[The author says]
Mr. Deng Guangming, an expert on Song history, believes: "The culture of the Song Dynasty, within the historical period of China's feudal society and up to the period of the eastward spread of Western learning during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, can be said to have reached its peak." An important historical period in the evolution of civilization, the Song Dynasty has always attracted wide attention.
The Song Yun culture, which is diverse and inclusive, skillful in craftsmanship, pursuit of excellence, and elegant and refined, is known as the historical peak of Chinese classical civilization with thousands of atmospheres.
Whether it is to explore the depths of the dense and profound ancient rhyme, or to create a new and far-reaching description of the contemporary picture scroll, to obtain the overall understanding of Song Yun culture is a beneficial thing for cultural construction.
The guide book "Song Yun Culture Brief Reading" written by the author for the "Song Yun Culture Handover Project" may provide some ideas for the interpretation and construction of Song Yun culture.
The connotation of rhyme
What is "Song Yun"?
Regarding "Song Yun", in the current research or words, some take the "meaning", "flavor" and "interest" of the word "yun", which is biased towards material feelings.
For example, burning incense, fighting tea, and arranging flowers, we can enjoy and taste the exquisite life of Song people from the perspective of life aesthetics.
Some take the meanings of "emotional", "qiyun" and "shenyun" from the word "yun", which is biased towards artistic feeling.
For example, poetry, painting and calligraphy, piano and chess, etc., sigh and experience the elegance of Song people's art and literature from the artistic aesthetic level.
It can be seen from this that life and art are integral parts of Song Yun culture.
The life aesthetics and artistic elegance of Song people indeed endow Song Yun with a unique temperament.
However, if you need to understand the spiritual characteristics of an era and systematically refine its excellent cultural elements, you should have a more comprehensive and profound understanding of Song Yun culture.
Neither can it be limited to a narrow literal understanding of the word "rhyme", nor can it be identified and indiscriminately equated with the culture of the Song Dynasty, which is all-encompassing, good and bad coexist.
To understand Song Yun culture, we need to adhere to the attitude of seeking truth from facts, rational and objective understanding, in order to see the essence through the phenomenon, accurately grasp the historical "chassis" of an era, and improve the tone and quality of Song Yun culture.
For example, regarding the Song Dynasty elegant rhyme, there are articles based on the record in "Menglianglu" that "burning incense and ordering tea, hanging pictures and arranging flowers, four kinds of nostalgia, not tired of the family" as evidence, regard incense, tea, painting, and flowers as Song people The essence of life is greatly appreciated.
However, looking at the incense affairs of the two Song Dynasties, in addition to "elegance", there are also various disadvantages. For example, the circulation of spices does not generate value. The imperial court implemented the purchase and prohibition of spices to raise the price of domestic spices and reap their own benefits. It is a disguised plunder of national wealth; the extravagant consumption of spices stimulates the economy, but the extravagance of life destroys the healthy development of the economy; the wealth earned from exporting silk and porcelain is used to buy spices as luxury goods in large quantities, which is false to a certain extent. consume national power.
For another example, regarding the literary spirit of the Song Dynasty, some articles believe that the basic national policy of the Song court of "honoring the literary and suppressing the martial arts" and the civil service system of "sharing the world with the scholar-officials" made the literati of the Song Dynasty highly treated, and the two Song Dynasties became the "best literati" of the literati because of this. era".
The two Songs did indeed have the "rule of Jiayou" in the Renzong period of the Northern Song Dynasty, and cultural celebrities such as Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zeng Gong, Cheng Hao, and Zhang Zai emerged. Lv Zuqian, Chen Liang, Ye Shi and other academic famous groups.
However, in the Song Dynasty, there were also severe literary bans, such as the Wutai Poetry Case, the Yuanyou Party Case, the Yuanyou School Ban, and the Qingyuan Party Ban. Low morale.
It can be seen from this that only by comprehensive understanding, objective analysis, rational evaluation, discarding the dross and taking the essence, can we get a glimpse of the whole picture of "Song Yun".
The Song Yun culture as understood by the author refers to the excellent civilization elements, inner spirit and cultural values that have been passed down to the present in the two Song cultures, which are reflected in many aspects of the social life of the two Song Dynasties.
For example, the charm of material interest in the field of daily life, the charm of ingenuity in the field of production technology, the charm of order in the field of social operation, the charm of wisdom in the field of discovery and invention, the charm of speculation in the field of academic thought, the charm of aesthetics in the field of literature and art And so on, presented as sophisticated economic production, unparalleled era of science and technology peak, open and inclusive social style, profound academic schools, rational and restrained literary spirit, simple and elegant artistic aesthetics, deep and magnificent family and country feelings, exploration of seclusion Suowei's philosophy of life and other forms.
They are not only the overall rhythm from an era in the process of Chinese civilization, but also the concrete manifestation of the super-classical and elegant classical tradition. They have long and far-reaching roots, a huge geographical network, and a logical historical logic. They are culturally created value and historical progress. The significance of civilization achievements , converge into a unique charm, echoing historical time and space.
