Comparing Philosophies Of Hanshan, Tao Qian And Du Fu

The Chinese poets Hanshan, Tao Qian and Du Fu, maintained different philosophies of life heavily influenced by their respective religions. Collectively their poems showed the struggle between what is and what should be. Their prescribed ways of life answer questions about the human condition and this is presented in their works of poetry, which offer insight on how to live your life. Legendary Buddhist monk Hanshan, encourages readers to look within oneself and venture into the Cold Mountain or the landscape of the mind to reach perpetual enlightenment. Tao Qian in genuine Taoist fashion, recommends acceptance and awakening or returning to one’s true nature. Du Fu favors the Confucian tradition which endorses making relationships and
He stresses the need to return to your roots and true nature while keeping in mind mortality. In one of his most acclaimed works, “The Peach Blossom Spring,” Tao Qian specifically chooses the humble fisherman as the main character for he is more in tune with nature than the average person. In his philosophy of life, emulating nature is essential to achieving harmony, and therefore coexistence. Tao Qian chooses blossoming peach trees as the guiding path to his utopia because peaches are a Taoist symbol of awakening and as peach blossoms, they are meant to signify an awakening that hasn’t yet ripened or been reached, much like when Hanshan replies to those who ask him where Cold Mountain is located, that if they were there they would understand him. Once the fisherman finds the exiles living in a state of harmonious coexistence, he realizes that fulfillment and contentment within the utopia is simply a state of mind. It is not by Du Fu’s philosophy- the existence of the government, that these people are living content and peaceful lives. In fact Hanshan is taking a step forward and stating that there is virtually no need for excessive government, because it is bound to become tyrannical, only acceptance and returning to one’s true nature will bring harmony. Moved by their hospitality and generosity, the fisherman praises their simple but satisfying way of life. He then leaves to tell the magistrate of his findings and in return loses his chance at ever finding the utopia again. In Tao Qian’s poem, “The Return,” he extensively explores acceptance and return to one’s nature, nearly identical to Hanshan’s urge for self-examination. Disgusted by the perversion of going against one’s nature in order to satisfy corporal needs, Tao Qian refuses to stay in office and gives up the ideal Confucian lifestyle, and Du Fu’s philosophy of life. The