. On the basis of his unique life experience, thoughts and feelings, he drew lessons from the artistic experience of his predecessors, exerted his creative talent, created a unique artistic style, and became an outstanding poet representing one school at that time. Su Shi commented: "It is expensive to dry the cream outside, which seems as light as beauty and as deep as thick."
Juxtapose Liu Zongyuan and Tao Yuanming. Liu Zongyuan's existing poems are mostly works after being relegated to Yongzhou, with a wide range of themes and diverse genres. His narrative poems are simple in writing and vivid in description, and his allegorical poems are vivid in image and profound in meaning. Lyrics are better at expressing their feelings euphemistically and profoundly with fresh and cool writing.
Reference to the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia-Liu Zongyuan