The Concept of "Tianji" in Ancient Chinese Literary Criticism under the Perspective of Phenomenology
Abstract
This paper attempts to reflect the concept of "tianji (Heaven's secret)" from the perspective of phenomenology. It claims that "tianji" is an important concept in literary creation theory, and it maintains that the understanding of the concept should focus on the following five elements: 1) the accidental moment of spirituality in the aesthetic subject, 2) artistic vitality, 3) the intrinsic aesthetic formation, 4) the aesthetic intention within the aesthetic subject, and 5) the secret power of universe and nature. The paper claims that quite a few concepts in phenomenology can be used to illuminate our understanding of "tianji." The theory of intersubjectivity can cast light on our understanding of the essential relation of correspondence between mind and objects, and the highlighting of intentionality and intentional experiences in phenomenology may help us understand the consistency of aesthetic formation and the sense of life in aesthetic images in the concept of "tianji." The paper concludes that the affinities between the concept of "tianji" in Chinese theory of literary creation and Western phenomenology may further explain and expand the concept of "tianji."
First Page
167
Last Page
174
Recommended Citation
Zhang, Jing. 2013. "The Concept of "Tianji" in Ancient Chinese Literary Criticism under the Perspective of Phenomenology." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 33, (1): pp.167-174. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol33/iss1/16