In addition to a comprehensive, objective, and rational view of "Song Yun", it should be noted that the formation of an era's scene is also inextricably linked to its social matrix.
Even the poems, calligraphy and paintings of the Song Dynasty, which are regarded as the most "elegant" features, are not independent from the society.
In its plots, stories, lines, colors and other art forms, it contains profound care of the times, profound social thinking and profound ideological crystallization. Appear heavy.
Poets and lyricists such as Lu You, Xin Qiji, and Wen Tianxiang focus on the hatred of the country and the family.
The literature and art of the Song and Song Dynasties not only have the leisure and elegance of the literati, but also have a broad life world and life.
Taking paintings in the Southern Song Dynasty as an example, many painters have created works that reflect the life of the common people, such as farming and weaving, cattle herding, merchants, and infant play.
It is difficult to replace the serious and serious historical sighs and the profound and broad humanistic care with the chanting of the small love and the low-key, and only regard the romantic love as a one-sided cognition of Song Yun culture, which not only gives people the feeling of "not knowing the hatred of the country's subjugation", but also disrespects the objective history. .
The spirit of rhyme
Among the various charms of Song Yun culture, the spiritual pedigree that reflects its inherent characteristics is the most fundamental core of Song Yun.
The author believes that "Song Yun" really has the following spirit.
The national spirit with the consciousness of the Chinese nation as the core.
Throughout the various periods of Chinese history, the recognition of "One China" has always been in the same strain.
Although there were political and military confrontations between the Song and Song Dynasties, the inter-ethnic exchanges lasted for a long time and the degree of integration was deep. The connotation of the multi-integration pattern laid the foundation for the final maturity of the unified multi-ethnic state in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and also spread the influence of Chinese civilization, such as ideas, systems, culture and education, etiquette, and classics, to neighboring regions such as East Asia.
Song Yun culture is inseparable from the frequent contact between the two Song Dynasties and minority regimes, largely due to the historical difficulties it faced and the new ideas, new spaces and new efforts inspired to deal with the difficulties.
A patriotic spirit full of family and country feelings and traditional virtues.
Patriotism is the great banner that unites the Chinese nation.
Historically, in the face of the threat of external force, the society and people of the Song and Song Dynasties showed a patriotic spirit of defending sovereignty and maintaining unity.
Patriotism is also largely manifested in the sense of responsibility of worrying about the country, the people, and internal affairs. For example, literati constantly put forward the idea of reforming internal affairs, punishing corrupt officials, rewarding agricultural and mulberry industries, and managing local chaos.
Patriotism is also the embodiment of the traditional virtues and personal qualities of Chinese sons and daughters, showing care and loyalty to the country, compassion and sympathy for the living conditions of the people, and the awe-inspiring integrity of taking responsibility for morality and ideals and daring to sacrifice.
Rooted in the spirit of openness in overseas trade and foreign exchanges.
The history of the two Song Dynasties gaining economic benefits through overseas trade is also a process in which foreign exchanges nurtured the spirit of openness and played a huge role in promoting history.
Externally, the Song Dynasty entered the world economic stage, integrated into the world trade system and played an important role, forming an open market that closely linked domestic and foreign markets, and began to transform from a landlocked country to a land-based country.
While expanding to the outside world, the internal environment has undergone changes, the merchant class and the handicraft industry group have continued to grow, the urban space and the citizen class have risen, ideas have been liberated, the identity background has been relatively weakened, and a large number of civilian and secular elements have emerged. The value of "people" has been paid attention to, the civic culture has flourished, and the spirit of openness has become commonplace.
The creative spirit nurtured in a diverse and inclusive social environment.
The special circumstances of the Song and Song Dynasties brought huge development difficulties and inspired creativity that was different from the norm.
Since the establishment of the Northern Song Dynasty, it has implemented the "Yanwu Xiuwen" cultural policy policy, and faced with many internal and external aggression, it has adopted "a policy of cultural compatibility and inclusiveness, which is entirely passively implemented by objective environmental relations" (Deng Guangming, "The Commentary on the Cultural History of the Northern Song Dynasty". Preface").
Compared with other historical periods, the emperors of the Song Dynasty generally treated literati well, and the policy environment and social atmosphere were relatively relaxed and tolerant. Together with economic development, the dissemination of books, and the importance of the imperial examination, they played a role in protecting and promoting ideological emancipation and cultural innovation. Its role has gained rich fertile soil of the times.
Dare to explore, seek knowledge and truth-seeking scientific spirit.
Scientific spirit and scientific and technological achievements are an important driving force for the progress of civilization.
Throughout the evolution of the world's major civilizations, especially at key nodes, advanced technological productivity is the dazzling light of civilization.
The cultural subsidence and the popularization of education in the Song Dynasty formed a knowledge-based social atmosphere of research and exploration and a scientific spirit of seeking knowledge and truth, and made remarkable achievements in science and technology.
