Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
quintessence, Tian, classical Chinese literature, Zhou dynasty
College
Humanities
Department
Asian and Near Eastern Languages
Abstract
Tian, commonly translated as Heaven, was the core of religious and political ideology during the beginning of the Zhou dynasty.i The Zhou dynasty (1027- 221 BC) was a period started and shaped by a belief in Tian, Tianming (the right to rule bestowed by Heaven), and the Tianzi (the emperor – or son of Heaven). But just what, or who, was Tian to the Chinese during the Zhou dynasty? During this study I examined five modern and five ancient scholars’ views concerning Tian. I utilized Classical Chinese texts and numerous translations, with a special focus on the Book of Poetry. The Book of Poetry is an assortment of texts written prior to Confucius by multiple authors, containing well over one hundred uses of the word Tian. My initial goal was to come to a better understanding of how Tian was conceived during the Zhou dynasty. Because Tian served a central role in Chinese politics, religion, etc., understanding how the Chinese people perceived Tian anciently will provide insights into further study of Chinese civilization.
Recommended Citation
Torgerson, Richard and Honey, Dr. David
(2014)
"The Quintessence of Tian in Classical Chinese Literature,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 557.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/557