Being An Official And Living In Seclusion·Life And Death: Tao Yuanming's Knot In Heart

Referring to Tao Yuanming, people will think of a broad -minded person.But Tao Yuanming stepped into the official career five times in fact.It is uncertain.Therefore the official career is an entangled knot in his heart. At first Tao Yuanming had "If the heart is free,the world is broad" as the basis of being an official. But every time he became an official, he found he was in trouble. This method is high in theory, but it is very hard in practise. At last he knew that it was proper for he to live in selusion. But he didn't say which was better between them. Just as Guo Xiang thought from their character. Each person has different character. If joining in the official career as suitable for him ,he can do it. Otherwise he can live in selusion. It is perfect for a Saint, but it is unperfect for a common person. Then it results in different happy way: Saint as happiness of no pursuit and the common person's happiness of pursuit. Living in the country as a kind of perctise for Tao Yuanming and the country is wait for him. Although Tao thinks little of having and loss, he cares for life and death. This is another knot. It is also consistent with popular "loving life" in Wei and Jin periods. Tao is sentmental to the loss of life, he is filled with worry to death. He believes death is his last home. "The Figure, the Shadow. the Spirit" reprents his view especially the spirit shows his view of life and death"no happiness and no fear."...