The three major inventions of gunpowder, compass, and printing have world influence, and basic sciences such as astronomy, calendar, and mathematics have made remarkable achievements. Applied technologies such as agricultural technology, metallurgical technology, silk porcelain technology, navigation technology, and medicine promote social development, and military confrontation between the two Song Dynasties Intense weapon manufacturing also strives for excellence.
The humanistic spirit of deeply cherishing social concerns and fulfilling social responsibilities.
The scholars of the two Song Dynasties broke through the confines of narrow academics, adhered to the Confucian concept of cultivating Qi and pacifying, deeply cherished a sense of urgency, cared about the future of the country, did not shy away from authority, must seek innovation in their studies, and were determined to "build life for the people" and "open peace for all generations."
They pay attention to the secularization and life of Confucianism, and actively participate in social construction such as moral cultivation, public education, grassroots governance, social welfare, and communication rules.
The value of rhyme
The purpose of studying Song Yun culture is to provide historical perspective and enlightenment for cultural construction in the new era.
The author believes that the transformation and dissemination of the thousand-year-old Song Yun is still valuable today.
During the five thousand years of Chinese civilization, all ethnic groups jointly developed the splendid rivers and mountains of the motherland, and jointly created a long Chinese history and a splendid Chinese culture.
Song, Liao, Xia, Jin, enriched and deepened the connotation of the pluralistic unity pattern.
Inheriting Song Yun culture today is conducive to strengthening Chinese cultural identity, maintaining national unity and national unity, and promoting the spirit of patriotism.
During the Song and Song Dynasties, following the cosmopolitan spirit of Han and Tang Dynasties, supporting the spontaneous and smooth flow of foreign exchanges with rational cognition of economic development, relying on overseas trade to build an opening-up network, integrating into the outside world, absorbing the excellent elements of other civilizations, and promoting national, national, social, The development of civilization has achieved a prosperous and progressive pattern of Chinese culture.
Continuing this spirit is conducive to fostering a diverse, inclusive, open and enterprising cultural mentality and world vision.
Technological innovation represented by gunpowder, compass, and printing was an important force in promoting the social development of the Song Dynasty, and it was also a remarkable and proud civilization achievement of the Song Dynasty.
Science and technology are the primary productive forces, the strength of science and technology determines the changes in the balance of political and economic forces in the world, and technological innovation is the strategic support for improving social productivity and comprehensive national strength, and determines the future and destiny of a country and a nation.
Carrying forward the spirit of scientific and technological innovation will help us to respect professional knowledge and establish the confidence and courage to climb scientific peaks.
Confucianism in the Song Dynasty, or Song Dynasty, made important contributions to the ideological shaping, social development and cultural innovation of the two Song Dynasties.
American scholar William Theodore de Bary, commenting on Song Dynasty Confucianism, considered it "disdainful of ancient forms of Confucianism—that is, the kind of classical studies whose main character is linguistic and historical; encyclopedic erudition, that is, inclusive without any criterion of evaluation; disdain for articles that do not convey any moral purpose or message", is "solid", "true" or "practical" learning.
Judging from the trend of the times, scholars in the Song Dynasty paid attention to the social function of academics and actively participated in social transformation.
Inheriting this spirit will help motivate humanities scholars to participate in social construction and promote ideological and cultural innovation.
The special circumstances of the Song and Song Dynasties brought huge development difficulties and inspired creativity that was different from the norm.
For example, the dissolution of aristocratic clans and the prevention and suppression of armed forces gave rise to the emphasis on the literati class; the situation of internal and external difficulties gave birth to loose cultural policies; drawing lessons from the insufficient financial mobilization ability of the state and county systems in the Tang Dynasty gave birth to the establishment of transfer departments, etc. The institutional innovation of the bureaucratic organization; the land siege of the northern minority regime gave birth to the southern sea transportation, maritime trade and the development of the southwest region.
It can be seen that the objective environment is not the decisive factor for development.
Inheriting this spirit of hard work and progress is conducive to stimulating the consciousness and action of creating and advancing with the times.
Hangzhou, the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, was enveloped by the word "emperor", and life and fashion became extraordinary.
Even today, the legacy of the Southern Song Dynasty can still be felt in the life of Zhejiang.
Zhejiang people have the responsibility and obligation to creatively transform and innovatively develop Song Yun culture.
We deeply expect that both Song Yun culture and all kinds of contemporary cultural constructions that use excellent traditional culture as resources will be able to use a higher historical position, a longer observation horizon, a broader ideological pattern, and a more profound perspective. Rational pursuit, more open cultural tolerance, comprehensive, objective and accurate extraction of the characteristics, spirit and value of historical resources, so that the cultural rhythm that has passed through time, integrates the creative vitality of today's culture, and obtains eternal cultural life.
(Author: Chen Ye, Vice President and Researcher of Zhejiang Academy of Social Sciences)